GC Definition and Utilization of Communication Skills Questions

ANSWER THE 3 QUESTIONS:

1.What is the skill?

2. How would you define this skill?

3 How will you apply this skill?

Origin of Communication Ideas

Human beings begin communicating from birth. Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages verbally, nonverbally, and electronically or what is called mediated communication.

Western philosophy of communication is rooted in the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. “Socrates (469-399 B.C.) was a classical Greek philosopher who is credited with laying the fundamentals of modern Western philosophy.” Socrates is well known for inventing the practice of preparing the teacher to ask students questions in a manner that allows the student to respond correctly. Although it is believed that Socrates never wrote any formal recordings of his work, his influence is widespread. In the field of communication his ideas about logic are important. That is the idea that communication can follow a logical pattern of thinking.  As we know this is not always true, but the possibility exists. (1. Encyclopedia Britannica).

Plato was born 428/427BCE in Athens Greece. He died 348/347BCE in Athens. Plato was a student of Socrates. Plato was the founder of the Academy, and author of many philosophical works. Plato was a member of the circle of men around Socrates. Women were excluded from these circles. It is within this circle that Plato began to develop his own philosophy. Since Socrates is believed to have not written any works, “what is known of his characteristic activity of engaging his fellow citizens (and the occasional itinerant celebrity) in conversation derives wholly from the writing of others, most notably Plato himself.” (2. Encyclopedia Britannica)

Plato is believed to have traveled to various parts of Greece, Italy, and Egypt. These travels influenced him. Many scholars believe that a significant portion of Plato’s works were influenced by the fundamental content of Egyptian thought. He established Plato’s Academy in 380BCE. Plato’s Academy was a center of research and learning. It is considered by many to be the ancestor of the modern university. In the field of communication, discourse and logic are key ideas that have evolved from this primary source of learning. (3 Encyclopedia Britannica)

Research indicates Aristotle was a member of Plato’s Academy for twenty years. Aristotle often discusses issues by contrasting his view with the view of his teacher Plato.

“For Plato the crown of ethics is the good in general, or Goodness itself (the Good), for Aristotle it is the good for human beings; and whereas for Plato the genus to which a thing belongs possesses a greater reality than the thing itself, for Aristotle the opposite is true. Plato’s emphasis on the ideal, Aristotle’s on the worldly…”(4 Encyclopedia Britannica)

In today’s world of fast paced technology, and various channels for sending and receiving messages; The ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are still a real part of the communication process. For example, in persuading someone it is important to include the ideas of ethos (ethics) pathos (emotions) and logos (logic) as part of the communication. These concepts are based on the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Socrates. Classical Greek Philospher. Founder of Western Philosphy. Image of Greek Male. Image © Shutterstock, Inc.

Plato. Founder of first institution of higher learning. Drawing of Greek Male Image © Shutterstock, Inc.

Aristotle. Founder Aristotelian School of thought. Artistic rendering of Aristotle Image © Shutterstock, Inc.

Communication is a primary example of the adage, “There is nothing new under the sun.” While we use computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices to transmit messages, the essence of the message is most effectively conveyed when the elements of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions), and logos (logic), are utilized with skill. Obviously, these ideas are not always used. However, the more the merrier. The more people who know and use the ideas of classical thought the better the communication, which has an impact on the world. Just as all things we deposit in the environment has an affect on the quality of life.

Types of Conversations and Presentations

Sharing information is an ongoing daily activity. Informative speaking is an important life skill, whether speaking in public, or in interpersonal relationships. Stephen Lucas explains in his writings that there are four types of informative presentations. When sharing information with others, it is helpful to utilize the types of informative presentation in order to create a clear picture.

Informative conversations about objects describe something that is visible, tangible, and stable in form. This could include places, structures, animals, and people. Informative presentations about processes, refers to a “systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or products.” Discussions about processes describe how something is made, how to do something, or explain how something works. Information sharing about concepts convey information “concerning beliefs, theories, principles, or other abstract subjects. (Lucas p.278-279).  Informative sharing about events, refers to any kind of happening or occurrence.  An occurrence can be historical such as the Civil Rights Movement, or modern event like The Black Lives Matter Movement. (5 Lucas 278-279)

Communication Appeals related to Credibility, Reasoning, and Emotions

When speaking, whether in private personal conversations or public addresses, a speaker, one who has credibility (ethos), is described as believable. According to Stephen E. Lucas, in his text, The Art of Public Speaking, “Credibility is the audience’s attitude toward the speaker.” The author goes on to explain that a person may have credibility in one situation but not in another. For example, a computer technician may be an expert at repairing computers, and be terrified of an in-person conversation. Lucas explains that credibility is affected by competence-intelligence, expertise, and knowledge of the field. (7 Lucas the Art of Public Speaking p313-315).

In today’s fast paced world of communication, the importance of logos (logic) is critical. A communicator’s use of examples, statistics, and testimony as evidence to prove or disprove something is relayed daily in news broadcasts, and in use of mediated (electronic communication), as well in daily conversations on social media and other communication experiences. The use or lack of use of different types of reasoning influences whether the point is made and understood or not.   Lucas explains in his text the different types of reasoning:

Reasoning from specific instances: progress from a number of particular facts to a general conclusion.

Reasoning from principle: moving from a general principle to specific conclusion.

Causal reasoning: establishing the connection between causes and effects

Analogical reasoning; to compare two similar cases to conclude that what is true in one case is true in another. (8) (Lucas 335-316)

Pathos or emotional appeals are on all our communication screens. Directing attention to one’s emotions are designed to stimulate feelings of anger, sadness, fear, reverence, love, hate, etc. Communicators stimulate emotional appeals through language, vivid examples, and sincerity. We find in movies, concerts and the entertainment industry, the use of these classical principles to maintain audience interest.(7Lucas 316-315).

Today, we have many different types of communication experiences. The entertainment industry feeds constant examples of communication processes that appeal to the sense of pleasure. In movies, radio, television ,recorded and live performances the idea of pleasure is the desired outcome. Many communication events apply the ideas of ethos (credibility), logos (logic), pathos (emotions) to make their points.

Different Types of Communication Systems

There are many different types of communication systems. For example, there is business communication, government communication, military communication, sign language, intercultural communication, nonverbal communication, family communication, interpersonal communication, mediated or electronic communication, Intrapersonal communication, (communicating with one’s self) face to face or in person communication.

The Communication Process

The communication process, regardless of the type of communication, includes some basic elements:

Sender (speaker): the source of the message

Receiver (listener): the recipient of the message

Channel: the method of sending or receiving the message (example: voice, cell phone, computer)

Feedback (Response to the message)

Communication Environment: aspects of the environment that affect communication such as noise, physical, mental and emotional states of being.

Circular Diagram of the Communication Process

Communication Is A Learned Behavior

Communication is a skill, a learned behavior. An awareness of the elements involved in the communication process can increase ability to communicate more effectively. The sender, or speaker, originates the message, which is directed to the receiver, or listener, through a channel, a mode of communicating, such as the physical body or electronic methods like texting, email, video calling, or telephone. Once the message is received, a response or feedback is sent in some way.  At any time the communication process can be interrupted by environmental factors like noise, weather, or life itself. The physical, mental, or emotional states of being of the participants can significantly affect the quality of messages sent and/or received.

Characteristics of the Communication Process

Communication is a circular process that is on going.

Through Communication we establish identity-that is we learn who we are.

Communication helps establish community with other people either electronically or in person.

Communication helps sustain, maintain, and/or terminate relationships.

There is no perfect model of the communication process.

In relationships and message exchange situations it is common to encounter communication problems. Often, the conflicts we encounter are simply message misunderstandings rather than actual disagreements. However, if there is a lack of understanding about the communication process, it can easily lead to a full-fledged disagreement. In a communication event, everyone should have equal rights to speak and listen.

Basic Purposes of Communication

Many scholars agree that people communicate to fulfill 4 basic purposes which include:

Physical Needs—to get what is needed  bodies, food, clothing, shelter, medical attention

Identity Needs—to learn about a person  in a family, community, and operating environment.

Social Needs—to be in the company of other people.

Practical Goals—to obtain the things desired in life.

Analyze your Audience

When communicating with other people it is important to understand to whom you are speaking. In Communication circles, this process is referred to as audience analysis. In other words, to communicate clearly, it is important to be clear about who the audience is. Considering variables such as age, gender, cultural background, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, as well as group affiliation. In addition to these variables, other factors such as economic status, level of education, political affiliation, degree of intelligence, as well as where one lives and/or works impact how one communicates. Also take into account the communication environment, where is the conversation being held. Is it  face to face or electronic? In all situations considering how to present your message and your self helps to improve the quality of conversation.

Diverse Audience. Diverse people make up an audience. Consider age, gender, culture, race, ethnicity, group affiliation. Colorful images of diverse people. Image © Shutterstock, Inc.

Intrapersonal Communication

The Communication scholar, P.S. Perkins explores the idea of intrapersonal communication in her book, The Art and Science of Communication: Tools for Effective Communication in the Workplace. Intrapersonal communication refers to the communication we have with ourselves. It is the messages we send to ourselves through words, and thoughts. The author explains:

“We positively create our lives or we sabotage our lives. Most of us have associated sabotage with the act of undermining or backstabbing someone else. Truth sets you free-most individuals do more to undermine themselves than the combined efforts of everyone around them. The true sabotage lies within communication with oneself in thoughts and words.”

(13 Perkins p. 3)

The messages we send to ourselves is the basis of how we communicate with others. Spending time refining the messages we send to ourselves is a life long work. It means taking the time to be with yourself and investigate the nature of the messages we are receiving, and sending. Since it is inevitable that we are going to be sending and receiving messages, it is important to look at the quality of the messages. To do this, understanding and feeding the mind is the first step:

“Sizing up your internal communication is the first step, the basis of all other communication experiences…It requires a lot of critical thought and awareness. When an individual pays serious attention to the daily conversations he has with himself, and critically examines the quality of experiences springing forth from these self-talks, he will be able to control more positively the materialization of the experiences around him.”(14 Perkins 3-4 Gender use him)

Perkins concludes the chapter on Intrapersonal Communication by suggesting adoption of the following Intrapersonal Communication Strategies:

Understand how the science of communication goes far beyond an ability to talk. With each thought, with each word, you create actions that turn into the life you are living.

Understand that communication begins on the inside and determines the outside. Take the first step to begin a new attitude of personal responsibility for the thoughts you are thinking. They cannot dwell there unless you invite them to stay.

Clean out your lake-engage in a thorough examination of your thoughts and words and fill your lake with new agreements about yourself and others. You must replace old doubts, fears, resentments, frustration, and anger with a renewed sense of self-love.

Use affirmations, mediation… Seek out pearls of wisdom and write them in a journal on notecards, or in your dream book. Speak the affirmations out loud. Mediate on the vision you have for your life.

Practice self-monitoring. “Think before you speak.”

Practice self-management. By understanding the connection between your external work environment and your internal processes of communication, you are assured of greater personal fulfillment and professional communication success.

Remember the lesson of “Be, Do, Have.” If I (be) am successful in managing my mind, in choosing my thoughts and words, I will do things-make choices, take actions-that resonate with success.  They will cause me to attract success and thereby have it. (15 Perkins p. 22-24).

The Perkins point that communication messages begin within is a fundamental element in the communication process. Communication scholars Adler and Rodman in their book, Understanding Human Communication, explain the characteristics of competent communicators. A competent communicator is one who has developed skill in sending and receiving messages.

Characteristics of a Competent Communicator

A wide range of behaviors

Ability to choose the most appropriate behavior

Skill at performing communication behaviors

Have empathy, or compassion, for themselves and others

Cognitive Complexity, ability to construct different frames of reference

Self-Monitoring-ability to pay attention to one’s self as well as understand the observations of others. (16 Adler & Rodman Understanding Human Communication 21-23.