Communication: Essential to Human Behavior

Defining the Communication Process

Defining the Communication Process

The process by which individuals use symbols and behaviors to exchange information

The process by which individuals use symbols and behaviors to exchange information

More Qualities of Communication

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?

Why Study Communication?

1. Oral Communication (speaking) skills2. Written communication skills3. Listening ability4. Enthusiasm5. Technical Competence6. Work experience7. Appearance8. Poise9. Resume10. Part-time or Summer employment11. Specific degree held12. Leadership in campus/community activities13. Recommendations14. Accreditation of programs activities15. Participation in campus/community activities16. Grade-point average17. School attended

1. Oral Communication (speaking) skills2. Written communication skills3. Listening ability4. Enthusiasm5. Technical Competence6. Work experience7. Appearance8. Poise9. Resume10. Part-time or Summer employment11. Specific degree held12. Leadership in campus/community activities13. Recommendations14. Accreditation of programs activities15. Participation in campus/community activities16. Grade-point average17. School attended

What do employers look for?

Functional Perspective of Communication

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…

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

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 & DecodingEncoding & 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 CommunicationLinear Model of Communication

The Interaction Model of Communication

The Interaction Model of Communication

The Competent Communication Model

The Competent Communication Model

DiscussionDiscussion

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 CommunicationCompetent CommunicationCommunication 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 EffectivelyCommunicating 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.

ActivityActivity

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.

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.