Verbal Communication 1 Lesson Objectives The Power of Language Symbols, Labels and Meaning Dynamic Nature of Symbols and Meaning Rules that Guide Communication Punctuation and Meaning

Verbal Communication 2 Symbols and Meaning Language (words) in the human world Features of Symbols Arbitrary No intrinsic connection; no natural relationship Commonly shared & used in a society; meaning changing over time Ambiguous No precise, clear-cut meanings; within a range of meaning but with degrees of uncertainty Specific to contexts, individual experience Abstract Not concrete or tangible Various abstractness (degrees away from external, objective phenomenon)

Verbal Communication 3 Symbols and Meaning Ladder of Abstraction (Korzybski & Hayakawa) Steps away from observed phenomenon See Figure 4.1 (page 85) Overgeneralization General language to describe groups of people Perceptions (recall) consistent with labels used Labels predispose selective perception

Verbal Communication 4 Principles of Using Symbols Interpretation creates meaning Active process of making sense of experience Process of constructing meaning Communication is guided by rules Rule learning through socialization Regulative rules: specify when, how, where… Constitutive rules: define meaning Punctuation affects meaning Mark a flow into meaning units Determine initiation, interaction, invitation, participation… Demand-withdraw pattern

Verbal Communication 5 Symbolic Abilities Symbols define phenomena Totalizing: one label represents a person totally; ignoring other aspects Totalizing: spotlighting an aspect; stereotyping: describing with group characteristics Symbols evaluate phenomena Symbols are loaded with ‘value’ Loaded language Symbols organize experiences Categories that we place people

Verbal Communication 6 Symbolic Abilities (2) Symbols allow hypothetical thinking Visions of the future Symbols allow self-reflection I : spontaneous, creative self Me: socially conscious self 佛洛依德︰ id 本我、 ego 自我、 superego 超我

Verbal Communication 7 Symbolic Abilities (3) Symbols define relationships & interaction Three dimensions of relationship-level meaning Responsiveness: question & statements (responses, feedback) Liking: When we say “I care about you.” Power: Establishing control

Verbal Communication 8 Guidelines for Verbal Comm. Strive for accuracy and clarity Be conscious of levels of abstraction Qualify language Avoid overgeneralization Avoid static evaluation: She ‘is’ selfish Index verbal symbols: time & circumstances marked Own your feelings and thoughts: claim feelings but not blame others for that You vs. I language (p. 101) (Note: Chinese cultural & syntax differences)