SCOM Final

Define the basic communication elements contained in the communication models.

-Channel: medium through which a message travels (ex: oral or written). -Sender: initiator/encoder who sends a message -Receiver: decoder of message sent by sender -Message: stimulus that produces meaning -Encode: sender puts ideas into spoken language -Decode: receiver translates the sender's ideas into their mind -Context: environment in which communication occurs -Fields of experience: our cultural background, ethnicity, geographic location, extent of travel, and personal experiences accumulated over a lifetime that impacts our interactive model of communication -Noise: interference with effective transmission and reception of a message (ex: physical noise, physiological noise, psychological noise, semantic noise) -Feedback: the receiver's verbal and nonverbal responses to a message

What are some of the influences on perception (gender, culture, past experiences, mood, and context)?

-Gender: you socialize in different roles with different types of people in your life -Culture: teaches you about yourself and who you are as a person -Past Experiences: you build schemas in your brain and group things together within those and you compare past events to present situations to deal and cope with them -Mood: what kind of emotions you show in a situation determine the conclusion of that case -Context: what is the time and place, knowing this will lead to understand what circumstances and events may occur

What are the most common myths about communication?

1. Communication can resolve any issue. 2. Communication is common sense. 3. More communication means better communication.

Define listening by its basic elements.

1. Comprehension - the shared meaning between or among parties in a transaction. 2. Retaining - the information retained when engaged in the listening process that allows meaning to be constructed. 3. Responding - listeners respond to the speaker by communicating verbal messages or nonverbal cues.

Define the three types of listening (informational, critical and empathic).

1. Informational - listening that attempts to comprehend the message of a speaker. 2. Critical - the process of evaluating the quality of claims as they are heard. 3. Empathic - listening that requires us to take the perspective of the other person.

What impact do various delivery considerations have on an audience (eye contact, vocal variety, verbal fluency, poise, dynamism)?

1. Maintaining eye contact with the audience gives a speaker credibility. 2. Changing your tone of voice and utilizing vocal variety can keep an audience engaged. 3. Avoid vocal fillers (ex: um, like, etc.). When these words are used too often, a speaker is viewed as less credible. 4. Pace yourself. Speaking too slow can bore an audience. Speaking too fast, however, an audience may have difficult comprehending the speech. 5. Body movement. Too little body movement can bore an audience. Excessive body movement can distract an audience. Find a balance between the two. 6. Avoid distracting behaviors like pen clicking and feet tapping. This too can distract an audience.

Describe the three dimensions related to communicating "empathy."

1. Perspective taking is when you try on the viewpoint of another to gain understanding of their perspective. 2. Emotional understanding is participating in the feelings of others. 3. Concern for others is when you care what happens to them.

Explain the three elements of the perceptual process.

1. Selecting - selecting which stimuli to notice is determined by sensory limitations and selective attention. - Sensory limitations - we are mostly blind and deaf. - Selective attention - there is too many stimuli for our brain to process everything. 2. Organizing - we must organize selected stimuli into schemas to create meaning. 3. Interpreting - we select stimuli and organize them, but we also interpret what they mean.

Identify the organizational pattern used in speeches (topical, spatial, causal, chronological, problem-solution, and Monroe's Motivated Sequence).

1. Topical - information is shaped according to types, classifications, or parts of a whole. 2. Chronological - information is organized by sequence of events. 3. Spatial - relays information to allow a visualization of where things are spatially. 4. Causal - there are two types: causes-effects and effects-causes. Causes-effects - looks for why an event happens and then discusses the consequences of the event. Effects-causes - looks at the consequences of an event and then evaluates the causes of the event. 5. Problem-solution - explores the nature of a problem and proposes possible solutions. 6. Problem-cause-solution - almost identical to the problem-solution pattern, but analyzes the causes of the problem as well. 7. Monroe's Motivated Sequence - consists of 5 steps. a. Attention - create interest within the audience. b. Need - present a problem that needs to be solved. c. Satisfaction - provide a solution to the problem that will satisfy the audience. d. Visualization - provide your audience with an image of the consequences of your solution being implemented. e. Action - get the audience involved and committed to implementing your solution

How do constructive versus destructive communication climates influence relationships?

A communication climate is the emotional aspect of the atmosphere during a speech. When there is a constructive communication climate, it means that the atmosphere will be supportive, open, confirmation of worth and the audience would be willing to communicate. On the other hand, if a communication climate is destructive then the audience would be more defensive and closed off. They would not be willing to communicate and it would be more likely for them to be protective towards the subject.

What is the difference between a fact and an inference?

A fact is the known. An inference is a conclusion about the unknown based on the known.

Persuasion

A kind of speaking or writing that is intended to influence people's actions.

Define what culture is.

A learned set of enduring values, beliefs, and practices that are shared by an identifiable, large group of people with a common history.

Territoriality

A predisposition to defend a fixed geographic area as one's exclusive domain. Can be marked by markers (hedges or fences), barriers to entry (walls, locked doors), and occupancy (students who sit in the same chair every class feel they have ownership over that spot).

What is a perceptual schema?

A schema is a mental framework that creates meaningful patterns from stimuli. the following are types of schemas to organize perceptual stimuli: 1. Prototypes - the "best" example of something. 2. Stereotype - a generalization about a group or category of people. 3. Script - a predictable sequence of events that indicates what we are expected to do in a given situation.

Explain what a self-serving bias is and how it influences our interactions (personal traits, situations)

A self-serving bias is the tendency to attribute our successful behavior to ourselves but to assign external circumstances to our unsuccessful behavior. It influences our interactions by telling ourselves that it isn't our fault if someone goes wrong or we fail. It may keep us from learning new skills or gaining new knowledge because there's no reason to improve communication skills if the difficulties are always perceived to be someone else's fault.

Explain the abstracting process (sense experience, description, inference, and judgment).

Abstractive process is how language affects our perspectives on different things. The abstracting process starts with sense experience: what you see, derived from language Second, description happens. You put what you see into words. Third, inference happens. You make conclusions about the unknown based on what is seen. This can be educated or uneducated guesses. Lastly, judgement comes about. Judgements are subjective evaluations of objects, people etc.

How does culture influence nonverbal communication?

All cultures have different non-verbal cues that are appropriate to them and some that may be appropriate for some cultures may be inappropriate or slanderous to others. This can create a disconnect in nonverbal communication because of the distinct differences that not everyone is always aware of.

List the characteristics of an ethical communicator.

An ethical communicator has respect, honestly, fairness, choice(freedom), responsibility.

Describe the characteristics of an appropriate or effective oral citation.

An oral citation within a speech should include the title of the work, the author's name, and publication date. After the source is stated, subsequent references to the same source should be abbreviated to make the speech flow smoothly.

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group.

First impressions

Cause us to judge someone automatically and decide whether they are someone we want to get to know and communicate with or blow off and ignore, the way you view someone changes your feelings towards them and how you communicate.

Define communication competence and describe the skills needed to be an effective and appropriate communicator.

Communication competence is engaging in communication with others that is perceived to be both effective and appropriate in a given context. You need to proficient given the context and make sure you are focusing on what makes the relationship successful instead of what only makes you successful. You also have to take into account the whom, why, what, where, and when to determine appropriateness of communication and making it fit the context.

What are the primary dimensions of credibility (competence trustworthiness, dynamism, and composure)?

Competence is the audience's perception of the speaker's knowledge and experience on the topic that is being spoken. Trustworthiness is how truthful and honest the audience believes the speaker to be. Dynamism is how the speaker keeps the audience's attention, whether they are enthusiastic, energetic, forceful, etc. Lastly, composure is how the speaker presents themselves. This meaning if they are emotionally stable, they appear confident in the topic, or how they control themselves while speaking.

Explain how connotative meaning differs from denotative meaning.

Connotative meaning is personal meaning, the volatile, individual, subjective meaning of a word. It changes from individual to individual. Denotative meaning is shared meaning. It is the objective meaning of words commonly agreed to by members of a speech community and usually found in the dictionary.

Explain the problems that can interfere with competent informational listening (conversational narcissism, competitive interrupting, glazing over, pseudo-listening, and ambushing).

Conversational narcissism is the tendency of listeners " to turn the topics of ordinary conversations to themselves without showing sustained interest in others' topics". Competitive Interrupting occurs when we dominate the conversation by seizing the floor from others who are speaking. Glazing Over occurs when listeners attention wanders and daydreaming occurs. Pseudo-listening is pretend listening. Pseudolisteners attempt to disguise inattention to the message. Responding with "mmm-hmmm", "really", and "uh-uh". Ambushing occurs when we listen for weaknesses and ignore the strength of the speakers message.

How do depth and breadth of self-disclosure influence the building of relationships?

Depth influences how personal or deep the information you reveal to others is. Breadth is what range of subjects and topics you talk to people about are.

Explain how culture influences communication.

Different cultures have different set of values, beliefs, and practices all have the things that mean something different

Identify and discuss how the three Aristotelian modes of proof are used in persuasive speeches.

Ethos is used as an ingredient of credibility; good sense, moral character and good will. Logos is used in building arguments off of logic and evidence. Pathos is used as an emotional appeals as powerful motivators.

Explain the role of rules in communication contexts.

Explicit (specifically stated) rules and implied rules guide communication to make sure that boundaries aren't being crossed and appropriate communication is being had within the rules. Communication becomes inappropriate if it violates rules when such violations could be averted without sacrificing a goal by choosing alternative communication behaviors.

Explain the major differences between feminine and masculine cultures.

Feminine cultures exhibit stereotypic feminine traits like affection, nurturance, sensitivity, compassion, and emotional expressiveness. Gender roles are less rigid and more overlapping and equality between sexes is more typical. Men and women communicate in ways that emphasize relationships over power. Masculine cultures typically have men who communicate in ways that will enhance their esteem and women communicate in ways that will enhance relationships. Have more rigid gender roles.

How does a speaker create credibility and identification in an introduction?

In order for a speaker to create credibility and identification in an introduction they must create a purpose with reasoning and have supported information throughout the speech.

Explain the major differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures.

Individualist cultures consist of individuals who see themselves as loosely linked to each other and largely independent of group identification. Collectivist cultures consist consists of individuals who see themselves as being closely linked to each other.

What should be considered when choosing a topic (speaker, subject, occasion, and audience)?

Is the topic appropriate for you? If the topic is uninteresting to you then it is not appropriate and you should choose a topic that sparks interest. As well, choose a topic within your realm of knowledge that is appropriate given who you are in your identity at the time of the speech so it is not awkward. Is the topic suitable for the audience? The topic shouldn't be offensive, trivial, demeaning, or encouraging unethical behavior. The topic needs to be relatable to the audience and not too technical to where it is not easily understood. Is the topic suitable for the occasion? The topic must relate to the event in which the speech is being presented (skills for success and employment possibilities are topics appropriate to a graduation ceremony). Narrowing down a topic and paying attention to time constraints is also important because trying to fit everything in a short speech is a significant task.

Why is reciprocal sharing important?

It demonstrates that trust and risk-taking are shared.

How might the use of slang, jargon, and euphemisms influence the understanding of a communication message?

Jargon is the specialized language of a group or profession. Jargon can be used as a verbal short-hand, but it may cause confusion for those who do not understand. Euphemisms are word choices that numb us or camouflage unpleasant or offensive realities. Euphemisms psychologically distance us from offensive terms, but they must be used cautiously. Slang is highly informal words that are used within a certain group to identify insiders versus outsiders. Slang is not to be used in formal gatherings.

The major types of nonverbal communication are...

Kinesics, paralanguage, territoriality, proxemics, and haptics.

Explain the differences between the three models of communication: linear, interactive, and transactional.

Linear/Straight-Arrow: a one-way phenomenon that involves a sender who sends a message through a channel to a receiver in an atmosphere of noise. Interactive/Ping-Pong: two-way communication that includes feedback and fields of experience. Transactional/Sender: Receiver Impact: communication that recognizes how communication influences all parties involved.

Explain the two versions of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and their relationship to culture.

Linguistic determinism: We are bound by our native language Linguistic relativity: our language has a big effect on how we think and feel

Explain the major differences between low-context and high-context communication styles.

Low-context: used by individualist cultures, verbally precise, direct, assertive, self-enhancing, and explicit, little assumption and interpretation in what you mean High-context: uses indirect verbal expression, allows listeners to "read between the lines" and interpret different meanings, information must be derived from cues like relationship, situation, and setting

Explain the major differences between low-power distance and high power-distance cultures.

Low-power distance cultures are cultures whose people value relatively equal power sharing and discourage attention to status differences and ranking in society. High-power distance cultures are cultures with a relatively strong emphasis on maintaining power differences.

Explain the differences between the major delivery styles (manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu).

Manuscripts are when speakers read off of a paper or teleprompter or a word display of any kind, making the speech almost fully read off. Memorized speeches, however, are fully committed to memory and presented to the audience with zero cues or words in front of the speaker. Usually good for short speeches and toasts. Extemporaneous speeches are delivered from a prepared outline or notes. The speaker fully prepares in advance but can glance down at the notes to put thoughts into words on the spot. Impromptu speeches are delivered with zero preparation where you are asked to respond to a previous speaker without warning or to say a few words on a subject without advance notice. Less formal in tone and presentation than the others usually.

What is self-disclosure?

Meaningful communication and interactions used to reveal something about yourself to another person.

Explain how nonverbal communication functions in relationship with verbal communication (repetition, substitution, regulation, contradiction, accentuation).

Nonverbal communication and verbal communication are interconnected in multiple ways. Repetition diminishes ambiguity and enhances the accuracy of the message. Accentuation intensifies the message being delivered depending on the tone of voice. Substitution involves nonverbal cues such as a yawn or a wave. Regulation is signified by pauses in speech signaling that it is ok for the other person to speak. The book refers to it as a conversational traffic cop. Contradictions are mixed messages that have a highly disruptive impact on problem solving groups.

Explain how nonverbal channels of communication differ from verbal channels.

Nonverbal communications is defined as sharing meaning with others nonlinguisticallly. This means that an individual is communicating through vocal communication (like tone and laughter) as well as through an individuals body language. Non-verbal communication is multi-channeled, its more ambiguous, and does not have discrete beginnings and endings.

Stereotyping

Overgeneralizing an entire group of people and placing them all in the same category with the same traits. This produces prejudice and rapid judgements that may not be true.

How does one avoid plagiarism?

Plagiarism in research can be avoided by paraphrasing, citing quotes and writing them verbatim, citing your own material used and including references for any information you used in your speech. Additionally, plagiarism can be avoided by using your own ideas and when using ideas of others, cite them accordingly.

What are some guidelines for managing speech anxiety?

Prepare and practice, gain perspective, communication orientation, coping statements, positive imaging, relaxation techniques, and systematic desensitization.

Define self-concept and describe how it is formed (reflected appraisal, significant others, and society).

Self-concept is the sum total of everything that encompasses the self-perception of "me." Self-concept is formed through: 1. Reflected appraisal - the messages we receive from others assess your self-concept. 2. Social comparison - evaluating yourself by comparing yourself to others. 3. Contingencies of self-worth - what is most important to you that is required to make you feel good about yourself.

What are signposts and transitions, and how are they used in constructing a presentation?

Signposts are organizational markers that indicate the structure of a speech and inform listeners that a specific point is about to be addressed. Transitions connect what was previously said with what will be said with a word, phrase, or sentence. Signposts and transitions help listeners understand key points within speeches.

Explain the problems that can interfere with competent critical listening (skepticism, true belief, and cynicism).

Skepticism is a process of listening to claims, evaluating evidence and reasoning supporting those claims, and drawing conclusions based on probabilities- is the essence of critical listening. True Belief is a willingness to accept claims without solid reasoning or valid evidence and to hold those beliefs tenaciously even if contradictory evidence disputes them. Cynicism is nay-saying, fault finding, and ridiculing.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

Someone "predicting" or expecting something, and this "prediction" or expectation comes true simply because one believes it will, and their resulting behaviors align to fulfill those beliefs. Expecting individuals to be unfriendly and backing away in conversation and watch them be unfriendly even if that was not their inclination.

The four elements common to all languages are...

Structure, productivity, displacement, and self-reflexiveness.

Self-reflexiveness

The ability to use language to talk about language. Using language to reflect on how we might improve the use of it and can analyze words using other words.

Productivity

The capacity of language to transform a small number of phonemes into whatever words or phrases that you require to communicate your thoughts and feelings. This allows you to express an infinite number of thoughts and feelings in different ways.

What are the criteria for evaluating supporting material?

The criteria for evaluating supporting material would be credibility, relevance, and sufficiency. Credibility would be the evidence used to support claims by reliability and validity. Relevance is evidence used to support claims that relate directly to those claims.

What are the critical elements of a competent speech conclusion?

The critical elements of a competent speech conclusion would be to summarize the main points, refer to the introduction, and make a memorable finish.

What are the critical elements of a competent speech introduction?

The critical elements of a competent speech introduction is to gain attention, make a clear purpose statement, establish your topic's significance, and preview your main points.

Define the general purpose, specific purpose, and central idea in public speaking.

The general purpose identifies the overall goal of the speech, telling the audience why you are giving the speech (to inform, describe, explain, persuade, entertain, etc.). The specific purpose is a concise, precise infinitive phrase composed of simple, clear language that encompasses both the general purpose and central idea, indicating what the speaker hopes to accomplish with the speech. The central idea identifies the main concept/point that you want the audience to understand, believe, or feel. It becomes the one concise thought separate from details that the audience is likely to remember.

Describe the listening response styles associated with empathic listening and non-empathic listening.

The listening response styles associated with empathic listening and non-empathic listening is evaluate response is makes judgements about a persons conduct, interpreting response is express what we think is underlying meaning of the situation, advising response is telling people how they should act, probing response is seeking more info by asking questions.

What are the main types of supporting materials used in speeches?

The main types of supporting materials used in speeches would be examples, testimonies, and statistics.

Structure

The most essential element of any language. Grammar is the thing that provides structure to language and gives the rules that specify how the units must be meaningfully combined. This consists of phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.

How does the oral style of communication differ from a written style?

The oral style of communication is less formal and more simple than a written style. A written style is often more precise, but oral communication is seen as more effective because of the gestures and movements that can keep an audience attentive.

Attribution error

The overemphasizing of personal traits and under-emphasizing of situations as causes of other people's behavior. Think that a panhandler looking for money has weak character and is lazy rather than it being bad luck.

Cultural relativism

The practice of judging a culture by its own standards

Multiculturalism

The practice of valuing and respecting differences in culture.

How are the preparation and presentation of a speech influenced by audience analysis?

The preparation of a speech is effected by audience analysis because the topic must be relevant to the audience. Some topics may be considered offensive or just uninteresting to the audience. The presentation of the speech is effected by how the audience is responding to the information. The preparation and presentation of a speech is very influenced by the audience's analysis.

Identify and discuss how propositions of fact, value, and policy are used in persuasive speeches.

The primary claim for a persuasive speech is called a proposition. Propositions define and focus the argument, limit irrelevant information, and proclaim what is to be addressed. There are 3 types of propositions: 1. Proposition of fact proposes a truth. 2. Proposition of value assesses the worth or credibility of an object, idea, or practice (ex: morality - what is right or wrong?). 3. Proposition of policy proposes a need for change with how issues are currently being handled.

What distinguishes informative speaking from persuasive speaking?

The purpose of informative speaking in to teach the audience something new, interesting, or useful. The purpose of persuasive speaking is to convince listeners too change their viewpoints or behavior. Informative speaking usually does not stir disagreement and tension, while persuasive speaking can sometimes.

Negativity bias

The strong tendency to be influenced more heavily by negative than positive information. Negative information is taken in and remembered more easily, making people less inclined to communicate with you and give you the time of day.

Kinesics

The study of both facial communication and gestures. Studies how nonverbal communication, such as body language and movement and facial expressions add to communication.

Proxemics

The study of the influence that distance and territoriality have on communication. Can be broken down into intimate, personal, social, and public distances. All that observe and respect different zones and ranges in terms of communicating.

Haptics

The study of touch. Can be functional-professional touch, social-polite touch, friendship-warmth touch, love and intimacy touch, or sexual touch. All add different touches on communication and the atmosphere.

Primacy effect

The tendency to be more influenced by initial information about a person than information gathered later. Positive impressions can excuse later bad ones, making it easier to override bad behavior.

Explain the two aspects of every message: Content and relationship.

The two aspects of every message are content and relationship. Content is what is actually said or done and relationship is how message define association between the individuals (respect, annoyance, disrespect, etc)

What are the components of a competent presentation body?

There are 4 major components of a competent presentation body: 1. Coherence - Make sure your main points flow easily into your subpoints. 2. Completeness - Make complete thoughts using complete sentences, rather than one-word phrases and incomplete thoughts. 3. Balance - Devote relatively equal amounts of time to each main point during your presentation. 4. Division - divide your mainpoint into two or more subpoints if applicable.

What are the components of doing an audience analysis, and how is a speech adapted based on those components (demographics, values, beliefs, & attitudes)?

There are 5 main types of audiences. 1. Captive Audience (Disengaged Listeners): This audience assembles merely because they have to, not because they want or choose to. An example of this would be an SCOM class. 2. Committed Audience (Agreeable Listeners): This audience assembles voluntarily because members want to listen and be inspired by the speaker. This audience usually agrees with the speaker's position beforehand and are interested in hearing more. 3. Contrary Audience (Hostile Listeners): This audience does not always agree with what the speaker is saying. 4. Concerned Audience (Eager Listeners): This audience assembles voluntarily because they care and are concerned for what the speaker is talking about. 5. Casual Audience (Unexpected Listeners): This audience consists of individuals who did not mean to attend the speech, but are interested when they accidentally hear the speaker. These individuals usually leave with they become bored. A speech is often adapted based on demographics of who the speech will be presented to. Some demographics consist of: 1. Age: The average age of the audience must be taken into account when adapting a speech. 2. Gender: You must develop your speech from different perspectives to include all listeners. 3. Ethnicity and Culture: Like gender, you must develop your speech from different ethnic and cultural perspectives to include all listeners. You must respect the principle of diversity. 4. Group Affiliations: Make sure that you recognize all points of view when addressing group affiliations. For instance, just because the common goal of an organization is to save the sea turtles does not mean all individuals within the organization have the same ideas on how to accomplish their goal.

What are guidelines for the competent usage of visual aids?

There are many guidelines when it comes to the use of visual aids in a speech. Keeping aids simple, visible, neat, attractive, and accurate are some of the top guidelines for a successful speech. Along with this comes along with keeping aids close, out of sight when you are not using it, and practicing with your aid. The last few of guidelines consists of circulating your aid, not speaking in the dark, and always anticipating if a problem may occur.

What are the types of visual aids that can be used during a speech?

There are several types of visual aids that can be used during a speech. Objects, models, graphs, maps, tables, and photographs are all types of visual aids that can be used when you are conducting a speech. All of these have their advantages and strengths as well as disadvantages and limitations.

What are the rules for constructively and appropriately self-disclosing and responding to self-disclosure?

Trust, two-way sharing, cultural openness, situational appropriateness, and incremental disclosure.

Paralanguage

Vocal cues. Can be broken into three classifications: vocal characterizers, vocal qualifiers, and vocal segregates. This includes pitch, tone, speed, hesitation noises, etc.

Displacement

Your ability to use language to talk about objects, ideas, events, and relations that don't just exist in the physical here and now. Lets us talk about imaginary things, past events, abstract thoughts.

Our perceptions of others can influence our communication with them through...

first impressions, primacy effect, negativity bias, attribution error, stereotyping, self-fulfilling prophecy