Communication Con’t

What makes an Effective Communicator? No “Ideal” way to Communicate What is good in one setting might not be effective in another – Situational What works in one relationship might not work in another – Relational

What makes an Effective Communicator? Communication competence can be learned Satisfying communication depends on competence Effective Communicators: choose the most appropriate behaviour based on the context, goals, and knowledge of the other person

Excessive Communication: Can be unproductive Aggravates the problem Does not allow everyone to communicate

Communication Barriers: Language is subjective Words are interpreted Interpretation is basis of misunderstandings Words does not have meaning – people do Avoid assuming

Communication Barriers: Words are associated with experiences Words different meanings: different things in languages, different context, different environments for people People have anxiety surrounding unfamiliar communication

Nonverbal Communication: Communication through touch, body posture, orientation, expression on one’s face, clothing, physical environment, time etc. (does not include sign language and written words) It is impossible not to send nonverbal messages

Nonverbal Communication: More powerful than verbal Easily recognized and interpreted We always are giving information about ourselves Can be intentional or unintentional

Why We Don’t Listen? Listening is the process of hearing, attending, understanding, responding, and remembering Impossible to listen all the time We can understand 600 words per minute

Why We Don’t Listen? Most people speak 100-150 words per minute Distractions make it hard to listen We feel we have more to gain my speaking than listening People often pretend to listen

Where does Communication Happen! Communication occurs in formal and informal settings:

Formal Setting Used in a professional setting No Slang Pronounce words correctly

Informal Settings Usually used with friends and family Contains shortened version of words Contains slang words

Types of Communication Communication varies according to the number of people involved and the extent to which each individual has an opportunity to communicate.

Intrapersonal Communication Communication with oneself; only one person is involved and there are limited opportunities for the individual to communicate.

Interpersonal Communication Communication between two people; each person can potentially contribute to the conversation about 50% of the time, with a rapid exchange of information

Group Communication Occurs with three to approximately ten people. With more people involved, there is less opportunity for each individual to contribute to the discussion. Also, there is greater need for one or more members of the group to control or direct the conversation.

Public Communication Involves ten or more people communicating in person. Because of the large number present, only one person at a time can address the group, so individuals generally spend most or all of the time listening, with little opportunity to speak to the others.

Mass Communication Requires electronic technology in which a few persons may communicate to many people at one time through public address systems, radio, television or computer. The number of people involved can reach into the millions, but individuals have little or no opportunity to contribute to the messages being sent over the electronic media. This communication is usually one-sided, so feedback from the receivers is delayed, if it can be sent at all.