Communication Theories Human communication permeates the human condition

Communication Theories Human communication permeates the human condition. Human communication surrounds us and is an in-built aspect of everything human beings are and do. That makes any effort to explain, predict, or to some extent control human communication a pretty big order. How does one get a handle on the totality of human communication? - Frank Dance 1

Arrow Theory l Introduction “I communicate by memos because I know I’ve communicated. Then I know I did my job!!!” l Effectiveness l l l Clearly and precisely put my thoughts into words. Speak with credibility. My talk forces action. 2

Arrow cont. l Communication Breakdowns l l l Failure= Blame Failure = Incompetence Accoutrements l l l Pro-management Downward comm. Directive 3

Arrow cont. l Origins l l l Past Training Communication Training Personality Traits 4

Arrow Cont. 5

Arrow Cont. l Scorecard l l l Effective Expression = Effective Commun. Passive Information Processors Words contain meaning Focus on clear expression Links words to actions 6

Arrow cont. l I didn't hate them because they were dumb, I didn't hate them because they had spilled our blood for nothing. I hated them because of their arrogance. . because they had convinced themselves that they actually knew what they were doing and that we were too minor to understand the "Big Picture”. § - Chuck Horner 7

Circuit Theory l Introduction l l Key terms - networking, going with the flow, making connections Emphases l l Feedback over response Relationship over content Process over purpose Understanding over compliance 8

Circuit cont. l Examples l l l Elton - “I just want everyone to get along” Smart-talk trap = Sound smart, but no action Effectiveness l l l Actively listen to employees in order to make them happy. Sensitive employee needs Open to employees. 9

Circuit cont. l Circuit Breakers l l Poor climate Misunderstanding Hidden agendas Origins l l l Business schools Communication training Personality 10

Circuit cont. 11

Circuit cont. l Accoutrements l l l Change initiation Sources of innovation Direction of communication 12

Circuit cont. l l l Evaluation Understanding = Effective Comm. Connections l l l Feedback Relationship issue Disconnections l l Goals of comm. Understanding = agreement 13

Dance Theory l l l Communication has multiple purposes. Comm. involves coordinating meanings. Comm. involves co-orientation. Comm. is rule-governed. Comm. has patterns. 14

Dance cont. l l Communicators develop skills that are often unconscious. The beauty of comm. is a function of the degree of coordination. 15

Dance l Fortunately, there is no relationship between your ability to dance and your skill at communicating. 16