L4 - Introduction to Communication

Question 1

What is communication?

Answer 1

• Give or exchange information
• Two-ways process
• Shared understanding of exchanged information

Question 2

How to make sure what you said was understood?

Answer 2

Get feedback!

Question 3

How to communicate?

Answer 3

• Narrative
• Description
• Exposition
• Argument

Question 4

What are the two main interpersonal communication areas?

Answer 4

• Verbal
• Non-Verbal

Question 5

What is the relative importance of verbal/non-verbal interpersonal communication?

Answer 5

• Words: 7%
• Tone of Voice: 38%
• Body Language: 55%

Non-Verbal = 4x impact

Question 6

List the various types of non-verbal communications.

Answer 6

• Body language
• Facial expression
• Posture
• Eye contact
• Touch
• Clothes
• Gesture

Question 7

What is active listening?

Answer 7

It is a structured form of listening and responding that focuses the attention on the speaker.

The listener consciously tries to understand, interpret, and evaluate what they hear.

Question 8

List some active listening techniques.

Answer 8

• Focus on the speaker, what he’s saying
• Be interested in the speaker
• Ask the speaker questions
• Paraphrase the speaker’s meaning
• Echo the speaker’s words
• Express understanding of speaker’s feelings
• Use body language to show interest and respect

Question 9

What different types of questions can you ask someone?

Answer 9

• Closed
• Leading
• Directive
• Open
• Open Directive

Question 10

What is a closed question?

Answer 10

On that only allows a yes/no answer.

Question 11

What is a leading question?

Answer 11

One that presupposes the answer.

Question 12

What is a directive question?

Answer 12

One that focuses on a topic, but allows a small amount of expression.

Question 13

What is an open question?

Answer 13

One that encourages the listener to talk freely, longer answer.

Question 14

What is an open directive question?

Answer 14

One that focuses on a topic, allows listener to us his/her own words.

Question 15

What are the advantages of asking open questions?

Answer 15

• Understand the listener’s position
• Richer and more satisfying conversation
• Identify critical issues and problems
• Lead towards solutions to problem

Question 16

What is culture?

Answer 16

Culture is the acquired knowledge people use to interpret experience and generate behaviour.

Question 17

List the various aspects of cultures.

Answer 17

• Power distance
• Individualism vs collectivism
• Masculinity vs feminity
• Uncertainty avoidance
• Time orientation
• Indulgence vs restraint

Question 18

What is intercultural competence?

Answer 18

The ability to live and function in a culture other than your own.

• Make oneself understood
• Create fruitful collaboration
• Keep an open mind
• Act in a appropriate way

Question 19

What are the interpretation constraints to consider when adressing a different culture?

Answer 19

• Cognitive (worldview, experience)
• Behavioral (what is appropriate)
• Emotional (displaying of)

Question 20

List potentially problematic areas in intercultural communication.

Answer 20

• Opening/Closing conversations
• Taking turns to talk
• Interrupting
• Use of silence
• Use of humor
• Appropriate topics, small talk
• Knowing how much to say

Question 21

How could you get better at intercultural communication?

Answer 21

• Know who you are: challenge own values, assumptions & prejudices, unlearn cultural habits
• Be curious about the “other”: engage with others, experience other cultures, accept more “right” ways, reserve judgement
• Improve communication skills: accept limitations of coding/decoding