Communication is the process by which individuals use symbols and behaviors to exchange information, share meaning, and develop relationships. It is defined by six key characteristics: communication is symbolic, uses a shared code, is linked to culture, is intentional, is mediated through a channel, and is transactional between a sender and receiver. Effective communication serves important functions like building affiliation, achieving goals, and influencing others. How people perceive and interpret communication is influenced by their selection of information to attend to, organization of that information, and assignment of meaning. Language is the system of symbols used to think and communicate, but it also presents challenges due to issues of semantics, pragmatics, labeling, biases, and different contexts.

1. CommunicationEssential Human Behavior

2. What IS Communication?Communication is the process by which individual use symbols and behaviors to exchange informationShare Meaning Create Understanding Develop Relationships

3. Communication is a process defined by six characteristics:Communications is:SymbolicA Shared CodeLinked to CultureIntentionalMediatedTransactional

4. SymbolicSymbols such as languageA Shared CodeEncoding = mentally constructing Decoding = interpreting and assigning meaningLinked to CultureShared beliefs, values, and practicesIntentionalReally? Interpersonal vs IntrapersonalMediatedA medium to “transport” symbols; channelsTransactionalSender and Receiver

5. Functions of Communication:Affiliation – gain acceptanceAchieve goals – task orientedInfluence others – control

6. Modeling CommunicationThe Linear Model

7. Modeling CommunicationThe Interaction Model

8. Modeling CommunicationThe Competent Communication Model

9. PerceptionProcess of becoming aware of objects and events from the five senses and beyondHow we assign meaning – the heart of communicationQuick categorization of information/input

10. Perception ProcessSelection – identifying information we will attend to and which we will ignore (schemas)Organization – filing system for the brain, categorization. (stereotyping)Interpretation – making sense out of the information; assign meaning.

11. Changing our perceptionsUnderstand ourselves; self actualizationUnderstand how we manage our own circles of influence and identities – changes over timeWords crystallize perceptionsCheck with othersDistinguish between facts and inferenceMonitor the self-serving bias

12. Chapter 3Language andCommunication

13. LanguageThe system of symbols (words) that we use to think about and communicate experiences and feelings

14. The Nature of LanguageLanguage is symbolicWords have multiple meaningsDenotative meanings – consistent definitionConnotative meanings – emotional responseThought informs language and vice versa (cognitive language)

15. Functional Communication CompetenciesUsing language to express feelings

16. Using language to express creativity

17. Using language as a form of ritualProblems with LanguageSituation and meaningSemantics – word meaningPragmatics – appropriate use of wordsLimits of Labeling

18. Problems with LanguageConfusing facts, opinions, and inferences

19. Fact: something true and verifiable

20. Opinion: personal evaluations

21. Inferences: conclusions about what we observeThe Dangers of Biased LanguageBiased language openly excludes or implies something negative

22. Political correctness may not be the solutionLanguage in ContextThe relational context

23. The situational context

24. High language: formal, polite, or “mainstream” language

25. Low language: easy going language for more comfortable environmentsLanguage in ContextTechnology as Context

26. When using technology, you must use strong, clear language to make up for lack of nonverbal cues

27. English has become the language of technology

28. Acronyms and emoticons can enhance communication