Hidden Aspects of Communication

There are a lot of hidden aspects of communication. There are two types of language which are language and paralanguage. There are speech and writing under language and kinesics, tone and character of voice, proximics, and clothing/makeup/etc.

Language
Speech and Writing
We usually communicate in different ways when we're not speaking. It is usually not thought in school but it is considered very important for communication. We informally learn body language to emphasize what we do or say.


Paralanguage-helps to prevent ineffective communication
Kinesics
Kinesics is another word for body language. We tend to use body language to show our expressions. For example, when we want to express when you're excited, happy, sad, annoyed, bored, etc. Another example for this is what my group and I had done for our human communication assignment which was about body languages.

Tone and Character of voice
There are no connotations depending what you're trying to say by the tone of voice. There are different types of tones which are the sarcastic, sad, annoyed, happy, etc by yelling, whispering, sighing, whining, etc.

Proximics (interaction distances)
Proximics are usually determined how culture defined the uses of space. Most people are unaware of the importance of space in communication. The comfort zone is usually when two people ten to get closer and comfortable with each other. When two people are far away when they are talking to each other, that means that they are showing their boundaries between each other.

Clothing/makeup/etc
Clothing is used to provide protection, modesty, etc. For instance, in Arab countries, women are usually covered from head to toe except for their eyes. This is more to culture based. Other than that, there are certain clothes are more to businesses or formal occasions. However, there are clothes that worn to sexually attract others. People appearances also shows their gender, age, economic class and often their intentions.

http://anthro.palomar.edu/language/language_6.htm#military_body_language_return

Communication Problems

According to Wiio's laws, he believes that "we need to admit their truth and build upon them, instead of comfortably exercizing illusionary communication."

His first statement is that "communication usually fails, except by accident."
"If communication can fail, it will" because there are so many risks and can interact in so many ways and that usually fails. Interaction can usually lead one problem to another. Like the previous video that my group and i did, the moral story is that body language are not universal because all cultures are different in body languages.

"If communication cannot fail, it still most usually fails" because you don't take care about the communication you're having. The communication that you're having are unambiguous, effective and understandable. You usually don't think before you act, therefore, you tend to hurt that person and thus having loads of communication problems.

"If communication seems to succeed in the intended way, there's a misunderstanding" because people assume that communication is simple, easy and successful. I try to interpret what you are saying in the manner which I like which is not coherent with the message that you're actually trying to convey.

Sources:-
http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/wiio.html

OLDEN DAYS COMMUNICATION

1) Writing a letter and a pigeon taking it away to the person it has to go to.

2) Used to set up fire and from the fire, the smoke go's up in the sky and they the people
see it then they know that someone is trying to communicate with them.


3) Grunting and arm waving.


4) Drawing on walls .


5) Letters.


6) The drums.


7) Signaling lamp.


8) Barter system.



References:

1. http://www.blurtit.com/q4131246.html
2. http://www.blurtit.com/q2312929.html
3. http://wiki.answers.com
4. http://www.blurtit.com/q2312929.html

DONE BY: ISHVERJIT SINGH

Interpersonal Conflict

Conflict is a part of most every interpersonal relationship. Managing conflict, then, is important if the relationship is to be long-lasting and rewarding.


What is conflict?

Conflict has been defined as "an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from the other party in achieving their goals". Important concepts in this definition include "expressed struggle," which means the two sides must communicate about the problem for there to be conflict. Another important idea is that conflict often involves perceptions. The two sides may only perceive that their goals, resources, and interference is incompatible with each others.


Common Problems in Conflict Management?

Researchers have identified several problems that typically arise in conflict situations. First, the parties will simply avoid the conflict. This can be damaging, because it can lead to greater problems in the future. It is usually best that the individuals discuss their differences. Second, individuals involved in conflict may blame the other individual. Often, individuals go beyond the specific behavior in question and blame the character of the person. When people use words such as, "He's such a slob," they are engaging in blame the other behavior. A final problem that is often encountered in conflict management is adopting a win-lose mentality. Focusing on each individual's goals/outcomes will help avoid using a win-lose strategy.



FROM TWO CLIMATE,


1) Defensive climate

The climate in which conflict is managed is important. Dyads should avoid a defensive climate, which is characterized by these qualities:

• Evaluation: judging and criticizing other group members.
• Control: imposing the will of one group member on the others.
• Strategy: using hidden agendas.
• Neutrality: demonstrating indifference and lack of commitment.
• Superiority: expressing dominance.
• Certainty: being rigid in one's willingness to listen to others.

2) Supportive Climate

Instead, individuals should foster a supportive climate, marked by these traits:

• Description: presenting ideas or opinions.
• Problem orientation: focusing attention on the task.
• Spontaneity: communicating openly and honestly.
• Empathy: understanding another person's thoughts.
• Equality: asking for opinions.
• Provisionalism: expressing a willingness to listen other the ideas of others.

LASTLY,

Additional Tips


A few final tips can help insure that conflict is successfully managed:

• Conflict Can Be Constructive. Recognize that conflict can strengthen your relationships.

• Be Prepared. Plan how you will communicate about conflict in order to create a supportive climate.
• Be Involved. Do not withdraw from the conflict or avoid conflict situations.
• Withhold Quick Retorts. Be careful about what you say and how you say it.
• Review. Summarize what you have discussed and make plans to continue the discussion if time permits immediate resolution.

Reference:

1. http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/interpersonal/inconflict.html
   

DONE BY: ISHVERJIT SINGH