Elements of Effective Communication- Chapter 3 (Understanding Verbal Messages)

How can we use words to establish supportive relationships?

• Describe your own feelings instead of evaluating the point of view or behavior of others. • Keep the focus on problem solving rather than controlling others. • Be genuine rather than manipulative in your communication. • Instead of ignoring someone's feelings, try to empathize. • Use conditional language and demonstrate flexibility rather than rigidity in your communication. • Present yourself as an equal rather than as a superior. Avoid acting like a know-it-all. Don't attempt to talk over the heads of listeners or condescend to them, because either approach can breed defensiveness. • Avoid gunny-sacking, or reminding someone of past mistakes or issues.

How does understanding meanings as culture-bound and context-bound help us to better interpret communication situations and convey accurate and appropriate messages?

• Meanings are culture bound: The meaning of a word can change from culture to culture. • Meanings are context bound: The situation or context for communication aids people as they attach meanings to symbols.

What are some strategies for avoiding biased language in regards to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, and ability in both written and spoken discourse?

• Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality. Avoid language that denigrates members of a racial or ethnic group; be careful not to overemphasize race or ethnicity or "mark" a person by using adjectives referring to national origin, as in "that Oriental student in my class." • Religion. Watch stereotypical language pertaining to religious affiliation, such as derogatory references to Jews, Muslims, or fundamentalist Christians, for example. • Gender. Include both sexes in your language, especially in your use of pronouns; avoid masculine generic pronouns and male-linked terms that exclude women. • Sexual Orientation. Be alert to the potential for heterosexism in your language—the assumption that everyone is heterosexual or that heterosexuality is the only possible orientation. Eliminate homophobic language that degrades and stereotypes gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. • Age. Avoid calling too much attention to a person's age in your verbal communication. Be especially vigilant not to label or stereotype the elderly or to condescend to or glorify youth. • Class. Monitor references to socioeconomic differences, such as distinctions between blue-collar and white-collar workers. • Ability. Avoid verbal communication that draws attention to a person's physical, mental, or learning ability.