CHAPTER 3 CONNECTING THROUGH VERBAL COMMUNICATION.docx.pdf

MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION CONNECTING THROUGH VERBAL COMMUNICATION At the end of this chapter, students will: A. Understand what verbal communication is; B. Learn the language-based b...

MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION CONNECTING THROUGH VERBAL COMMUNICATION At the end of this chapter, students will: A. Understand what verbal communication is; B. Learn the language-based barriers in communication; and C. Use language effectively and learn ways to improve verbal style. Relay Message Instructions: The teacher will group the students into 2 groups. Each group will line up and from the start of the line the first person will whisper the words to the next person until they reach the last person in the last line. The last student will write the answer to what he/she heard according to his fellow students and pass it directly to the teacher. The group who can pass first is the winner and got the highest score. In ordinary activities, most communication depends upon speech. The chief component of speech is of course, language -a purely human invention of symbols that represent ideas, objects, feelings, and experiences. Linguistic communication is the carrier of human heritage. 1  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION What is Verbal Communication? -a type of communication where we use spoken language to get our message and information across to the other person. These are ideas expressed in words. Words, however, are determined by style and personality. Style is the way one chooses words and arranges these words into sentences. Style varies. One person has/her own way of expressing himself/herself. These are times that the words chosen may not be acceptable to some listeners. Verbal communication is controlled by many factors. Aside from style and personality, language choices are important factors to be considered. Different occasions require different language choice for different audiences with different levels of knowledge. The Importance of Language Language is a structured system of signs, sounds, gestures, or marks that is used and understood to express ideas and feelings among people within a community, nation, geographical area, or cultural tradition. Without language there would be little or no human communication. Language communicates what people are and what they think and therefore must be carefully used. Language is Powerful How many times have we walked through a crowd of strangers and momentarily paused when we heard someone call our name? Why? Our names are not just names or words. Our names define who we are. If any one thing that is universal, it is a name. At every place and at every time, everyone has received a name. Names brand us with distinctive marks that separate us from the rest of the herd and, at the same time, make us a part of it. Names are so important. Feminists raise issues about perspectives on language because they want an inclusive world. In a recent CRTNET (Communication Research and Theory Network) posting on the National Communication Association emailed list, communication scholar Anita Taylor pointed out how even Internet sources use language and images to perpetuate male perspectives. Language can create biases for both men and women. When we hear the words "medical doctor" what image comes to mind? What about a strong leader? When you hear "nurse" what is the image? We often think of leaders and medical doctors as men and nurses as women, but that is not always the case. 2  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Language Affects Thoughts The misuse of language involves more than the misuse of words. Misused language affects our ability to think. Thought and language are inseparable. Most scholars agree that words help us to form thoughts. How many times have we found ourselves struggling to find the word and without it, we could express what we really want. When we take time to think a minute, however, the word usually appears. It is important to carefully consider language choices before we speak. We cannot erase what we said. We cannot correct or retract a statement and apologize for it, but we cannot eliminate the fact that we said it. When we communicate, we first form thoughts and then decide how we're going to express them. Competent communicators begin with clear thinking, followed by careful language choices that reflect an understanding of what language is, how it is used, and what effects it might have on listeners. The Elements of Language Language, talk, speech, and communication are four different but related phenomena. Language is a structured system of signs, sounds, gestures, or marks and (symbols) that allows people to express ideas and feelings to others; talk is what we say and use every day; speech is one vehicle used to transmit language; communication involves the exchange of meanings. Language is one means which we communicate, and speech is one way in which we use language. We use language to create talk, to create ourselves, and to share ourselves and our views with others. Talking is what we do in our everyday lives, and communication is the process we engage in to be able to make sense of it all. Four Key Elements of Language 1. Sounds Most of us learn to speak a language before we learn to write it, and most of us are born with the physical mechanisms that enable us to make speech sounds. Our voice is the most suitable instrument through which our ideas are transferred as sounds for listeners to hear. 2. Words Words are symbols that stand for objects and concepts. A word can represent an object or an abstract concept. The word desk represents an actual piece of furniture, an object, while the word love represents a whole range of emotions associated with our feelings for those closest to us. Desk is concrete whereas love is abstract. Words have meanings because communities and cultures give them meaning. People agree that certain sound combinations mean certain things to them. One of the intriguing things about languages is the idioms, or words whose meanings cannot be understood by the ordinary usage. 3  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION 3. Grammar Just as language has rules that govern how sounds may be joined into words, it also has rules that govern how words may be joined into phrases and clauses and sentences. This set of rules is called grammar. For example, the English grammar system requires that singular nouns take the singular verb forms and plural nouns take plural verb forms. Examples: book is man is books are men are As we join sounds together to form words and join words together to form phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs, we language's sound and grammar systems simultaneously. The ability to use sounds and grammar correctly is crucial to competent communication. Grammar enables us to make complete sentences and to understand the sentences made by others. Despite the many rules that govern language, there is virtually no limit to the number of different messages that can be created. It has been estimated that in the English language, it is possible to create ten quintillion twenty- word sentences. This does not include sentences either shorter or longer than twenty words. Thus, the number of possible sentences and messages is nearly infinite. 4. Meaning The study of meaning, or the association of words with ideas, feelings, and contexts, is called semantics. If language did not have meaning, it would serve little or no purpose. Because words and word patterns can be used to exchange meanings between people and even between generations, language is a useful tool for communication. Things to be considered about meaning: a. Do Words Contain Meaning? We tend to associate language symbols (words) with specific meanings and to take that relationship for granted. Words are symbols that represent people, objects, concepts, and events. For example, computer, yellow, buildings, car, freedom, and tyranny are only words, not the entities they symbolize. It is easy to miss this distinction. Even though words are symbols, try screaming "Snake!" in front of someone who dislikes snakes, and you will quickly see how words cause reactions, as if they are actual things! The belief that words have meaning in themselves is widespread. But the simple fact is that words do not contain meanings by themselves. Words only acquire meaning through the context in which they are used and the fact that those who use them give them meaning. Who determines meaning? The answer is us. We control which words we use, the meaning we wish to give them, and, if we have mastered the art of communication, we know how people react to them. Although everyone has the ability to impart meaning to words, not everyone does so in the same way. Thus, a sender might intend one meaning for a message, but the receiver might either intentionally or unintentionally give the message a different meaning. Disparity between the meaning sent and the meaning received can be a greater problem when the sender even different experiences and knowledge. For example, people who that is unfamiliar to someone who doesn’t, and receiver have 4  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION different cultural backgrounds or keep up with computers and technology often use specialized language that is unfamiliar to someone who doesn’t have much knowledge about computers. Care in choosing words is especially important in such situations. b. Words Have Denotative and Connotative Meanings. Denotation is the common meaning associated with the word - its standard dictionary definition. Denotative meanings are usually readily understood. Examples: Elephants are huge animals. Horse runs fast. Connotation is the subjective meaning of a word, a word that has a shaded meaning. The connotative meaning is based on the context in which the word is used, how the meaning is expressed nonverbally (tone of voice, facial expression, and so on), and the understanding of the person who is receiving it. The competent communicator can differentiate between denotative and connotative meanings and understands which is being used in each situation. Connotative meanings may be generally accepted by most of the people who use the language, by people within a particular group, or by an individual. Examples of denotation and connotation: Denotation: Poisonous snakes are dangerous. Connotation: My best friend turned out to be a snake in the grass. Denotation: Horses run fast. Connotation: I'm so hungry I can eat a horse. Words Can Be Concrete or Abstract Concrete words are symbols for specific things that can be pointed to or physically experienced (seen, tasted, smelled, heard or touched). For example, words such as car, book, house, and cake are concrete words. They represent specific, tangible objects, and therefore their meanings are usually quite clear. We can even make concrete words more specific with Volkswagon. The Bible, my house and chocolate cake. Consequently, communication based on concrete words leaves little room for misunderstanding, and any disagreement can typically be resolved by referring to the objects themselves. Abstract words are symbols for ideas, qualities, and relationships. Because they represent things that cannot be experienced through senses, their meanings depend on the experiences and intentions of the person using them. For instance, s words such as happiness, faith, freedom, and justice stand for ideas that mean different things to different people. Language Can Obscure Meanings. Words mean different things to different people, based on each person's experiences and the direct relationship of those experiences to particular words. For example, a medical says, "Your mother has myclodysplastic syndrome." You're already upset that your mother has been ill, and doctors could not find out what was wrong and now you're also confused because you do not know what the meaning of the medical term is used by the doctor. The medical team realizes that translating the medical term to something which you understand is better. So, bone 5  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION marrow failure or problems with blood cells will make it easier for the family and the patient to understand. Learning to choose more understandable words will help the family comprehend the nature of the disease as well as the treatment needed and reduce some of the frustrations about lack of knowledge and information. Also, the meaning of words themselves, change from time to time and from place to place. It is easy to forget that the meaning of a word might not match the meaning held by others. For example, a person over age sixty may not know the meanings of these words: grass, geek, pot, joint, gay, high, stoned as how the young people use them. Words meanings also vary from region to region and cultures hold differing meanings for certain words. For example, for most Americans very dear means something that is highly valued or loved, whereas in Ireland, very dear means very expensive and has nothing to do with value or love. Co cultures within a language community sometimes use words or phrases in ways that are unique to their groups. Scientists, engineers, and health care providers use language that might be to specialize to be understood by the public. This unique language use is referred to as jargon. Other cocultures, such as students might use slang or words to communicate only with those who know the words and meanings change quickly. A car salesperson might use a slang term such as flea to identify a person looking for a bargain. Prisoners refer to a knife or to stab as shank. Examples of Slang: Bitch - a rude, mean person usually a female Cool - neat, exciting, awesome Chill/Chill out - to relax, rest calm down. Are these terms still commonly used? Have new slang words replaced them? Such words are constantly being discarded and new ones invented. All kinds of groups, including members of a given profession, college students, ethnic groups, and gangs, develop and use slang terms. Language is used to share meaning, and it can also be used to obscure distort, or hide meaning. One way to obscure meaning is to use euphemism. A euphemism is an inoffensive or mild expression given in place of one that may offend, cause embarrassment, or suggest something unpleasant. Our society uses euphemism to avoid taboo subjects or words that can trigger negative reactions. Employing euphemisms can defuse the emotional charge associated with controversial or difficult concepts. Examples of Euphemism: Language and meaning are inseparable died -passed away parts of communication. They mesh old people - senior citizens smoothly in successful communication. squatters - informal settlers poor - less privileged abnormal child - mentally challenged 6  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Language-Based Barriers to Communication Even if we create what we think is the perfect message, the possibility always exists that the receiver will misinterpret the message or find it ambiguous. Therefore, the receiver must also try to receive the intended message. Misunderstandings occur for numerous physical, mental, and cultural reasons. Ineffective use of language is one reason. Among the most common language- based barriers to effective communication are bypassing, indiscrimination, and polarization. 1. Bypassing. What is meant by a speaker and what is heard and understood by the listener often differ. Such misunderstanding between a sender and a receiver is called bypassing. How many times have we said to someone, "But that's not what I meant." Bypassing takes place when two people assign different meanings to the same word. Many words are often to an almost limitless number of interpretations. According to some estimates, the 500 most frequently used words in the English language have over 14,000 dictionary definitions. Considering that dictionary definition reflects only a tiny percentage of all possible meanings for a word and that people from different cultures and with experiences interpret words differently, it is amazing that people can understand another at all. 2. Indiscrimination is the neglect of individual differences and the overemphasis of similarities. Indiscrimination is a form of perceptual set in which a person chooses to ignore differences and changes in events, things, and people Language plays a significant role in the tendency to see similarities between things, even when they don't exist. Nouns that categorize people (teenager divorce, student, professor, African American, government official, politician, and others) encourage people to focus on similarities. Statements such as "Politicians are crooks." "Teenagers are unruly" may be interpreted to include all politicians and all teenagers, instead of some politicians and some teenagers. Such categorization often results in stereotyping. A stereotype is categorizing events, objects, and people without regard to unique individual characteristics and qualities. Stereotypes are often negative, but they may also be positive. For example, "All teachers are dedicated professionals," "All environmentalists are concerned citizens." Whether the stereotype is negative or positive, the problem is the same; Individual qualities are ignored. Stereotyping is quick and easy to do because it does not require analysis, investigation or thought. 3. Language Can Cause Polarization Polarization is the tendency to view things in terms of extremes - rich or poor, beautiful, or ugly, large, or small, high, or low, good, or bad, intelligent, or stupid, even though most things exist somewhere between. This either-or, black, or white way of thinking is aggravated by aspects of language. Polarization can be destructive, escalating conflict to the point at which two parties simply cannot communicate. Speakers can avoid the dangers of polarization by recognizing the potential for misunderstanding and by making statements that do not represent unnuanced extremes. 4. Language Can Be Sexist. When men and women communicate with each other, there is the potential for clash and conflict because of different language use. The problem is magnified when sexist language is used either consciously or unconsciously. The goal for smooth communication 7  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION is to use gender-inclusive language- language that does not discriminate against males or females. not be interested and may not pay attention to information that could be vitally important to them. Sexual stereotypes and the assumption that one gender characterize sexist language. Words with positive connotation are often superior used to describe males - independent, logical, strong, confident, aggressive; females are often associated with words having negative connotations dependent, illogical, weak, gullible, timid. Sexist language suggests that that is used to discriminate can be quite subtle. Consider these statements: one gender is more important than and superior to the other. Language that is used to discriminate can be quite subtle. Consider these statements: "She is the president of the company and she's a woman"; "Wanda got that position because she's a woman." They describe women who have risen to high positions, but they also imply that women do not typically hold these positions or that the only reason Wanda got the position was because she's a woman. In other words, they imply that women are less qualified than men. Gender stereotypes influence perceptions and behaviors of both men and women. Stereotypes of women affect both how they are treated in society and how they think of themselves. Language is one significant means of perpetuating these stereotypes. Avoiding sexist language and substituting gender-inclusive terms represent a positive step toward doing away with them. How to Use Language Effectively People of all ages, cultures, and educational levels use language every day. Nevertheless, the ability to use language efficiently and effectively requires years of practice and study. Although many variables influence the effectiveness of language use, five aspects of language merit special attention. They are accuracy, vividness, immediacy, appropriateness, and metaphor. 1. Use Accurate Language Using accurate language is important to a speaker. Choosing a wrong word can distort your intended message, misguide your receiver, and undermine your credibility. When you speak, your goal should be precision. Don't leave for misinterpretation. You should constantly ask yourself, "What do I want to say?" and "What do I mean?" If necessary, consult a dictionary to be sure you have chosen the correct word to express your message. The more words you can accurately, the more likely that you will find the one you need to make your meaning clear. You must expand your Vocabulary. Two of the best ways to do this are through listening to others and reading. Pay attention to words that you don't understand. Whenever you come across an unfamiliar word, determine the context in which it is used and consult a dictionary to find its meaning. Once you have learned a new word, try to put it to use. Words that are used are usually forgotten. Expanding your vocabulary takes effort and time, but with practice, it can become part of your daily routine. Sometimes a message is unclear because it was not structured effectively. Poor sentence structure and word usage can wreak havoc on a statement's clarity. For example, classified ads in newspapers frequently are so condensed that their intended meaning becomes distorted or obscured. For example, "Room for rent for ladies with wide windows and secured gate." 8  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Obviously, the advertisement knew what they intended to communicate, but their failure to phrase their messages accurately interfered with conveying the meaning. When conversing, you can easily clear up misunderstandings caused by scrambled sentences or poor word choice. You must be aware of listeners' reactions to what you are saying. If they appear confused, you should rephrase the message right away. Effective speakers do not assume that what is clear to them will necessarily be clear to listeners. They are especially aware of this potential problem in situations such as public speeches, during which listeners might not be able to ask questions. To ensure comprehension, speakers should strive to make their meaning clear by using familiar and concrete words rather than abstract language. 2. Use Vivid Language To communicate effectively, make your message animated and interesting. Direct, fresh language given in the active voice can bring a sense of excitement, urgency and forcefulness to what you say. Vividness tells your audience that they better listen because what you have to say is important. For example, your organization is trying to raise money for homeless people. You may present statistics to illustrate the number of people who are believed to be homeless. Next, you may present actual cases of individuals who are homeless including children and their families. The vividness of the presentation will get your listeners' attention. Vivid language is more persuasive, memorable and has an emotional impact. Vivid messages are more likely to create readily retained and record mental messages. Finally, people tend to listen more attentively to vivid messages than to uninspiring or uninteresting messages. Effective communicators use vivid language in all their interactions, whether it's one-on-one with friends or family, in small groups, or in the public area. Whenever possible, avoid cliches, and use interesting words, try to use active verbs, and provide to keep your listeners interested in what you have to say if you use fresh use slang appropriately, with the appropriate audiences. You are more likely language to present ideas in new and exciting ways. 3. Use Immediate Language Verbal immediacy identifies and projects the speaker's feeling and makes the message more relevant to the listener. Verbal immediacy draws listeners in and involves them in the subject at hand. Take note of the following statements: (1) We will have a great time at our class reunion. (2) I think you will enjoy the class reunion. (3) Many enjoy class reunions. 9  MODULE: OLENG01 – PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION The first statement is directly related to the speaker, the listener, and the situation. It is assertive, and the speaker makes a connection with the listeners by using the word we. The other two statements decrease the intensity with the listeners and the event. The language becomes less immediate and more distant in tone. Verbal immediacy also makes the speaker appear relaxed, confident, competent, and effective. Also, receivers tend to view messages characterized by immediacy as like their own beliefs more readily than those cast in language unrelated to the speaker, topic, or receiver. 4. Use Appropriate Language Each time you speak, your listeners have specific expectations about the language you will use. Different kinds of language are appropriate to different situations. For example, the language you would use in addressing the president of your college or university would be much more formal than the language you would use when you are chatting with friends. Using language that is inappropriate for a given situation damages your credibility, and your message might be misinterpreted or disregarded. It is, therefore, crucial to assess each speaking situation and adjust your language accordingly. In public situations, profanity, improper grammar, and slang are always inappropriate. https://prezi.com/dmytcxjrocxi/immediate-language/ https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/vivid-language/ https://slideplayer.com/slide/14794686/ 10