Interpersonal Communication in CMC

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of computer-mediated communication (cmc)?

Only allows one person to speak at a time

Does not allow topic development

Includes opportunities for back channels (correct)

Requires face-to-face interaction

What does communication planning primarily focus on?

Creating a narrative around the communication

Evaluating the audience's previous knowledge

Deciding the format and timing of information delivery (correct)

Defining the message's emotional impact

Which attribute of communication describes exchanges that are concise and direct?

Brief (correct)

Ideological

Multimodal

Interactive

What role does ideology play in new media communication?

It shapes perspectives and interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'turn taking' in cmc imply?

Participants take turns in sharing their thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of communication planning?

To entertain Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'multimodal' refer to in communication?

Involvement of various modes like text, images, and audio Signup and view all the answers

How can language be seen in the context of new media?

As evolving with technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of written language compared to spoken language?

It includes more subordinate clauses. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in formal essays?

Colloquial words and abbreviations. Signup and view all the answers

Why is precision important in academic writing?

To ensure clarity and accuracy in information. Signup and view all the answers

What does objectivity in academic writing emphasize?

Information and arguments. Signup and view all the answers

How can a writer achieve explicitness in academic writing?

By signaling the organization of ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What type of vocabulary use should be prioritized for accuracy in academic writing?

Precise and specific terms. Signup and view all the answers

What is generally discouraged in formal writing?

Numbering and bullet points. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common element found more in written language than in spoken language?

Long sequences of prepositional phrases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in communication planning?

Research and analyze current situation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is crucial to consider when identifying the target audience?

Their preferred communication style Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the hallmarks of scholarly work in academic writing?

Engagement in academic discourse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key feature of written language compared to spoken language?

It is more complex and lexically dense Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to address potential challenges in communication planning?

Evaluate and anticipate challenges Signup and view all the answers

Why is having a specific audience important in academic writing?

It helps writers engage directly with the reader Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended strategy in planning communication styles?

To choose methods that suit the audience Signup and view all the answers

What is one goal of academic writing skills development?

To enhance critical and creative thinking Signup and view all the answers

When is it considered appropriate to send a professional email?

When you need to relay a short amount of information quickly Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the subject line of a professional email?

A brief and specific description of the email's purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended approach when making an appointment in a professional email?

Schedule a few days in advance and specify your availability Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in writing the content of a professional email?

Get to the point by stating your reason clearly Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of showing respect to professors in emails?

Acknowledge their busy schedules and respect their time Signup and view all the answers

When should you apologize in a professional email?

When you cannot meet a deadline or missed a meeting Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in an apology email when you are sick?

Only the necessary information relevant to the recipient Signup and view all the answers

How should you indicate deadlines politely in professional emails?

Politely state the deadline while providing context Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of creating an effective advocacy message?

Presenting a specific problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sample advocacy tool mentioned?

Television commercial Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in creating a concise and strong advocacy message?

Craft an opening statement Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to gather facts and data about the problem?

To ensure relevance to the audience Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of determining targets and alliances in advocacy?

To find like-minded groups for collaboration Signup and view all the answers

Which component helps to humanize the issue in an advocacy message?

The story or example Signup and view all the answers

What should the request in an advocacy message begin with?

An action verb Signup and view all the answers

What role does messaging strategy play in advocacy?

It seeks to gather maximum support from the audience Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Interpersonal Nature of CMC

Turn taking: Users can take turns in communication.
Topic development: Users can explore issues and options.
Back channels: Private discussions can occur outside of public communication.
Repairs: Issues can be fixed through communication.

Communication Attributes

Brief: Conciseness and directness to deliver essential information.
Multimodal: Using multiple channels (text, images, audio, video) for communication.
Ideological: Shaped by systems of beliefs, values, and ideas, influencing perspectives and interpretations.
New media is intrinsically ideological, particularly regarding access and control. Used for control and resisting control.

Communication Planning

Defining information, intended recipients, communication format, and timing.
Ensures everyone gets the right information at the right time.
Purposes:
- To inform
- To persuade
- To prevent misunderstanding
- To present a point of view/reduce barriers
Key rule: "Intent precedes content."

Steps in Communication Planning

Research and analyze the current situation: Understand the context and problems.
Establish goals and objectives (short and long term): Define desired outcomes.
Identify the target audience: Understand their knowledge, influences, and communication barriers.
Conceptualize key messages: Develop clear and impactful messages aligned with goals.
Strategies on communication styles and platform(s): Choose appropriate methods and channels (e.g., social media, email, face-to-face).
Evaluate and anticipate: Assess progress and prepare for potential challenges.

Academic Writing

Distinguished by the audience: Written for an informed audience, usually for assessment or publication.
Engages in academic discourse on a specific topic.
Displays characteristics of scholarly work.

Academic Writing Skills

Develops research and writing skills:
- Reading comprehension
- Critical and Creative thinking
- Research and analytical skills
Having a specific audience helps engage directly with the reader and adapt to genre conventions.

Principles of Academic Writing

Complexity: Written language is more complex than spoken language.
- Lexical density: More lexical words than grammatical words, longer words and phrases, more noun-based phrases, nominalizations, lexical variation.
- Grammatical complexity: More subordinate clauses, complement clauses, longer prepositional phrases, attributive adjectives, passives.
Formality: Avoid colloquialisms, abbreviations, two-word verbs, subheadings, numbers, bullet points, and asking questions (except in reports).
Precision: Be precise with information, dates, and figures.
Objectivity: Emphasis on information and arguments. Based on lectures, reading, discussion, and research.
Explicitness: Clear signposting of ideas, connections made explicit through signaling words.
Accuracy: Accurate vocabulary and citation format.

Email Protocols

When to send an email:
- Short amount of information quickly
- Brief replies
- Communication with someone not seen daily
- Setting up appointments or meetings
Subject: Give a brief and specific description of the reason for writing.
Greeting: Use "Dear" for professors.
Content:
- Get to the point, state the reason for writing concisely, and avoid unnecessary information.
- Be clear about expectations (e.g., answers to questions, appointments).
- Put information in a logical order.

Showing Respect to Professors in Emails

Acknowledge their busy schedule and respect for their time.
Don't ask for too much.
Give the professor the option to decline favors.
Provide possible solutions to problems.

Making an Appointment

Schedule days in advance whenever possible.
Inform the professor of your availability (days and times).
Avoid using "today" or "tomorrow."

Indicating Deadlines Politely

For letters of recommendation, papers submitted to conferences or journals.

Apologizing

Necessary when:
- Unable to meet a deadline
- Need to reschedule an appointment
- Missing a meeting
Include only necessary information for the receiver to know.
Do not include details about personal issues, like illness.
Explain how you will solve the problem.

Advocacy Tools

Letter writing campaign
Action alerts
Dialogues with Congress
Social media campaigns
Issue briefings
Reports and publications
Press releases
Blogs
Videos
Rallies, walks, and events

Creating an Effective Advocacy Message

Elements:
- Opening statement: Grab the audience's attention immediately. Can use a dramatic effect.
- Problem: Describe the issue, who it affects, and its impact.
- Facts and data about the problem: Provide relevant facts and data. Be specific.
- Story or example of the problem: Use a relevant human story to make the issue feel real.
- Audience's concerns, values, or self-interest: Show how the issue aligns with their values or needs.
- Request: State clearly what action you want the audience to take. Start with an action verb.

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Description

Explore the nuances of interpersonal communication in computer-mediated contexts. This quiz delves into essential attributes like turn-taking, topic development, and the multimodal dimensions of communication. Understand how ideological factors influence these interactions and the planning necessary for effective communication.