Positive Communication PDF

Positive Communication Aman S. Elemo (PhD)  Introduction Evolution of positive communication Defining positive communication Outline Constituent features of positive communication Positive communication in practice Conclusion  Int...

Positive Communication Aman S. Elemo (PhD)  Introduction Evolution of positive communication Defining positive communication Outline Constituent features of positive communication Positive communication in practice Conclusion  Introduction For long time, the dark side of interpersonal communication had been accentuated The new scholarship is a clarion call for paradigm shift Positive communication is a new branch within the communication discipline It examines relational communication that promotes happiness, health, and wellness. Irrespective of its virtues, positive communication remains under- researched.  Evolution of positive communication Though scattered studies on “positive” topics existed, positive interpersonal communication is a new inquiry. The evolution of PC is highly linked with the development of Positive Psychology Born out of urgency to studying communication in realms of happiness and social change, following the clarion call (strong request for something to happen), a lot of contributions have been made in different forms. However, still there is a dearth of theoretical and practical frameworks to consolidate PC.  Defining positive communication “a new branch of communication that works toward increasing happiness or well-being through interpersonal interactions ” (Velázquez & Pulido 2019). “peak communication - those moments of interaction between individuals that bring a deep sense of joy, fulfillment, or happiness” (Mirivel, 2019). “human interaction that is made based on positive emotions, with the aim of mutual understanding and satisfying for all the parties involved ” (Arkadyevna, 2014  Defining positive communication Pitts and Socha (2013) suggest that positive communication cannot be characterized as simply the absence of negative verbal and nonverbal communication, “but rather the presence of positive, enhancing and facilitative talks and gestures”, that contribute to the positive relationships and institutional thriving. “message processes that promote hedonic (pleasure) and eudaemonism (means of attaining happiness) happiness” (Wilson & Munz, 2019).  Constituent features of Positive communication o Greeting o Asking “The biggest communication problem is we do o Complimenting not listen to understand. We listen to reply.” o Disclosing Stephen R. Covey o Encouraging o Listening  The power of positive communication “… positive communication can transform any ordinary moment of human interaction into an extraordinary one” (Mirivel, 2018:58) Practicing positive communication (PC) PC has strong power in smoothening the interpersonal relationships However, it is not easy to become positive communicator Positive communication is an art that can be learned, practiced and mastered We can bring positive communication to our daily lives by practicing it in various life aspects … Practicing positive communication If we’re not in the field recognizing our people when they are following the right behaviors it’s impossible to reinforce as required in order to achieve a consistent performance outcome. Positive reinforcement should be balanced in a 4 to 1 ratio of positive remarks to one punishment or negative reinforcer. “…If such a shift (accentuating the positive perspective) is taken seriously, studies would focus less on the role of communication in solving family problems and more on the role of family communication in creating conditions that might prevent family problems” Thomas "Tom" Socha | Old Dominion University  Positive/Sincere greeting opens human contact positive first impression non-threatening interaction triggers positive conversations valuing existence of the other person Power of Positive Greeting set a positive tone for the promote their sense of rest of the day belonging boosting their academic reducing disruptive engagement behaviour Impact of Positive Greetings Positive greetings at the door of classroom increased students' academic engagement by 20% and decreased disruptive classroom behavior by 9%. Greeting boosts academic engagements  Tips for positive greeting Positive intention Nice words (appraisal and positive words) Avoid negative interaction (e.g phubbing) Call their names + use their native language Good wish and empathy Good gesture smiling face full attention eye contact positive tone Shaking & Hugging Asking as positive communication Why asking? What makes asking positive communication?  Why asking ? People need to be heard, recognized and given attention They want to share their feelings. They need trust to share their feelings. If they lose that genuine attention and judged they may get depressed That may take lead them to feel less Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for worth about themselves and sometimes someone is asking them if they are doing upto suicidal thoughts. okay!  The value of asking people “how are you doing?” Activity Why we do not ask? Through asking we discover people’s stories Open-ended Asking about their questions emotional experiences Empathy Attention is one the Empathic A simple talk precious gift we can understanding/com can save life give to others munication E.g., How was your day today? Validating emotions How was the class? How are and feelings you feeling these days?  Challenges in our time (Why we don’t ask?) Why we don’t ask?)  Judging  Mindreading  The impact of communication technologies on our face-to- face interaction  But, asking is not only about approaching people with the sense of helping or empathy, but also to improve our relationship which has mutual benefit.  If we don’t ask we can’t know what others say, intend or do.  Activity Do you remember any moment when someone asked you sincerely about your emotional experiences or any other story that was memorable to you?  If so, how did that influence you?  Have you ever asked someone else, too ? Complimenting (Affects People Positively)  What is complimenting? Complimenting is “the communicative choice to affect others positively”  Appreciating good in people (possession, characteristic, skill, etc.)  When communicating we do not just share information, but we affect people we are communicating with in the present and in the future Complimenting can build up people and affect them positively as just a single message of gratitude can bring about an extraordinary social change.  The central function is to create and reinforce solidarity between and among people.  Complimenting requires an interest as well as being able to see the positive in people and what they are doing. Studies found that gratitude or being thankful and expressing it to others is good for our health and happiness.  Negativity prevails (looking to the bad in people, ignoring the good) Why criticism? Criticism and “YOU” Statement Ruins Relationships  Accepting vs giving compliments Do you compliment others? How do you give and accept compliments? How do those compliments affect you and your wellbeing? How is your culture like on complementing? Compliments should be realistic, simple and specific. Giving and receiving positive feedback can exponentially improve your relationships with others and yourself. A simple act of compliment can change people’s life Activity: Compliment to others Think of someone who is still alive and made positive impact in your life Sit down and write a letter of gratitude to this individual. Describe with possible details what the person did for you and how their actions have affected your life Call this individual, schedule a time for personal visit, and don’t tell them what the meeting is about When you finally meet them physically, tell them you want to read them a letter. Read the letter every word load until you finish. After the letter talk together about the experience and see if expressing gratitude made a difference.