Running head: COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS

Communication Effectiveness
Sarah Simons
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
Loyola University Maryland
SP 102 Introduction to Human Communication
Professor Roos
Fall, 2013

COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS

Communication is a vital aspect of human interaction. Without it, there would be no

social interaction between people. Even more important than communication though, is the
ability to communicate effectively. Whether this be via face-to-face interaction or the internet, or
in a professional or relaxed setting, being able to send a message clearly is a skill needed in
todays world.
Communication competence is defined as the ability to take part in effective
communication that is characterized by skills and understandings that enable communicators to
exchange messages successfully (Seiler and Beall, 2008, p. 4). It includes both nonverbal and
verbal communication, though nonverbal communication is the more effective of the two when
sending messages (Seiler and Beall, 2008). There are many subcategories of nonverbal
communication including facial expressions, eye contact, touch and physical appearance (Seiler
and Beall, 2008).
It is said that humans can create more than a thousand different facial expressions. The
six basic expressions that everyone can read from a young age are happiness, sadness, fear,
surprise, anger and disgust (Seiler and Beall, 2008). Facial expressions convey the most
information about how a person is feeling and people use them to judge an individuals
personality (Seiler and Beall, 2008). Therefore, it is important that appropriate expressions are
used for certain situations. For example, when receiving a gift the technique of intensifying or
exaggerating ones expression to look ecstatic or overjoyed can be used. Masking or replacing
ones expressions for a more appropriate one can be used when someone disagrees with someone
else such as a boss (Seiler and Beall, 2008). By using the appropriate techniques for certain
situations conflict and misjudgment can be avoided.

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Oculesics, or eye behavior, is also a part of facial expressions. Effective speakers make
more eye contact than non-effective speakers. When interaction occurs between two people they
spend roughly 45% of the time making eye contact (Seiler and Beall, 2008). Eye behavior can
indicate how attentive and interested one is, express emotions, and indicate power and status
(Seiler and Beall, 2008). For these reasons, eye contact with friends and romantic partners can
convey trustworthiness, friendliness and affection. When listeners make eye contact it shows
they have a genuine interest in what the other person is saying. Also, the more eye contact made
with someone the more personable and friendly one appears (Seiler and Beall, 2008).
Another category of nonverbal communication is the use of haptics (or touch). What a
person communicates depends on who is doing the touching, the type of touch, and the context
where the touch takes place (Seiler and Beall, 2008). Touching can be used show both emotion
and support. There are five categories of touch: functional-professional, social-polite, friendshipwarmth, love-intimacy, and sexual arousal. Different categories are used for different situations
(Seiler and Beall, 2008). For example, a doctor may use professional touch when giving a patient
a physical exam, use social touch when shaking hands with his father-in-law, and use intimate
touch when kissing his wife. Using the appropriate category of touch is important in order to
avoid offending others as well as making sure one is sending his intended message.
Physical appearance also has a powerful impact on communication. Characteristics
include height, weight, body type, skin tone and attractiveness and all influence judgments made
about people (Seiler and Beall, 2008). An interesting finding of a college classroom study done
by Rustu Yesil is that females seem to be more affected to nonverbal cues because they are more
receptive to the physical appearances of others (2008). This is important because other research

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suggests that people considered to be more attractive are perceived as more social, successful,
popular, persuasive, and happy. They are also more like to get a job and make a higher salary
(Seiler and Beall, 2008).
While nonverbal communication has more influence than verbal communication does,
the latter is still an important aspect of effective communication. There are many myths about
communication and understanding the facts can help improve it. Firstly, people often assume that
meaning is in the words we use (Seiler and Beall, 2008). Different words and phrases have
different meanings to different people. For example, the phrase I dont feel well could mean
someones feelings are hurt or her stomach hurts. Being as specific as possible is important in
order to avoid confusion (Seiler and Beall, 2008). A second myth is that communication is a
cure-all (Seiler and Beall, 2008). This is an untrue statement because talking does not guarantee
that statements will be interpreted correctly or that problems will be fixed. Thinking about the
message one wants to communicate is crucial; communication alone is not how we reduce
problems (Seiler and Beall, 2008). A finding of the Yesil study (2008) concluded that when it
comes to the actual voice of the person speaking, intonation negatively affected students when
people speaking continually used high-pitched sounds, low-pitched sounds or raised their voices.
This is suggests that tone and pitch are of high importance when trying to send a message.
In an attempt to understand my own communication skills I was videotaped for 90
seconds while I spoke about various topics of my choice. As I spoke, my group members
analyzed different aspects of my voice and body language. According to my peers, my pitch,
voice quality, and rate of talking were normal in comparison to the average person. In terms of
volume I spoke on the quieter side. They wished I had spoken a little bit louder, especially since

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the room that we were in was noisy. They said my articulation was fine as was my fluency until I
drew a blank and stopped talking for about 15-20 seconds. I also used quite a few fillers. I said
like one time, um eight times and said the word so a lot. In terms of body movement the
group said I smiled a few times, stood up straight and had my hands clasped behind my back for
much of the 90 seconds. When it came to conversational style I laughed every so often but didnt
seem overly enthused. They also observed that I made eye contact for half of the 90 seconds.
When I watched the video and observed myself I noticed that I was in agreement with
most of what they said. However, where I disagreed was in terms of eye contact, voice quality,
and body movement. I spent more than half of the time looking either up at the ceiling or out
over their heads. I thought my voice sounded a littler hoarse rather than clear as they had
described it. Speaking clearly sends the message that I have confidence and its also more
appealing to listen to; a clear voice will hold peoples attention longer. I also noticed that rather
than standing up straight and clasping my hands behind my back I was leaning against the heater.
Two strengths I have when talking are speaking at a constant rate and using facial
expressions. Speaking at a constant rate is crucial because many times when people get nervous
they speak too fast and much of what they have to say is missed by the audience. Using facial
expressions lets the audience know that the speaker is enthused about whatever it is they are
presenting. Facial expressions also help to convey the speakers message. For example, when
talking about drug use and death frowning and looking concerned lets the audience know that its
a serious topic. Using facial expressions appropriate for the topic at hand is important to clearly
deliver the meaning of the message.

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Two big areas of weakness for me are eye contact and posture. Looking my audience
directly in the eye while talking is important for showing that Im serious and confident about
what Im saying. I typically have great eye contact when talking in small groups of people; while
public speaking I tend to get nervous and avoid direct eye contact. To improve this I can try
making eye contact with the whole class when Im talking. Standing up straight and moderating
my hand movements would have helped me give the impression that (again) Im a confident
person. Also, leaning back and forth and moving my hands less could help me avoid distracting
the audience from listening to what I have to say. To work on this I will sit up straighter during
classes as well as try to sit still (as I tend to fidget a lot). Also, I have other presentations for
other classes throughout the semester that I can us as practice for the Magis presentation.
An excellent example of an effective communicator is Will Smith. In a UK interview he
presents himself as an inspirational and passionate speaker. He speaks clearly and at a slow and
steady pace. He also exaggerates certain words that are the essence of what hes saying. For
example, when he says that he doesnt just want to be an icon, but an idea he emphasizes the
word idea. He is confident in what hes saying and it comes through because he knows exactly
what he wants to say when asked certain questions. He also uses lots of gestures when speaking.
For example, he complements or uses hand motions that accents his verbal messages (Seiler and
Beall, 2008). When he says certain sentences he drives his hand up and down to each word he
says. Its easy to tell hes having a good time throughout the interview by his facial expressions;
he smiles and laughs along with the interviewer and audience. He appears confident by the way
he makes eye contact with everyone in the room. Its clear that the people listening to him are
enjoying his presence.

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Clearly, both verbal and nonverbal characteristics play key roles in effective
communication. Its important that nonverbal cues match up with verbal ones in order to send
ones intended message. According to the Yesil study individuals may not perceive single
features of body language but rather interpret them together (2008). Therefore, understanding
how to use verbal and nonverbal techniques can help in many areas of life such as ones career or
relationships. In a world of constant human interaction being an effective communicator is key.

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Transcription

Hi. Um, Im Sarah. Im eighteen years old and Im gonna be a speech path major. Umm
Im fr I live in New York but I was born in Washington because my dads in the Army so like
when I was ten we drove cross country to move to New York. So that was pretty cool. Umm we
stopped at places like Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls, umm so I really
like traveling. Because my dads in the Army like we go to places like Hawaii, Disney World,
cruises. Other things I like to do include running, swimming, reading, umm the color green,
playing with my dog. I chose Loyola because it was the only place I applied that had the speech
path major which was kind of what I decided I wanted to do last year when I shadowed doctors
as part of this special program I was so umm that was cool. Umm, oh boy, umm now Im
drawing a blank. My roommates pretty great. Her names Elena and were really compatible,
were really similar so were kind of quiet and shy and

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8
References

Seiler, W. J. & Beall, M.L. (2008). Communication: Making connections (7th ed.). Boston:
Pearson.
Yesil, R. (2008). Evaluation of body language behavior in a class debate. Social Behavior and
Personality an International Journal, 36, 893-902.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFGxCJ25HFA