Oral Communication-Verbal Communication

A person's verbal behavior may reveal much about his/ SELF CONCEPT.

1. Persons with positive sclf concepts tend to exhibit the following verbal behaviors: *Capable of saying "I don't know" or "I was wrong" *Capable of accepting praise or criticism *Use of original phrases, avoiding clichés *Use of assertive, nonmanipulative language 2. Persons with negative self concepts tend to exhibit the following verbal behaviors: *quick to become defensive about blame *tendency to be self-critical *inability to accept deserved praise *frequent use of clichés use of nonassertive, aggressive, or manipulative language

Verbal communication has ADVANTAGE

1. We can transcend time: we can talk, and read about the past, present, and future through the use of words 2. We can transcend space: we can talk, learn, and read about any place. We are able to refer to any place in any time frame. 3. We can build and maintain relationships with others through verbal communication. 4. We can satisfy our human needs for physical maintenance, safety, social interaction, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

Verbal communication has DISADVANTAGES

1. Words can evoke different images and meanings in people. We have no truly accurate methods for assessing the meanings that others assign to our words. The verbal message received by the listener/reader may not be the one intended by the sender. 2. word evoke more than one within the language code itself Five hundred of our commonly used words have over most thousand dictionary definitions. 3. Words are limited in terms of how precisely they can represent our ideas and feelings. Words tend to generalize thoughts and emotions. This makes it very difficult to express the individuality of one's sentiments and ideas. 4. Each communicator u words both at the same time. It is never clear which meaning, if either, is being given more emphasis by the communicator.

Language

A collection of verbal and nonverbal symbols that permit abstraction and operate under a system of rules.

Paraphrasing

A descriptive restatement of another person's message using your own words. It is not simply repetition, but a sincere effort to improve understanding by relating what it is you heard the other person saying , i.e., your interpretation of his/her message. It is especially useful in conflict situations. It provides a mechanism for encouraging listening as opposed to attacking. Ex. The statement, "You left your dirty clothes on the floor again," might be paraphrased as, "You seem to think that I'm not carrying my own weight."

Symbols

Are anything that stand for or represent something else. It have no meaning in and of themselves. We, as senders and receivers, assign meaning to the symbols.

Statements Of Fact

It would be an oversimplification to just say that they are "true" statements. Are considered to be accurate perceptions of the world around us. Ex. Oranges are round. Are not necessarily absolute truths. For instance, some facts cannot always be proven and others may change with new information. Ex. To say, "The world is flat," in 1492 was a statement of fact. Are often considered to be facts because the general public (almost everyone) accepts them as true. Ex. There are seven continents. Are sometimes based on the common experiences of the communicators. Ex. We had a communication test on Friday. Are sometimes accepted because of the credibility of the source. Ex. The Surgeon General says that smoking cause cancer. May not be universally accepted by everyone, like believing that there's no cure for cancer, but there will be a cure in the future.

Words tend to Reflect The Environment

Language adapts to the special needs of people in a particular location. In the United States, the automobile is an ever-present element of the environment. As a result, there are many words that can be used in the typical American's vocabulary to describe cars.

Words INELUENCE THE PATTERNS OF OUR THOUGHTS.

Our ways of viewing the world are significantly shaped by the vocabulary that we possess and the language that we choose to use.

Cliches

Popular words, phrases, or expressions that are overused. They become predictable and tend to lose their effectiveness in verbal communication. When you use it, we tend to sound like everyone else and risk losing the attention of our listener(s) Ex. "Have a good day." "Take it easy." "Been there, done that."

Denotative Meaning

Refers to the meaning we may reasonably assume will be assigned to the word or symbol by other people. It is a largely agreed upon meaning that communicators give to words or symbols. Dictionaries provide us with many of the meanings we may assign to words. Ex. The hospital is a place where sick people go to get treatment.

Connotative Meaning

Refers to the subjective, personal, and often unique meaning that we assign to a symbol or word. They are founded in personalized associations that each communicator makes based upon values, experiences, gender, knowledge, etc. It would be unreasonable to assume that other people assign the same meanings to words that you do. Ex. The hospital is where my Aunt Ruth died. Hospitals depress me.

Descriptive Words

Stress observable,external reality rather than the sender's expressions of a value. These words focus the receiver's attention onto the thing being described, rather than the sender's reaction to that thing. These words are nonjudgmental, neutral, and tend to be more concrete. The use of descriptive words is recommended for increasing verbal effectiveness. Ex. This term paper is two pages long and has no bibliography.

Judgmental Words

Stress personal reactions and evaluations. They are words that direct the receiver's attention away from the thing being described and onto the sender's subjective reaction to it. Such words tend to be vague and abstract. They are also strongly based on values and therefore have a greater potential for creating defensiveness in the receiver. Ex. This term paper is pathetic.

Polarized Words

Symbols that are used to describe people, objects, events, and experiences in terms of opposite extremes (best-worst, wonderful-horrible, fat-skinny). Such words ignore the vast middle ground between these extremes which is where most people, objects, events, and experiences exist.

Verbal Communication

The creation of meaning between individuals through the use of words. It can be spoken or written so long as words are involved.

Nonverbal Communication

The exchange of information by means that is other than words (gestures, facial expression, tone of voice, body language, etc.)

Verbal Communication is Content Oriented

The main focus of verbal communication is the exchange of information. Given that every communication message conveys information and addresses the relationship, verbal communication primarily deals with information/content. Nonverbal can express how a person views the relationship.

Statements Of Inference

They are based on assumptions that we make about the world around us. Although, a statement of inference may be true, most are not considered to have the same degree of validity or certainty that is attributed to a statement of fact. They are conclusions we make based on events we have observed or information we have received. Ex. I can tell by Jane's red face that she's been exercising. Two people may draw different conclusions from the same event. Ex. Bill Clinton was a great president. Bill Clinton was a terrible president. Require no degree of authority or credibility. They may be uttered by anyone at anytime. Ex. The Cubs will win the pennant next year. The likelihood of accuracy decreases as more inferences and assumptions are made. Ex. I think that Elvis lives in Affton, drives a Honda, and raises chinchillas in his basement. May or may not be accurate. Ex. I'm going to pass this class.

Concrete Words

Word that are more specific in terms of what they are describing. It frequently describe things that can be physically sensed. They narrow down the number of items being referred to within the concept. Using concrete words tends to increase the likelihood of mutual understanding. Ex. Desk is concrete than furniture Football is more concrete than sports

Abstract Words

Words that are broad in scope. They tend to include manly items in the concept. It describe things that cannot be sensed or are difficult to sense. They are vaguer, less specific, and tend to lump more things together than do concrete words. They can often lead to stereotyping. Ex. Tool is more abstract than hammer Suburb is more abstract than Kirkwood

Euphemisms

Words that are used as substitutes for other words that could be considered offensive or unpleasant. They are used to sugarcoat a situation or a person's behavior. Their intention is often to lessen resistance, to gain alliances, or to avoid confrontation. It frequently fog the meaning intended by the sender. Ex. Taxes="revenue enhancement" Layoffs= "reduction in force"

Restrictive Words

Words that suggest a considerable degree of certainty on that part of the sender. Consciously or unconsciously the sender's use of restrictive words is implying that the receiver must express agreement with the message. Ex. Should, Must, Always, Never

Unrestrictive Words

Words that suggest a less rigid point of view. They are more tentative and do not demand immediate agreement from the receiver. Use of unrestrictive words is recommended as a means of opening channels of two-way communication. Ex. Perhaps, Maybe, Could, Might

Word choices and the meaning we assign to words can REVEAL OUR ATTITUDES

the attitudes of our culture, culture or an individual that prefers the label of "police officer" over "policeman" would be reveling an attitude toward gender stereotypes.