COMMUNICATIONS THEORY

&EFFECTIVE LISTENING

I. BEFORE WE START:OUTLINE FORM & NOTE-TAKING

A. Why take notes?

1. Helps you remind yourself to listen

2. Helps you review for a test

3. Personal notes help you remember better

than re-reading a chapter

4. Writing something down helps you

remember it

5. To earn a better grade!

I. OUTLINE FORM, CONTINUED

B. What should you write down?

1. Every word? NO.

2. Every idea? YES.

3. Key ideas or repeated phrases.

4. Material on the teacher’s screen

a. (Sometimes more than what’s written)

b. (Sometimes – but not often – less)

I. OUTLINE FORM, CONTINUED

C. How can you keep up?

1. Write key phrases instead of sentences

2. Use Outline Form (See Handout!)

3. Abbreviate words – grammar is not graded in

your notes (But it is everywhere else!)

4. Use your own words, except for:

a. Formulas

b. Definitions

c. Specific facts or dates

I. OUTLINE FORM, CONTINUED

D. A few more tips:

1. Date your notes! Number your pages!

2. Write as much down as possible

a. Just because you understand, doesn’t mean you’ll

remember

b. If there’s any chance you’ll forget, write it down

3. Don’t fill every space. (Might add later)

4. If you miss something, don’t stop class

a. Write key words

b. Leave space, and continue note-taking

c. Get the notes from a friend (or teacher) later

II. COMMUNICATIONS THEORY

A. Definition of Communication

“Transmitting information from one person to

another”

B. Four key parts:

SENDERMESSAGE RECEIVER

FEEDBACK (MOST OF THE TIME)

Auditory Non-verbal Media Messages

C. TYPES OF MESSAGES:

AUDITORY NON-VERBAL MEDIA MESSAGES

With your seat partner, fill in as many messages as

you can think of. Leave room for answers from the

class!

Auditory Non-verbal Media Messages

Speaking Body language Writing/texts

Sounds Eye Contact Pictures

Tone of Voice Sign Language Video

Songs/singing Physical Touch Sounds

Art

C. TYPES OF MESSAGES:

AUDITORY NON-VERBAL MEDIA MESSAGES

D. Communication Errors

1. Sender Errors

2. Receiver Errors

E. Common “Sender” Errors

1. Volume errors

2. Wording errors

3. Emotional errors (anger, sadness, boredom)

4. Cultural/Age errors (for ex: The elderly)

5. Message/medium errors

a) Poor medium choice for recipient

** A lack of feedback increases the chance of

errors.

F. Receiver Errors:

Why are we bad at listening?

1. It’s a physical activity & requires work

a) (Increased pulse, heartrate, bp, etc)

b) You have to get practice & build up

2. “Speed Gap”

a) Speaking: 150 wpm

b) Listening: 400-500 wpm

3. Competition for attention (‘net, phones…)

4. “Know it all” attitude

5. Past bias - What we think they will say…

III. HABITS OF EFFECTIVE LISTENING

A. Avoid these Bad Listening Habits

1. Not paying attention / day-dreaming

2. Interrupting

3. Hearing what you expect to hear

4. Listening defensively / Listening to disagree

B. Instead, remember to SLANT

1. Sit up

2. Listen (and Lean Forward!)

3. Ask & Answer Questions

4. Nod your head

5. Track the speaker

C. Practice other Good Listening Habits

1. Work to actually listen

a. Don’t just hear; listen.

b. Especially when it’s boring

c. SLANT to stay awake and alert!

2. Hear before you decide

a) Know your own feelings on the topic

b) Don’t let those prevent listening.

3. Repeat it back:

a. So you’re saying that …

b. Yeah, I love when that happens…

c. Are you telling me …

4. Learn to “Read” the Sender

a) Compare verbal and non-verbal messages. Do they

correspond?

Ex: “It’s nice to meet you.”

Ex: “That’s a nice outfit.”

Listen to a story/experience from a friend!

1. Talk about whatever!

2. Practice your listening skills:

- SLANT!

3. Discuss