1. Communications – The Problem and the Answer
Al Condeluci, PhD

2. Definition
Communications is a process by which human beings send and receive messages in such a way that a close approximation exists between the message sent and received

3. Functions of Communications
To retain information
To derive new conclusions
To reconstruct information
To initiate/modify the intellectual process
To influence and direct others

4. Modes of Communications
Words
Print
Actions
Gestures
Images
Sounds
Scent
Touch

5. Words as Tools
Regardless of the method, words are often the key raw material of communications. To this extent the more words one knows the greater the possibility the message sent might be understood

6. Communication Process
Field of Experiences converge
One person is the source of the message
The other person is the destination
Message is encoded by the source
Message is signaled to the destination
Destination then decodes the message

7. Verbal Communications
Coding
Decoding
Language or Jargon used
Tone and Pitch of the voice
Consistency is key

8. Communications Key Elements
Content – What you want to say
Affect – How you say it

9. Affect has 2 Major Components
Proxemics – This is the distance and spacing between people
Kinesics – This is the non-verbals and gestures of the communicator

10. Proxemics has 4 Key Zones
Intimacy Zone – Touching to 18 inches
Personal Zone – 18 inches to 4 feet
Social Zone – 4 feet to 12 feet
Public Zone – 12 feet and beyond

11. Kinesics major aspects
Dress
Touch
Posture
Eye Contact
Facial Expressions
Hand Movements
Paralanguage

12. Listening
That ability to tune in and attend to the person you are communicating with in an effort to better understand their situation

13. Skills to Listen Stop talking Imagine others viewpoint
Look, act, be interested
Nonverbals
Don’t interrupt
Listen
Affirmative response

14. Enhancing Verbal Communication
Tend to Affect
Establish Eye Contact
Face the Person Squarely
Remain Calm

15. Enhance Listening First have a reason to listen Suspend your judgement
Reduce distractions
Pause and think before responding

16. Scatoma
This is a “blind spot” in communication when one person gets focused on one aspect that may distract the entire message

17. Effective Speaking Determine Purpose Consider Time/Space
Adapt to Listener
Use Appropriate Jargon
Control the Voice
Appropriate Gestures
Organize your Information to Audience

18. Communication Seduction
Refers to the communication process by which the audience is lured or seduced into wanting to know or find out more about the topic of the communicator

19. “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being” van Gothe

20. “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor” H.D. Thoreau

21. Al Condeluci McKees Rocks, PA 15136 412-848-0278