1. Sherfield and Moody Cornerstones
Topic: Communicate

2. Six Elements of Communication

3. Interpersonal Communication
Dynamic form of communication between two or more people
Three types:
self-presentation goal: showing ourselves to others
Instrumental goal: presenting information to meet our needs
Relationship goals: helping to build meaningful connections with others

4. Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
The language we know, hear, and speak determines our interpretation and understanding of the world
We are unconscious of this situation
Each human’s “reality” is individual

5. Nonverbal Communication
Any and all communication besides words
Comprises the majority of a message’s meaning
Examples: facial expressions, clothing, proximity

6. Classifications of Spatial Zones

7. Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
Sub-category of interpersonal communication
Examples: texting, ing, twittering
Can infer and imply emotions
May enhance quality of some relationships

8. Self-Disclosure How much are you willing to share about yourself?
Personal disclosure is first step
Affects quality of relationships
What do you share?
Insignificant facts
Informational facts
Highly significant facts

9. Think Globally, Act Locally
Act with compassion for others
Respect other cultures and beliefs
Travel internationally
Examine multiple viewpoints and philosophies
Think differently to solve problems related to cultural differences
Study historical perspectives on tensions among people

10. No Money for International Travel?
Take a virtual global fieldtrip!
Where have you always wanted to travel?
Learn about other cultures, places, peoples

11. Ethnocentrism and Xenocentrism
Ethnocentrism – belief that one’s own ethnic background is superior and tendency to fear or judge others as groups versus as individuals
Xenocentrism – belief that other cultures are superior to one’s own culture and that one’s own culture has little value

12. Beliefs Exclusivism – rejection of others’ differing beliefs
Inclusivism – tolerance of others’ beliefs
Pluralism – giving legitimacy and validity to others’ beliefs in context

13. Prejudice and Discrimination
Prejudice – preconceived opinion or feeling formed without knowledge, thought, reason
Discrimination – an action based on prejudice against another (illegal act)

14. Conflict in Relationships
Many try to avoid conflict
Conflict is inevitable
Use it to better relationships by seeking win-win solutions

15. Dealing with Difficult People
Develop strategies to deal with people who:
Gossip
Manipulate
Show off
Goof off
Stand by
Complain
Doom and gloom

16. Conflict Management Tips
Check yourself first
Don’t take it personally
Ask questions and communicate needs
Avoid physical and verbal confrontation
Walk away to safety if necessary
“Am I proud of my actions here?”

17. Topic Reflections Strengthen your interpersonal communication skills
Use CMC along with face-to-face communication
Turn off technology sometimes
Develop a positive sense of self
Let people into your life through self-disclosure
Develop diverse relationships
Maintain close friendships
Learn to manage conflict