Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

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Introduction to communication Tamara Martin 08/10/12 Introduction to Communication Worksheet
Paragraph Questions
Answer the following questions in your own words. Each response must be written as an academic paragraph of at least 150 words. Be clear and concise, and provide explanations for your answers. Format your sources consistent with APA guidelines. 1. According to Introducing Communication Theory (2010), what is the definition of communication? What does communication mean to you personally? Provide an example.

Communication is a social process in which individuals employ symbols to establish and interpret meaning in their environment. (Introducing Communication Theory, Ch.1, p.5, par 1)

To me communication means that we interact with one another in a certain form, whether it be in person, on the telephone, in a letter or on the internet. I believe that communication is fundamental in the way we guide interpersonal relationships. For example if a married couple stops talking, touching and feeling with each other, the relationship will surely end in divorce. All lines of communication must remain open in order for any relationship to survive, whether it is a personal relationship or a business agreement. Communication is vital to governments and businesses and when there is a breakdown in communication; things can go horribly wrong, such as the communication breakdown within a government. If all parties involved are not willing to talk and communicate what they are feeling or thinking and

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

stand divided, then the people will pay the price for their inability to come together and compromise with one another through communication.

2. Describe the differences between linear, interactional, and transactional communication.

The linear model entails only a one way form of communication in that a message is sent and the receiver receives it. This is a one dimensional form of communication. An interactional model provides not only the message sent, but also message received and replied to by the receiver to the sender. A transactional model entails not only the sending and receiving of messages, but also the inclusion of non verbal communications.

Linear model of communication one-way view of communication that assumes a message is sent by a source to a receiver through a channel source originator or transmitter of message. Messagewords, sounds, actions, or gestures in an interaction. Receiver- recipient of message channel pathway to communication noise distortion in channel not intended by the source. Semantic noise- linguistic influences on reception of message. Physical (external) noise- bodily influences on reception of message psychological noise cognitive influences

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

on reception of message. (Introducing Communication Theory, p. 10, side notes)

Interactional model of communication - view of communication as sharing of meaning with feedback linking source and receiver. Feedback- communication given to the source by the receiver to indicate understanding. (meaning) (Introducing Communication Theory, p. 11, side notes)

Transactional model of communication - view of communication as the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages.

3. Why is communication critical to developing self-concept? Provide an example of how communication has helped you develop your self-concept.

Finding out who you are is extremely critical in how you will conduct yourself as a confident productive member of society. If you are social and communicate well as a child, you are more likely to be social and a good communicator as an adult. Failure to provide our children with the necessary tools to become self aware and have a good self-concept for themselves begins with how we communicate with them and teach them how to communicate with others. Parents and educators should teach children to have respect in all forms of their communications and to expect that same respect in return. The decisions they make will affect how they choose to communication or if they choose to communicate at all.

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

Personally I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life, had I not had a voice, whether it be verbal or written forms of communication, I may never have come to the place in life that I am now and may have just given up years ago. However, I persevered and taught my children that they could always talk to me, about anything. I never wanted them to feel boxed in as I had so many time. I know outlet my feelings in poetry or I blog what I want to say so that it does not bottle up and cause inversion of my personality.

Myth or Reality?
Identify whether each of the following sentences is a myth or a reality. Explain your answers. 1. You communicate only when you consciously and deliberately choose to communicate. Myth or Reality MYTH I feel that you communicate all the time whether consciously or subconsciously.

2. Words do not mean the same things to the listener as they do to the speaker.

Myth or Reality Reality I feel that everyone interprets words in their own way. I do not think that everything has the same meaning to everyone.

3. You communicate primarily with words.

Myth or Reality MYTH, there are many forms of communications that have nothing to do with words.

4. Nonverbal communication is not perceived solely through sight.

Myth or Reality Reality you can communicate through sound and touch and taste as well.

5. Communication is not a one-way activity.

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

Myth or Reality Reality, I feel that communication can be an any way activity. Whether you receive a message, send a message or are talking to yourself. You are communicating either one way or many ways.

6. The message you send is identical to the message received by the listener.

Myth or Reality MYTH no, because just like with words that are spoken, people interpret messages differently. I love you for example could be received and acknowledged by the receiver, but not accepted because the receiver may not feel the same way.

7. You can never give someone too much information. Myth or Reality

MYTH you can actually, you can send them into information overload, bore them to death or make them angry because you will not stop talking.

Matching
Match the seven contexts of communication with the appropriate definition by placing the letter of the definition in the blank. 1. _g__ Interpersonal 2. _e__ Intrapersonal a. Communication within and among large, extended environments b. Communication between and among members of different cultural backgrounds c. Communication with a group of people

3. _c__ Group 4. _f__ Public/Rhetorical 5. _a__ Organizational 6. _b__ Intercultural 7. __d_ Mass

d. Communication to a large group of listeners e. Communication with oneself f. Communication to a very large audience through mediated forms

g. Face-to-face communication between people

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

Communication Theories
Match the communication theories with their descriptions by placing the letter of the description in the blank. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Social penetration theory Communication accommodation theory Spiral of silence theory Relational dialectics theory Rhetoric/dramatism/narrative paradigm Muted group theory Communication privacy management theory Organizational culture theory Agenda-setting theory Face-negotiation theory Organizational information theory Symbolic interaction theory Cognitive dissonance theory Expectancy violations theory Groupthink

A. Explains why parties to communication experience conflicting pulls that cause relationships to be in a constant state of flux. The closer individuals become to one another, the more conflict arises to pull them apart. B. Explains why certain groups in society are muted, which means they are either silent or not heard C. Explains why, as relationships develop, communication moves from less intimate levels to more intimate, more personal levels D. Explains why people tend to remain silent when they think their views are in the minority E. Explains how organizations make sense of the information that is essential for their existence F. Explains some of the reasons for changes to speech as individuals attempt to emphasize or minimize the social differences between themselves and their interlocutors G. Explains that people are essentially storytellers who make decisions on the basis of good reasons. History, biography, culture, and character determine what people consider good reasons.

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Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3 H. Explains the process that people use to manage the relationship between concealing and revealing private information I. Explains meanings for routine organizational events, thereby reducing the amount of cognitive processing and energy members need to expend throughout the day J. Explains that mass media has a major influence on audiences by choosing what stories are newsworthy and how much prominence and space to give them K. Explains how different cultures manage conflict and communication. The theory explains that the root of conflict is based on identity management on individual and cultural levels. L. Explains how individuals act toward things on the basis of the meanings they assign to them. The meaning comes from the social interaction individuals have with others and with society. M. Explains the tendency for individuals to seek consistency among their cognitions, such as beliefs and opinions. When there is an inconsistency between attitudes or behaviors (dissonance), something must change to eliminate the dissonance. In the case of a discrepancy between attitudes and behavior, it is most likely that the attitude will change to accommodate the behavior. N. Explains how people have expectations about the nonverbal behaviors of others. Violations of these expectations may trigger a change in the perception of exchangeeither positively or negatively, depending on the relationship. O. Explains how individuals may withhold their opposing opinions to promote cohesiveness. Individuals may also withhold their opposing opinions because they fear rejection by the group.

Communication Theories and Contexts

Match the communication theories to their contexts by placing the letter of the context in the blank. Note. Letters may be used more than once. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. 1. 2. 3. 4. Intrapersonal Interpersonal Group Organizational Public Intercultural Mass Social penetration theory Communication accommodation theory Spiral of silence theory Relational dialectics theory Rhetoric/dramatism/narrative paradigm Muted group theory Communication privacy management theory Organizational culture theory
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____ ____ ____ ____ 5. ____ 6. ____ 7. ____ 8. ____

Introduction to Communication Worksheet COM/100 Version 3

9. ____ 10. ____ 11. ____ 12. 13. 14.

Agenda-setting theory Face-negotiation theory Organizational information theory

____ Symbolic interaction theory ____ Cognitive dissonance theory ____ Expectancy violation theory

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