Communication: Essential to Human Behavior

Defining the Communication Process  The process by which individuals use symbols and behaviors to exchange information

More Qualities of Communication  We often take it for granted  “We do it all the time, right? It’s just common sense.”  Communication Failures  We often take it for granted  “We do it all the time, right? It’s just common sense.”  Communication Failures

Why Study Communication? 1.Oral Communication (speaking) skills 2.Written communication skills 3.Listening ability 4.Enthusiasm 5.Technical Competence 6.Work experience 7.Appearance 8.Poise 9.Resume 10.Part-time or Summer employment 11.Specific degree held 12.Leadership in campus/community activities 13.Recommendations 14.Accreditation of programs activities 15.Participation in campus/community activities 16.Grade-point average 17.School attended 1.Oral Communication (speaking) skills 2.Written communication skills 3.Listening ability 4.Enthusiasm 5.Technical Competence 6.Work experience 7.Appearance 8.Poise 9.Resume 10.Part-time or Summer employment 11.Specific degree held 12.Leadership in campus/community activities 13.Recommendations 14.Accreditation of programs activities 15.Participation in campus/community activities 16.Grade-point average 17.School attended What do employers look for?

Functional Perspective of Communication  “how we use communication to help us begin, maintain, and end relationships”  E.G. baby crying  Relationships = interconnectedness in order to achieve a goal  Relationships involve interdependence.  What we do affects others and vice versa  “how we use communication to help us begin, maintain, and end relationships”  E.G. baby crying  Relationships = interconnectedness in order to achieve a goal  Relationships involve interdependence.  What we do affects others and vice versa

More Functional Perspective…  Affiliation  We show how much we want to be connected to someone.  Goal Achievement  Using communication to get something  Control (Influencing Others)  E.g. Abusive Relationships  Affiliation  We show how much we want to be connected to someone.  Goal Achievement  Using communication to get something  Control (Influencing Others)  E.g. Abusive Relationships

Characteristics of Communication  Communication relies on symbols.  Couples using “secret” language  Fraternities and handshakes  Symbols come together to create a code.  Set of symbols joined together to create a meaningful message.  These codes are encoded and decoded…  Communication relies on symbols.  Couples using “secret” language  Fraternities and handshakes  Symbols come together to create a code.  Set of symbols joined together to create a meaningful message.  These codes are encoded and decoded…

Encoding & Decoding  Encoding  Mentally constructing a message for production  Decoding  Process of receiving a message by interpreting and assigning meaning to it  Channels  Method through which communication occurs  Encoding  Mentally constructing a message for production  Decoding  Process of receiving a message by interpreting and assigning meaning to it  Channels  Method through which communication occurs

 Communication is linked to culture.  Culture = “shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people”  Keep in mind, people also have Co-cultures.  Communication is linked to culture.  Culture = “shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people”  Keep in mind, people also have Co-cultures. MORE CHARACTERISTICS…

Linear Model of Communication

The Interaction Model of Communication

The Competent Communication Model

Discussion  Do we pay attention to these contexts? Are they even all that important?  Do these contexts ever overshadow the message?  Do we pay attention to these contexts? Are they even all that important?  Do these contexts ever overshadow the message?

Competent Communication Communication that is effective and appropriate. For starters, let’s cover what not to do… Communication that is effective and appropriate. For starters, let’s cover what not to do…

Show me the money!!!!!!

Communicating Effectively  Effective communication “involves determining what is appropriate and what is not in a variety of cultures & situations.”  e.g. Not jumping up & down like a jack rabbit when you’re an adult… on national T.V.  Adaptability is key!  It’s not just what you know of the world, but how you be in the world.  Effective communication “involves determining what is appropriate and what is not in a variety of cultures & situations.”  e.g. Not jumping up & down like a jack rabbit when you’re an adult… on national T.V.  Adaptability is key!  It’s not just what you know of the world, but how you be in the world.

Activity  Describe two communication situations, one in which the communication was appropriate but not effective, and one in which the communication was effective but not very appropriate. Analyze these situations, considering the situational and relational contexts involved.