U2C2L1: Becoming a Better Communicator

Question 1

Receiver

Answer 1

One or more individuals for whom a message is intended.

Question 2

Channel

Answer 2

The route traveled by the message as it goes between the communicator and the receivers.

Question 3

Feedback

Answer 3

The return of, or a response to information, as in the evaluation of a communication; the return of evaluative or corrective information to the sender or point of origin.

Question 4

Noise

Answer 4

That which interferes with the successful completion of communication; a disturbance, especially a random persistent disturbance that reduces that clarity of communication.

Question 5

Verbal

Answer 5

Relating to, or associated with words; communicating with words.

Question 6

Nonverbal

Answer 6

Being other than verbal; communicating without using words.

Question 7

Mixed Messages

Answer 7

Verbal or nonverbal communication that is unclear to the receiver.

Question 8

Listening

Answer 8

Making an effort to understand something; paying attention.

Question 9

Barrier

Answer 9

Obstruction; anything that blocks, restrains, or separates.

Question 9

What is the purpose of communication?

Answer 9

To exchange info, opinions, thoughts, or feelings by speech, writing, or gestures. It is also a circular process with freedom of speech.

Question 10

What are the seven communication skills that help you express yourself?

Answer 10

• Read
• Listen
• Think
• Write
• Remember
• Speak
• Study

Question 11

What are the seven elements to the communication process?

Answer 11

• Communicator/sender: originator of message
• Message: made of ideas, data, and feelings
• Channel: route message travels like sound/radio
• Receiver: audience of message
• Feedback: know if you are “getting through” to receivers
• Noise: interference of understanding (could be physical or psychological)
• Setting: time/place of where the communication takes place

Question 12

What are the six steps to effective communication?

Answer 12

1. Analyze your purpose and your audience.
2. Conduct the research.
3. Support your ideas.
4. Get organized.
5. Draft and edit.
6. Get feedback.

Question 13

What are four listening barriers that get in the way of effective communication?

Answer 13

• laziness: hard work to listen effectively
• internal distractions: a lot on your mind
• interrupting: distracts both parties with other trains of thought
• delivery style: might not be effective and can be distracting/not smooth (um and like)

Question 14

Hearing

Answer 14

To perceive by the ear; to listen attentively.

Question 15

What are the 5 steps of the listening process?

Answer 15

1. Receiving: listening to the message
2. Attending: interpret what you hear
3. Understanding: understand the message
4. Responding: sometimes appropriate; 4 types
5. Remembering: essential part and there is short-term/long-term memory

Question 16

What are the four types of responses for step 4 in the listening process?

Answer 16

• Direct verbal responses (These may be spoken or written)
• Responses that seek clarification (This involves asking for further information)
• Responses that paraphrase (You may say, “in other words, what you are saying is…” A paraphrase gives the sender a chance to confirm that you understand the message)
• Non-verbal responses (Sometimes a nod of the head or a “thumbs up” may communicate that the message is understood)

Question 17

List the five types of listening and their purposes.

Answer 17

• Informative: understand the message (vocabulary, concentration, memory)
• Relationship: improve relationship between people & understand other person (attending, supporting, empathizing)
• Appreciative: response of listener like listening to music (presentation, perception, previous experiences)
• Critical: comprehend then evaluate the message
• Discriminative: listen to changes in speaker’s talking and small/large differences in meaning (hearing ability, awareness of sound structure, ability to integrate nonverbal cues)

Question 18

What characteristics describe supportive listeners?

Answer 18

• They are careful about what they say
• They express belief in the other person
• The demonstrate patience (they are willing to give the time)

Question 19

What are guidelines that can help you be an effective speaker?

Answer 19

• Find an area of interest (listen with purpose)
• Work at listening (stay tuned-in)
• Resist distractions (concentrate on speaker)

Question 20

What are three categories for group roles?

Answer 20

• Task roles: accomplish a certain task
• Social roles: maintain itself as a group with healthy social interaction/dynamic
• Dysfunctional roles: destructive and block group communication

Question 21

What are descriptions of task roles?

Answer 21

• initiator (suggests ideas/solutions)
• recorder/secretary (keeps record of group actions)
• planner (prepares timeline and logistics)

Question 22

What are descriptions of social roles?

Answer 22

• encourager (praises ideas of others)
• compromiser (position/topics favored by all)
• mediator (mediates differences between group)

Question 23

What are descriptions of dysfunctional roles?

Answer 23

• aggressor (attacks/deflates members)
• blocker (resists group movements)
• dominator (asserts control over the group)