Prepared by Darrell G. Mullins Salisbury University Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. 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.

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

Overview of Themes  The Importance of Verbal Communication  What is Verbal Communication?  Influences on Verbal Communication  The Individual, Verbal Communication, and Society  Ethics and Verbal Communication  Improving Your Verbal Communication Skills

The Importance of Verbal Communication “…the verbal elements of communication are the foundation on which meaning is created.” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. © 2009 Blend/Jupiterimages

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Verbal Communication Helps…  Establish Meaning  Facilitate Identity/Relationship Development

What Is Verbal Communication? “…verbal communication has to do with more than just the words people speak.” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Index Open/PhotosToGo

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. What is language?  “…the written or oral words we exchange.”  A seemingly simple definition, but consider:  Pronunciation Differences  Accent Differences  Interpretation Differences  Creative Expression Differences

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. The Functions of Language  The Instrumental Function  The Regulatory Function  The Informative Function  The Heuristic Function  The Interactional Function  The Personal Language Function  The Imaginative Function

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Components of Language  Phonology  How sounds contribute to meaning  Syntax  How word order contributes to meaning  Semantics  How words themselves contribute to meaning  Denotative and Connotative Meaning  Pragmatics  Speech Act Theory: The rules of language use  Conversational Rules  Contextual Rules

Influences On Verbal Communication “Your communication is influenced by your identity and the various cultures you belong to.” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Index Open/PhotosToGo

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Individual Influences on Verbal Communication  Gender  Age  Regionality  Ethnicity/Race  Education/Occupation

The Individual, Verbal Communication, and Society “How do societal forces influence verbal communication?” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. © New Line Cinema/Topham/The Image Works

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Language and Culture  From Language to Culture to Perception  Nominalists vs. Relativists  The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Photos.com

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Language and Power  How language leads to power  Co-cultural Theory  Social Hierarchy  Privilege of Setting Communication Norms  Language Reinforces the Power of the Powerful  “Feminine Style” is valued in relationships.  Those who do not conform are disadvantaged.  “Maleness” in language  Power and Accent  Power and Identity Labels

Ethics and Verbal Communication “…ethical communicators consider the benefit and/or harm associated with their messages.” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Index Open/PhotosToGo

Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Confirming and Disconfirming Communication  Disconfirming communication invalidates someone.  The Impact of Disconfirming Messages.  Confirming communication is both ethical and effective.  Use “I” statements to criticize without disconfirming.

Improving Your Verbal Communication Skills “Wars have been started, relationships have been ruined, and much anger and unhappiness has resulted from intentional and unintentional verbal messages.” Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

For Optimal Verbal Communication:  Become more aware of the power of language.  Understand the difference between hearing and listening.

The Stages of Listening  Sensing  Understanding  Evaluating  Responding Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc. Photos.com

Barriers and Approaches to Listening  Barriers to Listening  Physical Barriers  Psychological Barriers  Types of Listening  Rational Listening  Relational Listening  Conscious Listening  Why technology challenges our listening skills Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.

Sharpen Your Listening  Talk Less  Keep an Open Mind  Focus on the Speaker  Provide Nonverbal Feedback  Provide Verbal Feedback  Empathize  Monitor Your Listening Copyright © 2010, 2006 Pearson Education, Inc.