Professional Communication Theory

Professional Communication Theory

• Communication is the sharing of information for mutual understanding.
• Verbal communication uses spoken words, sounds, tone, and vocal intonation.
• Nonverbal communication uses facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, body positions, and movements.
• Written communication uses words, symbols, pictures, and diagrams.
• Professional communication should be formal, truthful, accurate, clear, concise, and comprehensive.
• Introduce yourself with your name, role/institution, and pronouns.
• Speak formally, clearly, and politely.
• Use complete sentences and proper grammar.
• Use appropriate subject lines and professional greetings.
• Include a signature block with full name, role, institution, and contact information.

Communication Models

• Encoding is turning thoughts into communication (how a sender conveys a message).
• Decoding is turning the communication into thoughts (how a receiver interprets a message).
• The transmission model of communication is a one-way process focusing on the sender and the message, not a representative of effective communication.
• Noise, including environmental noise and semantic noise (clarity/encoding/decoding), interferes with the message.

Interaction Model

• Describes communication as interactive, where sender and receiver swap positions.
• Messages are sent and followed by reactions.
• Acknowledges that physical and psychological context contributes to complex communication.
• Physical context includes factors like size, layout, temperature, and lighting.
• Psychological context includes factors like stress, anxiety, and emotions.

Transaction Model

• Communicators negotiate meaning simultaneously in social, relational, and cultural contexts.
• This model explores how communicators create relationships, form intercultural alliances, shape self-concept, and engage with each other.
• It acknowledges that communicators are simultaneously senders and receivers.

Conflict

• Conflict arises from differing perceptions and opinions that threaten the individual's self-concept.
• Addressing conflict constructively involves approaching it with a spirit of inquiry, open-mindedness, and assuming the goodwill of others.
• Constructive communication strategies include using "I" statements, avoiding raising your voice, and maintaining clear communication.

Approaches to Communication

• Communication is learned, reactive to context, and impacted by culture.
• Language is symbolic and the meaning derived isn't directly linked to the word (it is negotiated and dynamic).
• Theoretical approaches to communication, such as trauma-informed approaches, inform communication with clients and families, and emphasize safety, empowerment, and control.
• Relational inquiry, a nursing approach, involves intrapersonal (understanding oneself), interpersonal (understanding others), and contextual awareness (understanding the situation).

Explore the key concepts of professional communication, including verbal, nonverbal, and written methods. Discover essential communication models and how to effectively encode and decode messages. This quiz will enhance your understanding of professional communication standards and practices.