Communication, Debating and Negotiation Skills (Eng 313) PDF

Communication, Debating and Negotiation Skills (Eng 313) Part Two  Recap: So far, we have covered: - Definitions of Communication - The elements of the simple communication cycle - The communication process, its elements and their definitions - The contexts of communication However, wh...

Communication, Debating and Negotiation Skills (Eng 313) Part Two  Recap: So far, we have covered: - Definitions of Communication - The elements of the simple communication cycle - The communication process, its elements and their definitions - The contexts of communication However, when we look deeper, there are eight elements that constitute the communication process : Source, Message, Channel, Receiver, Feedback, Environment, Context and Interference. The Five Contexts of Communication  Class Overview Communication Models Communication Styles Types of Communication Principles of Effective Communication  Communication Models “a model is a selective representation in verbal or diagrammatic form of some aspect of the dynamic process of communication.” In other words, models of communication provide us with a visual representation of the different aspects of a communication situation.  The Importance of Communication Models To simplify the process of understanding communication. Understanding communication models can help us: Think about our communication situations more deliberately, Learn from our previous experiences, and Better prepare for future communication situations.  Models of Communication These models are divided into three categories: Linear models: One-way communication methods Interactive models: Two-way communication methods Transactional models: Two-way conversations wherein the message becomes more complex as the event (discussion) progresses.  Linear Communication Model The linear communication model describes communication as a linear, one-way process in which a sender intentionally transmits a message to a receiver/listener through a channel. The message can be comprised of words, sounds, or behaviours. Obstacles that interfere with the message are considered noise.  Linear Communication Model This model focuses on the sender and message within a communication encounter. Although the receiver is included in the model, their role is viewed as more of a target or end point rather than part of an ongoing process. The receiver either successfully receives and understands the message or does not. The scholars who designed this model extended on a linear model proposed by Aristotle centuries before that included a speaker, message, and hearer. They were also influenced by the advent and spread of new communication technologies of the time such as telegraphy and radio Linear Communication Model  The Interactive or Interactional Communication Model It describes communication as a process in which participants alternate positions as sender and receiver Generate meaning by sending messages and receiving feedback within physical and psychological contexts Rather than illustrating communication as a linear, one - way process, the interactive model incorporates feedback, which makes communication a more interactive, two-way process.  The Interactive or Interactional Communication Model It also takes into consideration both the sender ’s and receiver ’s field of experience. The field of experience includes the environment, culture, experiences, and upbringing that can influence the message for both the sender and the receiver. Feedback includes messages sent in response to other messages.  The Interactive or Interactional Communication Model Feedback includes messages sent in response to other messages. The inclusion of a feedback loop also leads to a more complex understanding of the roles of participants in a communication encounter. Rather than having one sender, one message, and one receiver, this model has two sender-receivers who exchange messages. Each participant alternates roles as sender and receiver in order to keep a communication encounter going. Although this seems like a perceptible and deliberate process, we alternate between the roles of sender and receiver very quickly and often without conscious thought. Thus, there are two differences between the linear model and the interactive model of communication. - the inclusion of feedback - the incorporation of the field of experience. Both elements highlight that rarely are we communicating in a vacuum (void) where our message is not received and reacted to either through words or non-verbal cues and that messages are neither sent nor received in a vacuum but impacted by a number of characteristics.  The Transactional Communication Model The transactional communication model, like the interactional model, considers and places more emphasis on the field of experience and incorporates more overlap between the sender’s and receiver’s fields of experience. This principle demonstrates a connectedness between the messages and the people involved in the process which is “dynamic” rather than static. Each party is engaged in a transaction of give and take building the message together. You see this in the change of terms from sender and receiver to communicator.  What Are Pathos, Logos, and Ethos? Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are three strategies commonly employed when attempting to persuade a recipient. Pathos, or the appeal to emotion, means to persuade an audience by purposely evoking certain emotions to make them feel the way the author wants them to feel. Authors make deliberate word choices, use meaningful language, and use examples and stories that evoke emotion. Authors can desire a range of emotional responses, including sympathy, anger, frustration, or even amusement. Logos, or the appeal to logic, means to appeal to the audiences ’ sense of reason or logic. To use logos, the author makes clear, logical connections between ideas, and includes the use of facts and statistics. Using historical and literal analogies to make a logical argument is another strategy. There should be no holes in the argument, also known as logical fallacies, which are unclear or wrong assumptions or connections between ideas. Ethos is used to convey the writer ’s credibility and authority. When evaluating a piece of writing, the reader must know if the writer is qualified to comment on this issue. The writer can communicate their authority by using credible sources; choosing appropriate language; demonstrating that they have fairly examined the issue (by considering the counterargument); introducing their own professional, academic or authorial credentials; introducing their own personal experience with the issue; and using correct grammar and syntax.  Styles of Communication There are four main styles of communication: Passive, Aggressive, Passive-aggressive, Assertive. Styles of Communication Styles of Communication  Passive Communication Style - Passive Communication often looks like not communicating at all for fear of speaking up. This can often lead to misunderstandings, built-up anger, or resentment. Another way of describing it is the “people-pleaser” type. - It involves not expressing feelings or needs, ignoring your own personal rights and allowing others to do so. It is self-effacing, conflict- avoidant and might be easy going. - Deferring to others for decision making to avoid tension or conflict. (Let the assertive or aggressive lead the way) - However, a passive communicator is not always happy, as this style can lead to resentment as the person is unable to communicate their opinions, needs and wants clearly. They can find it difficult to effectively express themselves, and want to avoid confrontation at all costs. This can directly lead to their good ideas never being heard, or for miscommunications to come up.  Aggressive Communication Style - Aggressive Communication tends to be driven by anger and judgment and can also result in inflexibility. - This can create a hostile environment due to the hostile and threatening style. It mostly comes from a place of wanting to win at all costs. - It involves: expressing feelings, needs, and ideas at the expense of others; ignoring others’ rights in order to support your own, being defensive or hostile when confronted by others. - An aggressive communicator behaves as if their contribution to the conversation is more important than anyone else, and the content of their message is often lost because of the tone of their delivery. - It often alienates and hurts others making them feel belittled and intimidated. Although can help meet your needs quickly, it proves in ineffective on the long run and in different contexts.  Passive-Aggressive Communication Style - Passive-Aggressive Communication might mean you do not directly communicate your feelings, but you hold on to negative emotions and let those affect your actions. - This can cause confusion and resentment. - It involves appearing passive on the surface, but subtly acting out anger, exerting control over others by using sarcasm and indirect communication, or avoiding the conversation, and limited consideration for the rights, needs, or feelings of others.  Assertive Communication Style Assertive Communication is confident but also respectful of others' thoughts and feelings. It creates space for honest conversations and promotes healthy connections between individuals. It is direct, honest communication of thoughts and feelings. It fosters respecting the feelings, ideas, and needs of others while also asserting your own. It is considered to be the most effective communication style. People often misinterpret assertive behaviour as aggressive. (Do you agree with this opinion?)  Communication Styles Most of us do not use a single communication style in every interaction. These communication styles are simply tools that you can use to communicate. In general, assertive communication is most likely to lead to respectful and longer-term relationships. However, passive and aggressive communication might work better on some occasions. For example, if you are feeling fearful that you are about to be harmed, passive communication may help to defuse the situation, and aggressive communication might prevent the problem from getting worse.  How can you become a more assertive communicator? Speak from a place of confidence. If you ’re not a naturally confident person, fake it ‘till you make it! You know best what you need to be more successful, trust yourself. Consider both your needs and the needs of those you are communicating with. Try to be solution-oriented, positive, and sensitive to the other person’s point of view. Take a look at your verbs. Don’t sugarcoat things or soften them. Say “will” instead of “could” or “should“. Think of how different these two sentences sound: “I will take the lead on this project. ” vs. “I could take the lead on this project.”  Types of Communication All communication can be classified into four types: Verbal, Nonverbal, Written and Visual. Some theorists believe that Active Listening is among the types of communication. All these types use a similar model of the sender encoding a message and sending it along a channel where the receiver decodes it. Each of these types has certain advantages and disadvantages.  Verbal communication This type of communication is exactly what it sounds like: verbal conversation that includes sounds, words, and language. It is said to be the most effective way to express emotions, feelings, opinions, and needs. If used correctly, words can help you be very straightforward and concise while leaving little room for question or assumption. In a face-to-face format, it is quick and offers the opportunity for immediate feedback. It is seen as the ideal form of communication. However, verbal communication may not allow time for reflection and careful consideration.  Verbal communication Some theorist propose that there are types of verbal communication such as Intrapersonal, which is when we communicate to ourselves through our thoughts or out loud. Intrapersonal communication is the process of communicating with oneself. It is an internal dialogue that occurs within a person's mind. It is a self-talk process that helps individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Interpersonal, which is communication between two or more people which can be in Small group or Public Speaking  Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication, according to Britannica, is the transfer of information from one person to another without the use of words or spoken language. It is the process of conveying a message without the use of words but includes the elements of body language, eye contact, facial expressions, hand gestures, tone of voice, posture, and even space (called non -verbal cues) (Saylor Academy, 2012). There are several cultural factors that can influence the interpretation of nonverbal communication. Therefore, it is important not make assumptions about nonverbal cues and to ask if you need clarity. This could be considered a barrier to communication.  Nonverbal Communication The ways that you look, move, listen react to other people tells them more about how you are feeling than words ever will. By using open body language like uncrossed arms, sitting on the edge of your seat and maintaining eye contact you will be able to enhance effective communication. Movements can help to emphasize your verbal message.  Nonverbal Communication By improving your ability to understand and use nonverbal cues you will be able to connect with other people, express what you really mean, navigate your way through difficult situations and build better relationships in any situation you may find yourself. This means being aware of your own body language and how it affects the message you’re sending, as well as reading the cues of the other person.  Written Communication The third type of communication, written communication, includes emails, texts, signs, cover letters, resumes, job evaluations, and anything else communicated by writing. Written communication may also be advantageous when you need to send the same information to a large group of people, it saves time and decrease the chance of misinterpretation. While written communication allows for more reflection in the writing process and even editing and proofreading, it does not offer immediate feedback from the receiver. Remember to consider the message and the channel when planning communication.  Visual Communication Visual Communication is the process of conveying meaning—be it ideas, instructions, data, or other kinds of information—through graphics rather than text or audio. Visual communication is storytelling; it is how we communicate information and create experiences across a range of visual mediums. It can be found within design, illustration, photography, art and advertising; it could be an image, a quote, a campaign, a film or an animation.  Communication Goals What needs to be communicated and why? Remember that it is important to set a communication goal before you start your communication in order to plan effectively what needs to be communicated and why and to know your how. Your goal should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound). Make a list of the steps that you need to achieve that goal. Break it down into even smaller steps.  Keep in Mind The seven C's of communication are a list of principles or values, a framework for people to apply to their communication. The 7Cs are: Concise Complete Coherent Clear Courteous Concrete Correct.  Five Fundamental Communication Principles Principle One: Be aware of your communication with yourself and others. Principle Two: Effectively use and interpret verbal messages. Principle Three: Effectively use and interpret nonverbal messages. Principle Four: Listen and respond thoughtfully to others. Principle Five: Appropriately adapt messages to others