Unit 11 Virtual Lecture Improving Communication Climates

Communication Climate Communication Climate refers to the emotional tone of a relationship. It is a very integral key to positive relationships.

How Communication Climates Develop Confirming Communication – describes messages which convey valuing of the relationship or other person Disconfirming messages – signal a lack of regard for the other person in the relationship.

Confirming Messages Recognition Acknowledgement Endorsement

Disagreeing Messages Arguementativeness Complaining Agressiveness

Disconfirming Messages Impervious Responses Interrupting Response Irrelevant Response Tangential Response Impersonal Response Ambiguous Response Incongruous Response

Defensiveness Defensiveness suggests protection from attack We are defensive when others confront us with face – threatening acts Thus defensiveness is the process of protecting our presenting self, or face

Assertiveness / The Assertive Message A description of the observable behavior that prompted your message. Your interpretation of the behavior. The feelings that arise from the interpretation. The consequences of the information shared so far. An intention statement

Creating Positive Climates Evaluation vs. Description Control vs. Problem Orientation Strategy vs. Spontaneity Neutrality vs. Empathy Superiority vs. Equality Certainty vs. Provisionalism

Transforming Negative Climates Seek more information Ask for specifics Guess about specifics Paraphrase speakers ideas Ask about consequences of your behavior Ask what else is wrong Agree with the critic Agree with the truth Agree with the odds Agree in principle Agree with the critic’s perception

The End This concludes the virtual lecture on Unit 11