1. 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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)