1. Communication
Communication is a symbolic, transactional process, or the process of creating and sharing meaning.
Transactional means that when people communicate, they have a mutual impact on each other.
A message is sent verbally and nonverbally
The message is received and interpreted
Verbal and nonverbal feedback is usually given
Feedback is offered by the sender
Present the definition of communication.
Ask for participants to do block building to illustrate the symbolic nature of communication.
Consider that we assume the others understand our symbolism and we fail to ask at times.

2. Principles of Communication
One cannot not behave
One cannot not communicate
The meaning of a given behavior is not the true meaning of the behavior; it is, however, the personal truth for the person who has given it a particular meaning (subjective)
Be curious! What is their reality?
Communication takes place in a context

3. Interpersonal Communication Model
Noise
Interference
Noise
Interference
Senders
Actions
(Public)
Effect On
Listener
(Private)
Senders
Intentions
(Private)
Communication begins with the senders intentions which are private
These intentions can involve interference (mental set, mixed motives)
These intentions must be encoded into verbal and nonverbal behavior that is public and observable
Interference occurs from noise such as noisy distractions, mood, and social skill
Wow it sure is cold in here?
You smell good?
Father sent his son to the store.
Here is one dollar for nails and 6 cents for tax.
Son comes back crying and upset.
Father asks why he is crying and he reported that he could only get the tacs and not the nails because he hadn’t given him enough money for the nails.
Senders Style
Of Encoding
Listeners
Style Of
Decoding

4. Barriers to Listening Preoccupation or Lack of Interest
1. Listen and develop interest.
2. Pretend to listen.
3. Tell them your not interested (honesty).
Environmental Factors
Noise, Distractions, Context or Situation
Psychological Filter
Assumptions, Hopes, Preconceived Ideas, Stereotypes, Labels, Attitudes, Selective Attention

5. Barriers to Listening Cont…
Emotions
Emotional states impact our ability to focus
Take time out or learn to self-regulate
Rate Differences
Average rate of speech is125 to 175 words per minute whereas the brain can process 500 to 1,000 words a minute (challenge to not wander in our thoughts.
Interpersonal Distance
Intimate Zone (chest to 18 inches)
Personal Zone (18 inches to 4 ft)
Social Zone (4 ft to 12 ft)

6. Negative Listening Behaviors
Interrupting
Negative Listening Gestures
Cheek Puffing, Eye Rolling, Shoulder Shrugging,, Sighing, Smiling

7. Improving Listening Behaviors
Open and Attentive Body Position
Position in Relation to the Speaker
Positive Eye Contact
Lack of Confidence, Dishonesty, Lying, etc.
Facial Expression
Be Aware.
Head and Body Movements
Nodding.
Verbal Responses
Paraphrasing, Clarifying, and Feedback