1. Chapter 7 Creating a Positive Communication Climate
Embracing Difference Fourth Edition
Dunn and Goodnight
Chapter 7
Creating a Positive Communication Climate
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2. What Is Defensive Communication?
A person’s reaction, either verbally or nonverbally, to a situation in which he or she feels personally threatened or uncomfortable.
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3. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Avoidance
Retreating from a problem in a relationship
We convince ourselves the problem will go away
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4. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Psychological Withdrawal
We are forced to be physically present, but mentally check out
As a result of feeling uncomfortable in a situation
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5. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Distancing
“Do not get close to me”
Described as being conceited, cold, and aloof
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6. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Reaction Formation
Behaving opposite to the way we really feel
Appearing confident when we’re really uncomfortable
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7. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Sarcasm
Using a biting sense of humor
Unlike humor, sarcasm is used to make others feel uncomfortable by putting them down
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8. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Outdoing Others
Feeling the need to constantly top the achievements of others
We define our self-worth in relation to others
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9. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Overly Critical Communication
Believe that by criticizing others their own self-esteem will be enhanced
Reflects their own critical style of communication
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10. Different Types of Defense Mechanisms
Formula Communication
Nonthreatening communication that involves little or no risk on the part of the communicator
People involved in the relationship are hesitant to share their feelings
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11. Coping With Defensiveness... Communication Climates
Supportive Climate
Encourages free and open dialogue
Defensive Climate
People hide their thoughts, feelings, and ideas as a means of self-protection
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12. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Evaluation vs. Description
Evaluative behavior is judgmental, and it attacks the individual rather than the person’s actions.
Descriptiveness is the ability to focus on observable behavior.
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13. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Control vs. Problem Orientation
Control is a means of forcing the other party to conform to our way of thinking. It suggests there is only one way to see a problem.
Problem orientation involves all parties to contribute to the problem and adjust behaviors collaboratively.
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14. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Strategy vs. Spontaneity
Strategy involves an effort to manipulate, creating a defensive climate.
Spontaneity refers to an open discussion of feelings, not a preplanned dialogue.
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15. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Neutrality vs. Empathy
Neutrality implies indifference, or a lack of caring towards another individual
Empathy is the ability to look at something from someone else’s perspective
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16. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Superiority vs. Equality
Superiority communicates an attitude that an individual is better, more important, or more valuable than someone else.
Equality treats everyone the same, allowing individuals to create more free and supportive dialogue.
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17. Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings
Certainty vs. Provisionalism
Certainty is when someone believes others cannot possibly contribute new knowledge to the situation.
Provisionalism is a willingness to explore new ideas.
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18. Stepping Back From Defensive Communication
If we find ourselves behaving defensively in response to a defensive climate –
Step back
Analyze the interaction
Choose a more productive course of action
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