1). (Regarding chapter 11) Distinguish among a forum, panel, colloquium, and symposium as a mans for making a public presentation. Which one would you prefer? Why?
In chapter 11 the book defines forum, panel, colloquium, and symposium. First, panel is defined as "a public format in which a group of four to eight experts discusses a problem or decision in front of an audience."(Harris, 220) Second, colloquium is "a form of public discussion in which a group of three to six experts, usually chosen for their divergent views, discuss a problem, following the problem solving format, in front of an audience with a moderator facilitating their interaction." (Harris, 220) Third, is symposium, which "provides a format for a series of two to six brief speeches made on different aspects of a complex and different problem." (Harris, 221) Lastly, forum "provides a small group presentational format in which the group can speak and listen to a larger audience." (Harris, 219)
I think that Harris gave great explanation and detail to these concepts. I got a great sense to what these presentation formats were. Each of these concepts has it own particular way about making decisions, problems solving, facilitating, mentoring, group interaction, and ways of performing a speech. They all signify great qualities on how to present in front of audiences. If I had to choose one that I prefer, I would choose forum. I chose this particular one because I like to keep the audience involved in my speeches. Letting the audience to actually participate and speak on a behalf of what they are listening to keeps then not only involved but interacting as well. In a way it is almost like a mini debate because the audience speaks and then there can be commentary back. The other thing that stood out to me about forum is that is follows well with all of the other concepts discussed above. It sets up a proposal for the other concepts and provides a diverse ideas and perspectives for many to obtain more information and knowledge about the specific topic.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Week 13: Discussion Question #3
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
The concept that I found most interesting this week was manipulative verbs. The book defines this is “deciding to alter, multiply, eliminate, divide, or transpose, we are using manipulative verbs to change the way we view a particular process.” (Harris, 191)
This was interesting to me being a communication major because it explained to me exactly why and how speaking techniques can change the context of what your saying. Changing verb placement can completely change the context of a sentence or give it a completely different meaning. I think that when many people speak they do not think about the placement of their verbs and this is why so many people have misconceptions in communication.
I think that this is most common in situations like texting, instant messaging, facebook, etc. Since there is a lack of face-to-face communication you have to be particularly careful to the how you word things and the placement of verbs. Many people misunderstand the meaning because they do not have the nonverbal gestures to back up what is being said and how it was meant.
The concept that I found most interesting this week was manipulative verbs. The book defines this is “deciding to alter, multiply, eliminate, divide, or transpose, we are using manipulative verbs to change the way we view a particular process.” (Harris, 191)
This was interesting to me being a communication major because it explained to me exactly why and how speaking techniques can change the context of what your saying. Changing verb placement can completely change the context of a sentence or give it a completely different meaning. I think that when many people speak they do not think about the placement of their verbs and this is why so many people have misconceptions in communication.
I think that this is most common in situations like texting, instant messaging, facebook, etc. Since there is a lack of face-to-face communication you have to be particularly careful to the how you word things and the placement of verbs. Many people misunderstand the meaning because they do not have the nonverbal gestures to back up what is being said and how it was meant.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Week 13: Discussion Question #2
2). Name five cultural barriers to creativity. What do you think these would keep a group from being creative? Have you experienced any of these personally? Explain.
“Cultural Barriers include a requirement for conformity, an expectation of practicality and efficiency, particular arenas for competition or cooperation, and expectation of politeness and following rules for social order, a reliance on statistical proofs, a dependence of generalizations, a trust in the power of reason and logic, a belief I an either/or perspective on issues, and a reliance on expert knowledge.” (Harris, 188)
All of the items listed above are cultural barriers to our creativity. All of these thins could lead a group to disaster if barriers are put up. In many situations when you meet new people and try to form group’s barriers stay present because many do not want to look foolish or incompetent.
I have experienced cultural barriers in a group. I was taking an intercultural communication class and was assigned to do a semester long project on another culture with my group. We chose to do China as our group. Now, one of my group members was very interested in this subject. I had an expectation that this project would go well because she had the background knowledge of this culture. We were wrong she brought in a woman to help us with the project, since she had great expertise in this area. This woman because of her cultural background felt the she could not conform and share her experiences because it was very different from what Americans are exposed to. As well she did not want to cooperate and follow the rules of the assignment because she felt they were unrealistic. She did not have trust in our group that we would be generalize and stereotype her culture. In the end we had to find someone else to help us with the assignment. The first woman chosen set too many barriers for herself considering her culture and this made it impossible for us to be able to share ideas and information.
“Cultural Barriers include a requirement for conformity, an expectation of practicality and efficiency, particular arenas for competition or cooperation, and expectation of politeness and following rules for social order, a reliance on statistical proofs, a dependence of generalizations, a trust in the power of reason and logic, a belief I an either/or perspective on issues, and a reliance on expert knowledge.” (Harris, 188)
All of the items listed above are cultural barriers to our creativity. All of these thins could lead a group to disaster if barriers are put up. In many situations when you meet new people and try to form group’s barriers stay present because many do not want to look foolish or incompetent.
I have experienced cultural barriers in a group. I was taking an intercultural communication class and was assigned to do a semester long project on another culture with my group. We chose to do China as our group. Now, one of my group members was very interested in this subject. I had an expectation that this project would go well because she had the background knowledge of this culture. We were wrong she brought in a woman to help us with the project, since she had great expertise in this area. This woman because of her cultural background felt the she could not conform and share her experiences because it was very different from what Americans are exposed to. As well she did not want to cooperate and follow the rules of the assignment because she felt they were unrealistic. She did not have trust in our group that we would be generalize and stereotype her culture. In the end we had to find someone else to help us with the assignment. The first woman chosen set too many barriers for herself considering her culture and this made it impossible for us to be able to share ideas and information.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Week 13: Discussion Question #1
1). Provide an example of creativity from your own experience. How does it fit with the chapter's discussion of creativity?
In this chapter the section that I felt related most to an experience in my life was emotional barriers. An emotional barrier is when we "go out on a limb" to try something new. And I think that there are many situations in my life where I have taken a risk and gone out on a limb. An example in my life was when I started to date my best friend. We had a great relationship and thought that we should maybe start to date. I brought up the topic to him taking a risk thinking I may be shut down because I did not want it to ruin our friendship. We did decide to start to date and then about two weeks into the relationship we started to grow apart. I was not sure why we started to grow apart, but my feelings were hurt because I felt like I not only had lost a relationship but, I had lost my best friend. I brought it up to him and we both agreed that is was just a little awkward cause we were so used to being just friends. From then on our friendship started to deteriorate and we now do not talk very much at all. It is sad to know I lost a best friend because I went out on a limb to put more feelings and emotion into the relationship and then realized it was a mistake. I was because we put our emotions out there and did not think of what to risks were and now realize it was a foolish mistake and we both looked foolish.
In this chapter the section that I felt related most to an experience in my life was emotional barriers. An emotional barrier is when we "go out on a limb" to try something new. And I think that there are many situations in my life where I have taken a risk and gone out on a limb. An example in my life was when I started to date my best friend. We had a great relationship and thought that we should maybe start to date. I brought up the topic to him taking a risk thinking I may be shut down because I did not want it to ruin our friendship. We did decide to start to date and then about two weeks into the relationship we started to grow apart. I was not sure why we started to grow apart, but my feelings were hurt because I felt like I not only had lost a relationship but, I had lost my best friend. I brought it up to him and we both agreed that is was just a little awkward cause we were so used to being just friends. From then on our friendship started to deteriorate and we now do not talk very much at all. It is sad to know I lost a best friend because I went out on a limb to put more feelings and emotion into the relationship and then realized it was a mistake. I was because we put our emotions out there and did not think of what to risks were and now realize it was a foolish mistake and we both looked foolish.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Week 9: Discussion Question #3
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
This week the section in chapter 7 titled Active Listening Response Methods really stood out to me. I think they are all key concepts to actively responding, but the one that really stood out to me was using nonverbal communication. I feel that nonverbal communication at times can actually be more effective than the words that we speak, especially when we are listening. The book states that, “Since more that 50% of all meaning is communicated nonverbally, effective listeners make use of nonverbal gestures. Making eye contact, nodding our heads, and sitting in an attentive manner all indicate that we are interested ad listening, and they encourage the speaker to continue talking.”(Harris, 139) Nonverbal communication is key to understanding the meaning of the words that we speak and the feelings that we want to express to others. When actively listening you do not always have the opportunity to speak a lot. You must depend on nonverbal communication as a listener, in order for your speaker to know you are engaged in the conversation. Someone that does not show any nonverbal then shows the speaker that they have no interest in the conversation. I am verbal and kinesthetic learner and when I am having a conversation with someone else I depend on nonverbal communication to understand how the other person is feeling, as well the meaning behind his or her words spoke. Nonverbal communication speaks much louder to be than verbal communication.
This week the section in chapter 7 titled Active Listening Response Methods really stood out to me. I think they are all key concepts to actively responding, but the one that really stood out to me was using nonverbal communication. I feel that nonverbal communication at times can actually be more effective than the words that we speak, especially when we are listening. The book states that, “Since more that 50% of all meaning is communicated nonverbally, effective listeners make use of nonverbal gestures. Making eye contact, nodding our heads, and sitting in an attentive manner all indicate that we are interested ad listening, and they encourage the speaker to continue talking.”(Harris, 139) Nonverbal communication is key to understanding the meaning of the words that we speak and the feelings that we want to express to others. When actively listening you do not always have the opportunity to speak a lot. You must depend on nonverbal communication as a listener, in order for your speaker to know you are engaged in the conversation. Someone that does not show any nonverbal then shows the speaker that they have no interest in the conversation. I am verbal and kinesthetic learner and when I am having a conversation with someone else I depend on nonverbal communication to understand how the other person is feeling, as well the meaning behind his or her words spoke. Nonverbal communication speaks much louder to be than verbal communication.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Week 9: Discussion Question #2
2). Give a personal example where you have had selective attention. Why do you think that is? Is there a way you were able to overcome it?
I can recall many times were I have been a candidate of selective attention. One that stands out to me happened to me a few weeks ago. I was at work and I was helping a customer and finishing his sale at the register. This client was very chatty throughout the whole sale the customer was talking about his personal life and trying to relate every situation to my life. Once I finally got him to the register I was happy to say that I was hoping he would pay and leave, considering her had talked my ear off for the last hour. Well I was wrong the customer kept talking to me for about ten minutes after his sale was finalized. After the customer had left one of my co-workers asked me what was he talking to you about for so long. I thought about it and I did not have an answer for my co-worker. I was not really interested in what the customer had to say, so I tuned out the stuff that I did not care for and did not want to talk about. I chose which aspects of the conversation that I wanted to talk about. I know that it was possibly rude to the customer, but it was completely based on the fact that we did not share a common interest in some topics and I weighed out what I thought was more important than the others.
I think that I chose to do this because one the customer talked a lot and at some point it was too much. As well there were many things that the customer was discussing that I had no interest in. I tuned out the things that were less important and the things that I did not agree on. To a point I felt annoyed and wanted to get out of all conversations with this customer. It was not to be rude, but it was just because I chose to pick and chose what I thought was important to me.
I do think that there are ways to overcome this. I could simply give my full attention to someone that is talking even if I do not agree. This could be a way to see someone else perspective on a topic. I am missing out on the opportunity to see another side of things as well as coming off as rude to another person. Given that everything in our lives is not going to be interesting. At times I am sure that there are things I talk about and people use selective attention because they just are not interested. I should be more open and willing to listen to others. I could miss out on something important that I do not know about because I chose to not listen. This could also lead to very intellectual conversations if I stay involved in the conversation.
I can recall many times were I have been a candidate of selective attention. One that stands out to me happened to me a few weeks ago. I was at work and I was helping a customer and finishing his sale at the register. This client was very chatty throughout the whole sale the customer was talking about his personal life and trying to relate every situation to my life. Once I finally got him to the register I was happy to say that I was hoping he would pay and leave, considering her had talked my ear off for the last hour. Well I was wrong the customer kept talking to me for about ten minutes after his sale was finalized. After the customer had left one of my co-workers asked me what was he talking to you about for so long. I thought about it and I did not have an answer for my co-worker. I was not really interested in what the customer had to say, so I tuned out the stuff that I did not care for and did not want to talk about. I chose which aspects of the conversation that I wanted to talk about. I know that it was possibly rude to the customer, but it was completely based on the fact that we did not share a common interest in some topics and I weighed out what I thought was more important than the others.
I think that I chose to do this because one the customer talked a lot and at some point it was too much. As well there were many things that the customer was discussing that I had no interest in. I tuned out the things that were less important and the things that I did not agree on. To a point I felt annoyed and wanted to get out of all conversations with this customer. It was not to be rude, but it was just because I chose to pick and chose what I thought was important to me.
I do think that there are ways to overcome this. I could simply give my full attention to someone that is talking even if I do not agree. This could be a way to see someone else perspective on a topic. I am missing out on the opportunity to see another side of things as well as coming off as rude to another person. Given that everything in our lives is not going to be interesting. At times I am sure that there are things I talk about and people use selective attention because they just are not interested. I should be more open and willing to listen to others. I could miss out on something important that I do not know about because I chose to not listen. This could also lead to very intellectual conversations if I stay involved in the conversation.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Week 9: Discussion Question #1
1). Think of a recent situation in which you found listening difficult. Which one (or more) of the four phases presented the most difficulty for you? Why? How could this have been overcome?
About a month ago I encountered a situation where listening was difficult for me. I was at work and I noticed that one of my co-workers was helping a couple that was using sign language. Now, I have taken 4 courses in American Sign Language and saw he was struggling so I thought I would try and assist. I walked over and told the couple that I knew sign language. They were excited to know this because they were not finding what they were looking for because they were not understood. Now, I have not brushed up on my sign language in a few years so I was a little slow to understand. I was trying to read all the signs he was giving me but did not understand or I was misunderstanding. The couple was a bit frustrated at first because in American Sign Language you are to be knowledgeable in the proper signing and facial expressions or it is consider rude. I let them know I forgot a lot of signs and I was slow. They were more understanding after I told them this. It did make it very difficult to understand them because I was not up to date on my signing. I did not understand or I was misinterpreting the signs. I also had to ask them to repeat themselves a few times and this is also to be considered very rude. It is like having a conversation with a hearing person and saying “what, can you say that again, I still do not understand, again please.” This can become very repetitive and irritating.
If I had to apply one of the four phases to my situation, I would have to say that evaluating the message context fits the best. During this process I had to form opinions and make judgment on what I thought the messages were. I had to take all the facts being presented and try and put them together to figure out what was being said. Since it was a difficult process because I did not understand some of the messages that were being said I misunderstood and made assumptions about what I thought it was.
A way to overcome this problem would be let the person know in the beginning of the conversation that I am not a fluent and this would avoid frustrations. I also could choose to refresh my skills and possibly become more fluent. And there would be less confusion about the messages being said.
About a month ago I encountered a situation where listening was difficult for me. I was at work and I noticed that one of my co-workers was helping a couple that was using sign language. Now, I have taken 4 courses in American Sign Language and saw he was struggling so I thought I would try and assist. I walked over and told the couple that I knew sign language. They were excited to know this because they were not finding what they were looking for because they were not understood. Now, I have not brushed up on my sign language in a few years so I was a little slow to understand. I was trying to read all the signs he was giving me but did not understand or I was misunderstanding. The couple was a bit frustrated at first because in American Sign Language you are to be knowledgeable in the proper signing and facial expressions or it is consider rude. I let them know I forgot a lot of signs and I was slow. They were more understanding after I told them this. It did make it very difficult to understand them because I was not up to date on my signing. I did not understand or I was misinterpreting the signs. I also had to ask them to repeat themselves a few times and this is also to be considered very rude. It is like having a conversation with a hearing person and saying “what, can you say that again, I still do not understand, again please.” This can become very repetitive and irritating.
If I had to apply one of the four phases to my situation, I would have to say that evaluating the message context fits the best. During this process I had to form opinions and make judgment on what I thought the messages were. I had to take all the facts being presented and try and put them together to figure out what was being said. Since it was a difficult process because I did not understand some of the messages that were being said I misunderstood and made assumptions about what I thought it was.
A way to overcome this problem would be let the person know in the beginning of the conversation that I am not a fluent and this would avoid frustrations. I also could choose to refresh my skills and possibly become more fluent. And there would be less confusion about the messages being said.
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