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CM 206CM 206Unit 1 SeminarUnit 1 Seminar

Agenda• Welcome and introductions• Review of course syllabus, class policies, and assignments• Questions?• Seminar questions: What specific areas of your

interpersonal communication would you expect to address in this course?

• What strategies can you use to help you successfully complete the course content?

• How will improving your interpersonal communication benefit your personal and professional relationships?

• Overview of Interpersonal Communication

COURSE DESCRIPTION  • This course introduces students to the principles of

interpersonal communication and emphasizes how to be a more effective communicator in professional and personal situations. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication in varying contexts, focusing on professional communication as well as personal, social, and cultural dimensions. Topics include the communication process, the influence of perception on communication, verbal and nonverbal elements of interaction, listening, the communication of emotions, conflict management and effective communication strategies.

COURSE OUTCOMES    • CM206-1: Explain how self-concept and perception impact

interpersonal communication• CM206-2: Identify the roles of verbal and nonverbal communication

in interpersonal interactions • CM206-3: Analyze what constitutes effective interpersonal

communication in diverse contexts • General Education Outcomes: In addition, the following General

Education outcomes are assessed during this course:• GEL-7.1 Identify the ethical issues within the field of interpersonal

communication • GEL-1.1: Demonstrate college-level communication through the

composition of original materials in Standard American English

LATE POLICY

• Extenuating Circumstances:  If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from completing projects, quizzes, seminars or participating in the class, please contact the instructor to make alternative arrangements. 

Without Extenuating Circumstances:

• Points will be reduced by 10% per unit the paper is late. 

• Final projects wil be reduced by 5% per day. 

Incompletes • Incompletes provide students with limited

additional time to complete coursework after the term’s end.  To be considered for an incomplete, you should have completed approximately 75% of the coursework.  Please see the Kaplan University catalog for further information.  Whether or not to grant an incomplete is your instructor’s decision. The deadline for requesting an incomplete for the July C term is Monday, September 27, 2010.  Incomplete coursework is due October 15, 2010.

RUBRICS 

• Discussion Questions provide a forum for students to ask questions and answer important questions about the course material.  The discussion questions also allow students to receive feedback from the instructor and other students in the class. A discussion question grade will be posted to the grade sheet for each Unit.

•  

Rubrics

• Be sure to review the rubrics for seminars, discussion board, and projects listed in the syllabus.

For discussion

• What questions do you have on the class policies or syllabus?

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ConceptsConcepts• Words Mean Different Things to

Different People.• The Initiation of a Message

Provides No Assurance It Has Been Received.

• Communications Often Become Distorted as They Are Transmitted.

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Why is Communication Why is Communication Important?Important?

• Everything a person does involves communication.

• Ineffective communication skills can lead to problems in our personal and professional relationships.

•

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What Is the Interpersonal What Is the Interpersonal Communication Process?Communication Process?

• Communication

• Sequential Steps• Encoded• Transmitted• Decoding• Noise• Feedback

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Exhibit 3-1: The Communication Process ModelExhibit 3-1: The Communication Process Model

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Basic Interpersonal Basic Interpersonal Communication SkillsCommunication Skills

• Avoid Barriers to Communication.• Send Understandable Messages:

Effective communication.• Actively Listen.• Utilize Non-verbal Signals.• Give and Solicit Meaningful Feedback.• Adapt to Diversity of Communication

Styles… try multiple channels

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What Are the BarriersWhat Are the BarriersTo Communication?To Communication?

• Frames of Reference

• Semantics

• Value Judgments

• Selective Listening

• Filtering

• Distrust

For discussion

• What specific areas of your interpersonal communication would you expect to address in this course?

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Attributes of effective Attributes of effective communicationcommunication

• Problem oriented not person oriented

“I don’t like the way you dress for work.”

“You are not very professional.”

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Attributes of effective Attributes of effective communicationcommunication

• Descriptive versus evaluative• Avoid judgment• How:

1. describe objectively;

2. focus on the behavior and your reaction not the other’s attributes;

3. focus on solutions

“You screwed up”

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Attributes of effective Attributes of effective communicationcommunication

• specific not global

“you never ask for my advice”

“You are lazy”

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Attributes of effective Attributes of effective communicationcommunication

• Owned not disowned• Use of “I statements” not “you or other

statements”

“I’ve heard that you…”

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Attributes of effective Attributes of effective communicationcommunication

• Two way not one way• Listening by responding

Understand your learning styles

• http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=PHR1501

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Exhibit 3-2: Guides for Giving and Receiving FeedbackExhibit 3-2: Guides for Giving and Receiving Feedback

Criteria for Giving Feedback

1. Make sure your comments are intended to help recipient.2. Speak directly and with feeling.3. Describe what the person is doing and the effect the

person is having.4. Don’t be threatening or judgmental.5. Be specific, not general (use clear and recent examples).6. Give feedback when the recipient is open to accepting it.7. Check to ensure the validity of your statements.8. Include only things the receiver can do something about.9. Don’t overwhelm the person with more than can be

handled.

For discussion

• What strategies can you use to help you successfully complete the course content?

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How Can YouHow Can YouUtilize Nonverbal Cues?Utilize Nonverbal Cues?

• Visual

• Tactile

• Vocal

• Time and Space

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Exhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal CommunicationExhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal Communication

Components Examples Meanings Communicated

Image Clothing, hygiene Values, competenceFacial Expressions Frown, smile, sneer Unexpressed feelingsEye Movements Looking away, staring Intentions, state of mindPosture Leaning in, slumped AttitudeGestures Handshake, wave Intentions, feelings

VISUAL

Touch Pat on the back ApprovalGentle touch on an arm Support and concern

TACTILE

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Exhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal CommunicationExhibit 3.3: Means of Nonverbal Communication(continued)(continued)

Components Examples Meanings Communicated

How things are said Loudness, pitch, rate Different meanings, e.g.Vocal intonations Rhythm, pitch, clarity Sarcasm, disapproval

VOCAL

SPACIAL

Body closeness 0 – 2 feet Feelings of intimacyFurniture arrangement Large pieces far apart Formal and serious

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• Differences in Communication Styles• The Socializer• The Director• The Thinker• The Relater

How Can You Adapt to DiversityHow Can You Adapt to Diversityof Communication Styles?of Communication Styles?

For discussion

• How will improving your interpersonal communication benefit your personal and professional relationships?