U2C2L1: Becoming a Better Communicator Flashcards
Receiver
One or more individuals for whom a message is intended.
Channel
The route traveled by the message as it goes between the communicator and the receivers.
Feedback
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.
Noise
That which interferes with the successful completion of communication; a disturbance, especially a random persistent disturbance that reduces that clarity of communication.
Verbal
Relating to, or associated with words; communicating with words.
Nonverbal
Being other than verbal; communicating without using words.
Mixed Messages
Verbal or nonverbal communication that is unclear to the receiver.
Listening
Making an effort to understand something; paying attention.
Barrier
Obstruction; anything that blocks, restrains, or separates.
What is the purpose of communication?
To exchange info, opinions, thoughts, or feelings by speech, writing, or gestures. It is also a circular process with freedom of speech.
What are the seven communication skills that help you express yourself?
- Read
- Listen
- Think
- Write
- Remember
- Speak
- Study
What are the seven elements to the communication process?
- 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
What are the six steps to effective communication?
- Analyze your purpose and your audience.
- Conduct the research.
- Support your ideas.
- Get organized.
- Draft and edit.
- Get feedback.
What are four listening barriers that get in the way of effective communication?
- 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)
Hearing
To perceive by the ear; to listen attentively.
What are the 5 steps of the listening process?
- Receiving: listening to the message
- Attending: interpret what you hear
- Understanding: understand the message
- Responding: sometimes appropriate; 4 types
- Remembering: essential part and there is short-term/long-term memory
What are the four types of responses for step 4 in the listening process?
- 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)
List the five types of listening and their purposes.
- 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)
What characteristics describe supportive listeners?
- They are careful about what they say
- They express belief in the other person
- The demonstrate patience (they are willing to give the time)
What are guidelines that can help you be an effective speaker?
- Find an area of interest (listen with purpose)
- Work at listening (stay tuned-in)
- Resist distractions (concentrate on speaker)
What are three categories for group roles?
- 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
What are descriptions of task roles?
- initiator (suggests ideas/solutions)
- recorder/secretary (keeps record of group actions)
- planner (prepares timeline and logistics)
What are descriptions of social roles?
- encourager (praises ideas of others)
- compromiser (position/topics favored by all)
- mediator (mediates differences between group)
What are descriptions of dysfunctional roles?
- aggressor (attacks/deflates members)
- blocker (resists group movements)
- dominator (asserts control over the group)
