Chapter 1 Building Responsibility What is Communication? The process of sending and receiving messages. Communication is like playing catch:

The Communication Process The sender encodes and transmits the message through a given channel (the way a message is sent). A message is words, body language and symbols that communicate thoughts or ideas. The receiver intercepts and decodes the message and then transmits feedback Feedback is words, body language and symbols that respond to the sender’s message.

The Communication Model

Communication Barriers Any obstacle that gets in communication barrier. There are five communication barriers: Social = they aren’t part of my group (these are social, economical, peer or professional groups). Cultural = we don’t have the same background, religion, family type, or speak the same language Educational = I am too smart for them or they are too smart for me (either perceived or real differences) Environmental = there is something physical blocking communication from happening Attitudinal = somebody doesn’t like the topic or person who is speaking (bad attitude)

Levels of Communication Mass Communication - communication by means of broadcasting and newspapers, which reaches all or most people in society Public – Communication with a large group. Ex: a college lecture Small Group – Communication with or a presentation to a group of 4-12 people Interpersonal – Communication with one or two other people Intrapersonal – Communication with yourself

Other Key Terms Symbol – Anything that stands for an idea and is used to represent something. Motivation – Something such as a need or desire that causes a person to act Stereotyping – placing everyone in a group based on a preconceived idea of what that group represents. Integrity – doing what is right, even when no one else is looking Ethics – knowing the difference between right and wrong. Orator – a person who delivers an oratory and/or uses words effectively.

Types of Communication Any communication that must be read is written communication. Any communication that is spoken is called oral or verbal communication. This does NOT include tone of voice. It only includes the words that are spoken Any communication that occurs with body language, gestures, tone of voice, personal appearance or use of space is called nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication often expresses your feelings or moods about a person, situation or topic. More than 80% of all communication is nonverbal.

Confidence and Fear What is confidence? What is fear? The feeling you can handle any situation successfully What is fear? A biological process which allows you to get a job done which might result in physical or physiological injury. Phobia – an irrational fear Communication Apprehension – stage fright/ an extreme fear of audiences Perception – While you are giving the speech: how you “see” yourself, the audience, the speech itself… Self Esteem – The personal value one feels for themselves. This often occurs after personal discovery.

You are not alone… 80-90 % of people admit to feeling uncomfortable about any kind of public speaking. Many people fear public speaking more than they fear death. But what if I make a mistake: DON’T PANIC Relax and take a deep breath Laugh at your mistakes Remember, you are only human and so is your audience. Shockingly, you are NOT perfect, but neither is your audience!