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Communication Theories

Human communication permeates the human condition. Human communication surrounds us and is an in-built aspect of everything human beings are and do. That makes any effort to explain, predict, or to some extent control human communication a pretty big order. How does one get a handle on the totality of human communication?

- Frank Dance

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Arrow Theory

Introduction“I communicate by memos because I know I’ve

communicated. Then I know I did my job!!!” Effectiveness

Clearly and precisely put my thoughts into words. Speak with credibility. My talk forces action.

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Arrow cont.

Communication Breakdowns Failure= Blame Failure = Incompetence

Accoutrements Pro-management Downward comm. Directive

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Arrow cont.

Origins Past Training Communication Training Personality Traits

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Arrow Cont.

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Arrow Cont.

Scorecard Effective Expression = Effective Commun. Passive Information Processors Words contain meaning Focus on clear expression Links words to actions

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Arrow cont.

I didn't hate them because they were dumb, I didn't hate them because they had spilled our blood for nothing. I hated them because of their arrogance .. because they had convinced themselves that they actually knew what they were doing and that we were too minor to understand the "Big Picture”.

- Chuck Horner

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Circuit Theory

Introduction Key terms - networking, going with the flow,

making connections Emphases

Feedback over response Relationship over content Process over purpose Understanding over compliance

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Circuit cont.

Examples Elton - “I just want everyone to get along” Smart-talk trap = Sound smart, but no action

Effectiveness Actively listen to employees in order to make

them happy. Sensitive employee needs Open to employees.

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Circuit cont.

Circuit Breakers Poor climate Misunderstanding Hidden agendas

Origins Business schools Communication training Personality

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Circuit cont.

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Circuit cont.

Accoutrements Change initiation Sources of innovation Direction of communication

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Circuit cont.

Evaluation Understanding = Effective Comm. Connections

Feedback Relationship issue

Disconnections Goals of comm. Understanding = agreement

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Dance Theory

Communication has multiple purposes. Comm. involves coordinating meanings. Comm. involves co-orientation. Comm. is rule-governed. Comm. has patterns.

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Dance cont.

Communicators develop skills that are often unconscious.

The beauty of comm. is a function of the degree of coordination.

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Dance

Fortunately, there is no relationship between your ability to dance and your skill at communicating.