COMMUNICATION SKILLS PART 1 Flashcards
Aim of communication skills
To introduce the elements of effective communication and its process
definition of communication
The process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic interaction.
Symbolic means that we rely on words and nonverbal behaviors to communicate meaning and feelings.
Communication is the process of sharing our ideas thoughts and feelings with others and having those ideas, thoughts and feelings understood.
Effective communication is to share meaning and understanding between the sender and the receiver. The key element is “understanding”
As a process communication constantly moves and changes. It is dynamic.
communication process
Context provides the people, the occasion and the task.
Physical environment is the actual place or space where communication occurs.
Climate influences the emotional atmosphere.
Process
Relational communication involves a process, a dynamic and continuous process. Each relationship develops its own communication
history, a history that cannot be rewritten. Someone once said, “It’s unfortunate you only get one chance to make a first impression.” A relationship’s communication pattern begins at the first moment of contact— at a party, in a classroom, in a meeting. The relationship may start in any number of
ways: a question, a glance, an introduction, or a smile. Once contact is made, the relationship begins to develop its history, which is constructed and reflected by its communication patterns. A relationship’s ongoing devel-opment may be interrupted by physical or psychological distance; relational partners
may move in and out of each others’ lives over many years, but the history of the relationship continues from that first meeting. Sometimes
people say they wish to wipe out a time period of their relationship or forget a painful argument that occurred. Individuals may choose to emphasize or deemphasize certain communication events throughout their relationship history, but they can never go back to “how things used to be,” or delete a piece of
that history.
barries of communication
There are two types of barriers
External: noise, distractions, email not working, jargon, time of day, environment
Internal: Fatigue, poor listening skills, attitude towards the sender, fear, mistrust, past experiences
Types of communication
Self action or one way communication
Interaction /Two way communication
Transaction
Transaction communication
Focuses on meaning and sharing by accounting for all other factors in the communication process
Concerned with barriers that might affect communication
Can best be described as effective communication
Sender and receiver continue back and forth to ensure message was sent and received as intended
Interaction /Two way communication
Recognises the role of the receiver as a communicator through feedback
Message centered
Very simplistic view of the communication process
Feedback allows senders to see if their message got across
Self action or one way communication
Is focused on getting the message to the receiver
Self action treats communication as manipulation of others
There is no way to know if the meaning is shared
Five Principles of Communication
Transactional complex Unavoidable Continuous Learn
Transactional principle of communication
Communication is transactional because it involves an exchange.
If I go to the store to get a drink, I exchange money to the cashier for the drink. I give something and get something in return. Communication is the same… you have to give and receive for communication to happen.
Complex principle of communication
Communication is complex for several reasons.
It is interactive because many processes are involved.
It is symbolic because symbols are open to interpretation.
It is personal & cultural because a person’s culture can add a new or different meaning to a phrase or gesture.
It is irreversible because once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back.
It is circular because it involves both original messages and feedback which is necessary to confirm communication.
It is purposeful because there is always a reason behind a message and it helps meet our needs.
It is impossible to duplicate because each interaction is unique.
Unavoidable principle of communication
Communication is unavoidable because it is impossible to not communicate.
You are communicating constantly even when you do not intend to communicate. You communicate by the way you sit or move, by the way you speak, by what you wear, by your actions…. Even when you sleep in class, you’re communicating that you are bored or that you don’t care
Continuous principle of communication
Communication is continuous because it continues to impact and influence future interactions and shape our relationships.
Have you ever gotten off to a wrong start with someone? Has it taken a lot of time to perhaps overcome someone’s negative opinion of you?
Has someone ever said something to you that hurt your feelings and you’ve always remembered it and think about it when you see that person?
“Learning communication skills” principle of communication
Communication skills can be learned because they can always be improved.
You may need to work on speaking skills, written communication, listening, relationship skills… there’s always room for improvement!
Intrapersonal Communication
communication that occurs in your own mind. It is “self-talk” which are the inner speech or mental conversations that we carry on with ourselves. It is the basis of your feelings, biases, prejudices, and beliefs.
Examples are when you make any kind of decision – what to eat or wear. When you think about something – what you want to do on the weekend or when you think about another person.
You can also communicate with yourself when you dream at night.
Interpersonal communication
is the communication between two people but can involve more in informal conversations. Through this kind of communication we maintain relationships.
Examples are when you are talking to your friends. A teacher and student discussing an assignment. A patient and a doctor discussing a treatment. A manager and a potential employee during an interview. Any one on one or informal communication.
One-to-group communication
involves a speaker who seeks to inform, persuade or motivate an audience. Examples are a teacher and a class of students. A preacher and a congregation. A speaker and an assembly of people in the auditorium
Mass communication
is the electronic or print transmission of messages to the general public. Outlets called mass media include things like radio, television, film, and printed materials designed to reach large audiences.
A television commercial. A magazine article. Hearing a song on the radio. Books, Newspapers, Billboards. The key is that you are reaching a large amount of people without it being face to face. Feedback is generally delayed with mass communication
when competent communicators are ethical
Ethical - This means that a communicator follows the morals and codes of conduct within a society. It is how a person behaves and how they treat others.
They are honest and truthful.
They keep confidences and are cautious about spreading gossip.
They consider the needs, rights, and feelings of other people.
when competent communicators are Responsible
Responsible - This means that they take responsibility for their own communication choices and behavior.
They are informed and are able to support what they say with facts and examples that are true.
They are logical with developed reasoning skills and the ability to draw conclusions and reach decisions.
They are accountable taking responsibility for their information, decisions and actions.
They are reliable which means they can be trusted to keep their word even if a decision may not benefit them.
when competent communicators are Accessible
Accessible - They tend to value positive relationships with peers, supervisors, and clients. They are open and approachable. They are seen as caring, likable, and pleasant to be around
