Chapter 1

Putting Communication to Work for You

Why is it Important??What you say and how you makes a

difference in the messages you send.

Appropriate actions & attitude will help you be a competent communicator.

CommunicationInvolves more than just speaking.

Your attire, how you carry yourself, and your actions speak volumes about who you are.

Terms to LearnCommunicationContextAppropriatenessRoleNormStandardCompetent communicatorTask skillRelationship skill

CommunicationThe process of creating and exchanging

meaning through symbolic interaction.

SymbolsVerbal – spoken or written wordsNon-verbal – gestures, eye contact, tone of

voice, etc.

Communicating MessagesEven if you are not speaking, you are

constantly communicating messages to others about yourself with body language, attire, etc.

Be AWAREThe messages you’re sending will present a

picture of who you are and what you want to convey about yourself.

ExampleYou have an opportunity for a job shadowing

experience at a potential career that you would love to have…let’s say, a veterinarian! In preparation for the job shadowing interview, you have researched the business’s information.

Example continuedYou arrive at the interview wearing a tank

top, house shoes and dirty jeans. Even if you impress interviewer with what you know, you probably won’t get the job shadowing experience.

Example continuedThe message of your casual attire speaks

louder than your knowledge about the vet’s business.

ContextThe situation in which communication occurs

Context includes:The people presentThe occasionThe task

So you can make appropriate communication choices.

AppropriatenessWhat is suitable for a specific situation

Example of AppropriatenessIndoor voices and outdoor voices!

Decisions - DecisionsWhich communication choice is appropriate?

Understand how roles and norms operate in a context.

Context Determines Roles & NormsEach context has roles and norms.

Communication behaviors appropriate to the context depend on:the roles you playthe norms for communication behavior

RoleA part played in a specific setting or

situation.

What is your role?Depends on the context you’re in.

Be aware of the roles you play and flexible enough to change your role as you change contexts

You will then be successful in make the appropriate communication choices

Example of your roleYou have many roles: student, friend,

daughter/son, employee, etc. Each context that you are in, you play a different role.

NormA state or implied expectation. A guideline of

what’s appropriate for a given context.

StandardAn established level of requirement or

excellence.

4 Standards – What is appropriate for communication choices:Yourself – know who you are, what you want

to achieve, how you want others to see youYour Listener – their needs, wants, &

limitationsThe Occasion The Task/Job

Competent CommunicatorSomeone who incorporates knowledge,

attitude, and skills into his or her communication to communicate effectively and appropriately.

Task SkillA communication skill that relates directly to

the business and goals of the group.

Examples of Task SkillLogical thinkingGiving clear instructionsListening to understandEffective use of nonverbal behaviors

Relationship SkillA communication skill needed to nurture and

maintain goodwill with people.

Examples of Relationship SkillsAbility to give & receive directionTactCourtesyRespect for othersListening carefully

AssignmentAfter reviewing the Powerpoint, ask Mrs.

Smith for the assignment for Chapter 1, Section 1.