Creating Communication Climates1 Focus Questions 1.How does communication shape interpersonal climates? 2.Can conflicts be good for relationships? 3.How can we assert ourselves and also respect others? 4.When is it appropriate to show grace toward others?

Creating Communication Climates2 Communication Climates 生活中的各種溝通氛圍 –Event: 慶生會、相親、買賣、調解、、、 –Location: KTV 包廂、洗手間、病房、圖書館、法庭、、、 –Timing: 考試前、事件第一時間、多年後、、、 –Relationship: 父母、另一半、上司、大眾、師生、、、 –Purpose: 說服、安慰、聯誼、談判、宣告、致歉、、、 –Channel: 見面、電話、 BBS 、視訊、信件、旗語、、、 Communication Climate –Emotional tone of a relationship between people who are interacting –Basic for all settings and forms of interaction

Creating Communication Climates3 Levels of Confirmation The essence of confirmation is valuing. Healthy Confirmation: –Valuing, Appreciation, Respect Three Levels of Confirmation –Recognition: Recognizing people ’ s existence –Acknowledgement: Knowing people ’ s feeling, statement –Endorsement: Accepting people ’ s feelings and thoughts –(see Figure 3.2 on page 77)

Creating Communication Climates4 Defensive vs. Supportive Climates Evaluation vs. Description –Defensiveness Certainty vs. Provisionalism –Absolute, dogmatic, ethnocentrism vs. alternatives Strategy vs. Spontaneity –Manipulative vs. open, honest Control vs. Problem Orientation –Dominant, imposing vs. focused on solution-finding Neutrality vs. Empathy –Indifference vs. understanding, respectful Superiority vs. Equality

Creating Communication Climates5 Conflict and Communication Conflict –Means ‘ difference ’, not necessarily unhealthy –A sign that people are involved with each other –Often with people what matter to us Overt vs. Covert –Straightforward vs. Indirect expression Well vs. Poorly Managed –How we perceive: Lose-Lose; Win-Lose; Win-Win (next slide) –How we respond: Active vs. Passive; Constructive vs. Destructive Can Be Positive (for individuals and relationships)

Creating Communication Climates6 Components of Conflict Process Conflicts of interest –Incompatible goals, interests, opinions Conflict orientation –Individuals ’ attitude toward conflict (next slide) Conflict responses –Overt behavioral responses Conflict outcomes –Resolution; Impact on relationships

Creating Communication Climates7 Views of Conflict Cultural Views: Some more accept conflicts, others tend to avoid. Circumstantial Views: Some worth engaging Lose-Lose: –Perception: Losses for everyone Win-Lose: –One wins at the expense of others Win-Win: –Everyone gains; A resolution all parties accept.

Creating Communication Climates8 Responses to Conflict Active vs. Passive Constructive vs. Destructive Active Passive ConstructiveDestructive Exit NeglectLoyalty Voice

Creating Communication Climates9 Guidelines for Creating Climates Accept and confirm others Affirm and assert yourself (Figure 3.4, p. 89) Respect diversity among people Time conflict effectively –When everyone is fully present and mindful –Be flexible when deal with differences in readiness –Bracketing (marking off peripheral issues) Show grace when appropriate