Communication Choices What is communication The process of

Communication Choices

What is communication? § The process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction. § We exchanging information and ideas with others using symbols.

What kind of symbols? § Verbal – words you use. § Nonverbal – anything except spoken words. It includes sounds and movements. § Examples of non-verbal communication: § Gestures § Facial expressions § Posture § Attire § Tone of voice

Making choices – consider the… § Context – the situation in which communication occurs. § Includes the people present § The occasion § The task

Context What is our current context? Professional Communications class Who are the people? Students & teacher What is the occasion? Education/Learning What is the task? To learn about communication choices

How does context affect the way we communicate? § Would you speak the same way in front of a judge as you would hanging out with your friends? § Would you act the same way at a wedding as you would at a rock concert? § Would you talk to the police officer the same way you talk to a baby?

We communicate differently in different contexts. § You would often not use the same language and style speaking to a judge as you would with your friends. § A wedding is not a place to get rowdy and obnoxious but it is perfectly acceptable at a rock concert. § Talking to a police officer like a baby would probably raise a lot of eye brows!

Making choices – also consider… § Appropriateness - It is what is suitable for a specific situation. It will vary depending on your context. § The example of the wedding vs. rock concert behavior indicates appropriateness.

Three things that determine appropriateness § Your role. – a part played in a specific situation. It will vary depending on your context. § Right now you are in the role of a student. § When you go home, you might be in the role of a son or daughter, brother or sister. § If you have a job, you would be in the role of an employee. § You often behave and communicate different in each of these roles.

Three things that determine appropriateness § A norm is a stated or implied expectation. § It is a guideline for what is appropriate. § They can be written or unwritten and varies from place to place and in different contexts. § Dating norms in the U. S. might be different than in another country. § Norms for one school might be different than another.

Three things that determine appropriateness § A standard is an established level of requirement or excellence. § They are the foundation in which you make your communication decisions. § You have the responsibility for § What is appropriate for yourself and your listeners. § What is appropriate for the occasion. § What is appropriate for the task.

Why are communication skills important? § Determines your success: § In school § On the job § In relationships § Every aspect of your life

Everything Speaks § Every time that you interact with another human being you are communicating. § You cannot NOT communicate.

Competent Communicators Use § § § Knowledge Attitudes Skills

Knowledge § § § Having the right information Support for your ideas Without knowledge you cannot be taken seriously

Attitudes § Influence the way you see yourself and others § They impact others § Can be managed and changed

Skills § Task skills help you do a job § Relationship skills help you to get along with others § Tact – Speak without offending § Courtesy – Polite behaviors and words § Respect – Showing consideration and appreciation

Keys to Success

Speak with Good Purpose § Think before you speak § Be positive with our language. Avoid gossip. § Know that words are powerful – can build up and destroy § Choose not to given into the power of spoken words if they will hurt others

Speaking Test § Ask yourself these three questions before you say something to someone else: § Is it true? § Is it kind? § Is it necessary? § Should answer “yes” to all of these before saying it.