Communicating with Others

Chapter 10

Communication – any means by which you share a message with another person

• Words, gestures, a combination of the two may be used. You may choose to write your message.

• We are a part of the “communications generation.” New technology is changing our means of communicating everyday.

• Even with all the technology available, we still must be able to communicate in a clear concise manner that is easily understood.

Poor communication accounts for many misunderstandings among friends, family members, and even among nations.

Communication involves a sender and a receiver.Sender – transmits the message in a variety of ways.Receiver – hears and interprets the message.A message may be hard to understand if the sender does not send clear accurate and complete messages. The receiver needs skills in listening and interpreting the message.

Forms of Communication

• Verbal Communication – uses words (writing, emailing, texting, speaking)

• Nonverbal Communication – uses factors other than words (gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and body movements)

Word of Caution!

• You may not always be aware of the nonverbal messages you are sending, but those around you may still receive nonverbal messages from you.

Listening• Listening skills are just as

important as skills in sending messages.

• The way in which a person listens affects the quality of conversation.

• Good listeners can lead others into deeper conversation.

• Active Listening – nod, smile, eye contact or any other indication that a message has been received.

• Active listening encourages further communication.

• Feedback – communicating to the other person how you feel about what was said

Passive listening – taking in words and offering no sign of hearing or understanding of the message being sent.

• The sender gets the message that it isn’t worth trying to continue the conversation.

• Further communication is likely to be cut off.

Other types of negative communication/listening

• Careless listeners – pick out bits and pieces of conversation and don’t listen to the rest. This selective listening often causes people to take words out of context.

• Narrow listeners – hear only what they want to hear.

• Defensive listeners – read hostile meanings into what is being said. They have negative feelings because they think they’re being attacked.

Listening cont’d.

• Listening is a skill that can be developed.

• If there seems to be a misunderstanding, it is helpful to repeat what you’ve heard. This allows the sender to clarify the message.

• It is important to listen to the entire message.

Empathy v. Sympathy(Em – in) (Sym – with) (pathos – feeling)

• Empathy – the process of seeing things from another person’s point of view.

• You understand how that person feels and why, without necessarily sharing those feelings at the same time.

• Sympathy – I feel as you do.

• Sympathy is sometimes resented.

• Empathy is more likely to be appreciated and helpful.

Nonverbal Communication – Body Language

• Drumming Fingers and swinging legs = tension

• Smiling and nodding = enthusiasm• Steepling fingers = authority and control• Face to face contact = desire to

communicate• Folded arms, movement away from and

turning away = barriers to communication

Body Language cont’d.

• In peak communication, eye contact is maintained continually

Cultural Influences on Communication

• People from various cultures have characteristic patterns of nonverbal communication.

• Some stand closer to each other, some use their hands more often, demonstrations of affection are different, and some cultures are more reserved.

Your Appearance

• People form first impressions and lasting images of you according to the way you look.

• If you want to create a good impression, you should project a positive image.

• Not everyone is beautiful or handsome, but everyone can be well-groomed.

• Good grooming habits show you care about yourself and other people’s opinions of you.

• Even good quality clothing can create a poor impression if it is soiled or wrinkled

Your Appearance cont’d.

• Your posture is a clue to your personality.

• Slumped shoulders, bowed head, eyes on floor = wants to go unnoticed

• Lifted chin, squared shoulders = confidence

• Employers have the right to demand certain standards of grooming as they evaluate job applicants.