Chapter 8: Communicating Clearly

Objectives

• Explain how you use communication in your daily life.

• Describe different types of communication.

• Use speaking and listening skills that will help you send and receive clearer messages.

• Explain the five levels of communication.

• Discuss the four communication zones.

• Describe blocks to communication.

• List ways to improve your communication skills.

The Role of Communication

• Communication is a two-part process used to exchange information.

• Nearly every task you do and every goal you reach is affected by it.

• Strong communication skills are needed to do many types of jobs.

• Employers will not hire people who cannot speak and write well.

Verbal Communication

• Verbal Communication – Communication that involves words.

• This process is used to share a message between two or more people.

• The sender is the person who begins the process by initiating the conversation, phone call, letter, or e-mail.

• The receiver is the one who gets the message and decides what it means.

• The process is completed when the receiver replies to the message.

E-mail and the Internet

• Using e-mail and other message formats on the Internet are efficient and fun ways to communicate.

• Review your message before sending it.

• Consider other people’s time when sending messages.

• Always use good writing skills when composing a message.

What is an I-Message?

• Not accusing are not belittling

• Use these to take responsibility for how you feel

• These messages are less threatening and help keep lines of communication open

What is a You-Message?

• Often used but more negative than an I-message

• Creates confrontation when you do not mean to

• Accusing and belittling

What is a We-Statement?

• Offers a further step in improving communication particularly in families

• These indicate the problem existing in a group or relationship

• Minimize individualistic aspects of a problem and emphasize togetherness

Nonverbal Communication• Nonverbal

Communication –Communication that involves factors other than words.

• Body Language – Facial expressions, posture, gestures, and other body movements used as means of nonverbal communication.

• Sometimes you send nonverbal messages even when you do not intend to communicate.

Mass Media and Art

• Mass Media are the forms of communication used to send messages to large numbers of people.

• Radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and billboards are all designed for mass communication.

• Another type of communication that reaches many people is art.

Techniques for Effective Communication• Feedback – All verbal and

nonverbal clues that tell what message the receiver received.

• Speakers must say exactly what they want their listeners to hear.

• Slang – Informal language made up of words that do not have standard meanings.

• Active listening – Asking questions and restating ideas to be sure a spoken message has been clearly understood.

Levels of Communication

• 1st Level – Small Talk

• It involves no sharing of yourself.

• 2nd Level – Telling Facts

• You may discuss your background, interests, and skills.

• 3rd Level – Expressing Ideas

• You express some of your ideas and let others know about yourself.

• 4th Level – Sharing Feelings

• You begin to share more of your thoughts and feeing's but you may still guard what you say.

• 5th Level – Being Completely Honest

• People at this level can share all their feelings and ideas.

Communication Zones

• Communication Zones – Four progressively greater distances around a person at which he or she feels comfortable dealing with others.

• The intimate zone is the space within two feet of the body and you are very aware of people who are in this zone.

• The personal zone is between two and three feet away from the body.

• The social zone is the space between one and three yards distance from the body.

• The public zone begins three yards from the body and extends outward.

Communication

• Constructive Communication –Communication that helps build relationships.

• Destructive communication –Communication that harms relationships.

Barriers to Communication

• People with Communication Limitations – Not everyone is able to speak clearly or hear well and some people have disabilities that limit their communication skills.

• Fears – Some people do not receive messages because they are afraid of what they might hear.

• Distractions – These include random movements, noises, and comments that keep people from focusing on the main topic.

• Mixed Messages – These messages might cause confusion, such as a person’s words might send one message, while his or her body language sends an opposite message.

• Gripes – These are complaints that are a third block to communication . To make themselves feel better, people complain.

Barriers to Communication Cont.• Closed Minds – People who have

closed minds believe their way of thinking or doing is the only way.

• Prejudice, Stereotypes, and Racism –

• A prejudice is an option formed without knowledge. Some people hold prejudices about those who are different, perhaps because they are afraid.

• A stereotype is the false belief that all members of a given group are the same people.

• Racism is the belief that members of one race are superior to all other races.

Terms to Know

• Empathy – Process of seeing things from another person’s view.

• Cliques – A narrow, exclusive group of people held together by common interests.

• Mediator – Third party that helps resolve conficts.

Terms to Know Cont.

• Hazing – A social groups intentional infliction of physical and emotional abuse.

• Bullying – Refers to infliction of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.

• Sexual Harassment –Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors for other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature.

Ways to Improve Communication

• Think before you speak.

• Listen before responding.

• Keep an open mind.

• Use I-Messages when seeking the facts.

• Avoid giving mixed messages.

• Recognize different meanings to your messages.

• Refuse to tell biased jokes or laugh at those other people tell.

• Practice speaking, writing, and active listening.