Download Communication

CM 111
Unit 5 Seminar
Communication: Basic Concepts,
Skills, and Vocabulary
Why a Communication
Degree?
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Traditionally, a Communication degree is thought of
as a path to careers only in writing, journalism,
broadcasting, public relations, employee
communication, social media, media design, film, or
photojournalism. Many people immediately think of
these areas, and while graduates do work in these
areas, a Communication degree can lead to other
careers as well. The first step in widening this overly
narrow view is to understand what a degree in
communication is and what kind of skills are
developed.
For discussion
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What is communication?
What does it mean when we say that
communication is a field of study, a set of skills,
and a process?
Which key words were you familiar with prior to
reviewing the key concepts and vocabulary?
Were there definitions that surprised you or that
you thought were different?
What are the main elements of the basic
communication processes?
What is communication?

In brief, communication is a field of study, a set of
skills, and a process. As a field of study,
communication researchers may examine the
numerous aspects of communication from the basic
processes and their elements (send/receive,
audience, feedback, etc.), to the contexts of
communication (interpersonal, intercultural,
nonverbal, etc.), to the effects (media analysis,
propaganda, technology, etc.). The research
possibilities are endless.
Communication is also…
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A set of skills composed of compelling persuasion,
skillful presentation, appropriate nonverbal cues,
proper preparation for diverse audiences, effective
writing, and countless others.
Lastly, communication is a process with the goal of
delivering an intended message from a sender to a
receiver. The study of the process includes various
elements that encompass, impede, or encourage its
effectiveness.
Effective
Communication-Ethics
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Ethics are the beliefs, values, and moral principles
by which we determine what is right or wrong
“The Dalai Lama teaches
an ethical code that, whether or
not we believe in the Tibetan
Buddhist religion, provides
guidance for successful
communication.”
(Beebe & Ivy, 2004, p 7)
For discussion…
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What does it mean when we say that
communication is a field of study, a set of
skills, and a process?
Careers in Communication
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Advertising
Communication Education
Electronic Media, Radio & Television, Broadcasting
Journalism
Public Relations
Theatre, Performing Arts, Dramatic Arts
Business
Government, Politics
Social & Human Services
Can you think of any others?
Communication Jeopardy
1. $100 2. $100 3. $100 4.$100
5. $250 6. $250 7. $250 8. $250
9. $250 10.
$250
11.
$250
12.
$250
Congratulations!!!!!
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You are the winner!
For discussion:

Which key words were you familiar with prior
to reviewing the key concepts and
vocabulary?
For discussion

Were there definitions that surprised you or
that you thought were different?
Communication
Characteristics
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Inescapable
Irreversible
Complicated
Emphasizes content
and relationships
Governed by rules
“A Helical Model of Communication
Shows that communication never
Loops back onto itself. It begins at
the bottom and expands infinitely as
the communication partners contribute
their thoughts and experiences to the
exchange.”
(Beebe & Ivy, 2004, p 16)
Communication
“Principles for a lifetime”
1.) Be aware of Your Communication
2.) Effectively Use and Understand
Verbal Messages
3.) Effectively Use and Understand
Non-Verbal Messages
4.) Listen and Respond Thoughtfully
5.) Appropriately Adapt Messages
5 Communication Principles
to adhere to for a lifetime
Communication Principles
for a Lifetime
1.) Be aware of Your
Communication
with Yourself and
Others
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Present when
communicating
Be aware of
communication choices
Communication Principles
for a Lifetime
2.) Effectively Use and
Interpret Verbal
Symbols
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Use appropriate
symbols
Accurately encode and
decode messages
Communication Principles
for a Lifetime
3.) Effectively Use and
Interpret
Non-Verbal Symbols
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Primary way we
communicate feelings
and attitudes
More believable than
verbal messages
Communication Principles
for a Lifetime
4.) Listen and Respond
Thoughtfully to
Others
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Listening looks easy
Develop sensitivity to
others
Being other-oriented
means considering the
needs, motives, desires,
and goals of others.
Communication Principles
for a Lifetime
5.) Appropriately Adapt
Messages to
Others
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Adapt to your listeners
Adapt the structure or
organization of what
you say
Adapt the general style
of your message
Questions???
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Have a great week!