1. Communication Applications
Putting Communication to Work for You
Chapter 1

2. Communication Choices
Section 1 Objectives
1.Use context as a basis to judge the appropriateness of a communication choice.
2. Identify how context determines roles and norms and sets standards for making appropriate choices.
3. Explain the importance of making communication choices that are appropriate for self, listener, occasion , and task of a situation.
4. Explain the importance of effective communication skills in professional and social contexts.
5. Identify the tools needed to develop the mind-set of a competent communicator.

3. Understanding Communication Choices
Communication – the process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction.
Verbal – in the form of spoken or written words
Non-Verbal – in the form of gestures, eye contact, tone of voice, attire, or posture

4. Language is… Ambiguous Abstract Arbitrary
They are not fundamentally connected to what they represent
Abstract
They are not concrete or tangible.
Arbitrary
They don’t have clear cut, precise meanings

5. Context Context – the situation in which communication occurs
Appropriateness – what is suitable for a specific situation.
Example
You would not wear a business suit to the beach, or a swimsuit to a lawyer’s office.

6. Context Determines Roles and Norms
Roles – a part played in a specific setting or situation.
Everyone has many roles they play, such as student, son/daughter, sister/brother, friend, etc…
Norms – a stated or implied expectation/a guideline of what’s appropriate for a given context.
Norms can be written or un-written, such as the school dress code.

7. Context Sets the Standards
Standards – an established level or requirement or excellence.
Appropriate for Self – knowing who you are and how you want others to see you
Appropriate for Your Listener – you consider their needs, desires, and limitations
Appropriate for the Occasion – Each occasion brings with it different expectations of appropriate behavior
Appropriate for the Task – each task requires different norms

8. Competent Communicator
A person who uses knowledge, attitude, and skills into his/her communication to communicate effectively and appropriately.
Knowledge – know how to get and use valid information effectively
Attitudes – Positive/Negative – positive is always better and more effective
Impact – “One rotten apple spoils the whole bunch!”
Manage – the result of related experiences
Change – You have the choice!

9. Competent Communicator
Skills
Task – the communication skills needed to do a job, complete a task, or reach a goal effectively.
Relationship – the communication skills needed to nurture and maintain goodwill with people.

10. Communication in Organizations
Section 2 Objectives
1. Explain the importance of organizations as contexts for communication.
2. Describe three functions of organizations.
3. Explain the concepts of personal and organizational culture.
4. Analyze the seven elements of organizational culture and their influence on members of the organization.
5. Identify appropriate strategies for communicating across diversity.

11. Functions of Organizations
Organization – a number of people with specific responsibilities who are united for some purpose.
Identity – a chance to define who you are
Unity – meet mutual needs and goals
Preservation – preserve the things we believe in and find important.

12. Culture in Organizations
Culture – the set of life patterns passed down from one generation to the next in a group of people.
Understanding Organizational Culture – how an organization thinks, what it finds important, and how it conducts business.
Culture Shock – the confusion or anxiety that sometimes results when people come into contact with a culture different than their own.

13. Elements of Culture
Structure – the parts of an organization as well as the relationship between these parts.
Hierarchy, or chain of command
Systems – networks of channels for orderly interaction
Morning announcements, school board meetings

14. Goals – an end result or outcome that someone strives to attain.
Values and Beliefs–(value) a priority or an idea that is prized or cherished (belief) and idea that someone holds to be true.
Personal – your own values
Organizational – values of the organization
Social Responsibility – an obligation or willingness to work toward the well-being of others.
Goals – an end result or outcome that someone strives to attain.
Schools may have a goal regarding STAAR/EOC scores or having a very low drop out rate.

15. Environment – your physical surroundings.
What are your classrooms like? Your home? Your room?
Traditions – a practice or ceremony that is carried out and celebrated in the same manner year after year.
Prom, homecoming,
Heroes – an individual who is respected and admired for the contributions he or she has made to an organization or to society as a whole.
Role models in school, business, or sports

16. SMCR Model
Sender
Message
Channel
Receiver

17. Diversity in Organizations
Many organizations have people of different cultures, races, ages, religions, abilities, and genders.
You are unique and add to the diversity of the groups in which you participate.
Enrichment – positive, can provide new interests, ideas, understandings, and appreciation for individuals
Conflict – usually negative, the struggle between two or more parties who sense interference in achieving goals.