Chapter 7 Creating a Positive Communication Climate Embracing Difference Fourth Edition Dunn and Goodnight Chapter 7 Creating a Positive Communication Climate This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. PowerPoint edited by Kristin Harkin Jurczak, Purdue University Calumet Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What Is Defensive Communication? A person’s reaction, either verbally or nonverbally, to a situation in which he or she feels personally threatened or uncomfortable. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Avoidance Retreating from a problem in a relationship We convince ourselves the problem will go away Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Psychological Withdrawal We are forced to be physically present, but mentally check out As a result of feeling uncomfortable in a situation Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Distancing “Do not get close to me” Described as being conceited, cold, and aloof Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Reaction Formation Behaving opposite to the way we really feel Appearing confident when we’re really uncomfortable Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Sarcasm Using a biting sense of humor Unlike humor, sarcasm is used to make others feel uncomfortable by putting them down Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Outdoing Others Feeling the need to constantly top the achievements of others We define our self-worth in relation to others Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Overly Critical Communication Believe that by criticizing others their own self-esteem will be enhanced Reflects their own critical style of communication Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Different Types of Defense Mechanisms Formula Communication Nonthreatening communication that involves little or no risk on the part of the communicator People involved in the relationship are hesitant to share their feelings Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Communication Climates Supportive Climate Encourages free and open dialogue Defensive Climate People hide their thoughts, feelings, and ideas as a means of self-protection Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Evaluation vs. Description Evaluative behavior is judgmental, and it attacks the individual rather than the person’s actions. Descriptiveness is the ability to focus on observable behavior. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Control vs. Problem Orientation Control is a means of forcing the other party to conform to our way of thinking. It suggests there is only one way to see a problem. Problem orientation involves all parties to contribute to the problem and adjust behaviors collaboratively. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Strategy vs. Spontaneity Strategy involves an effort to manipulate, creating a defensive climate. Spontaneity refers to an open discussion of feelings, not a preplanned dialogue. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Neutrality vs. Empathy Neutrality implies indifference, or a lack of caring towards another individual Empathy is the ability to look at something from someone else’s perspective Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Superiority vs. Equality Superiority communicates an attitude that an individual is better, more important, or more valuable than someone else. Equality treats everyone the same, allowing individuals to create more free and supportive dialogue. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coping With Defensiveness... Gibb’s Pairings Certainty vs. Provisionalism Certainty is when someone believes others cannot possibly contribute new knowledge to the situation. Provisionalism is a willingness to explore new ideas. Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Stepping Back From Defensive Communication If we find ourselves behaving defensively in response to a defensive climate – Step back Analyze the interaction Choose a more productive course of action Copyright © 2014, 2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.