ESSAY Chapter 8

1. Identify the elements of the communication model and provide an example of each.

ANS:The basic elements are sender, receiver, message, feedback, and perceptual screening. The sender formulates a message and transmits it through a channel to a receiver. The channel can be a telephone, letter, memo, or electronic mail. The message may consist of data, information, thoughts, and even the feelings/emotions of the sender. The receiver may feedback or return a message to the sender. Feedback enhances clarity and understanding but takes time. Perceptual screening refers to the sender's and receiver's views of the world that may influence message understanding. As an example of the model, a supervisor can convey a message (through face-to-face interaction) to an employee, who may raise questions about the message in an effort to understand it. These questions are a form of feedback.

2. How can you be a reflective (or better) listener in the classroom?

ANS:The student can be a better listener by providing feedback to the instructor that indicates understanding of the material being covered. This feedback can be in the form of affirmation, paraphrasing, questions of clarification, even nonverbal responses such as head nodding and eye contact.

3. What are some of the barriers to effective classroom communication?

ANS:There are at least three communication barriers in the college classroom. One is the status differences between student and professor. Students may be reluctant to speak in class or ask questions. A second barrier is jargon and technical language. Many courses have unique terms, symbols, and other technical characteristics that may inhibit effective classroom communication until students understand some of the technical language. A third barrier is physical distance, especially in a large classroom or lecture hall. Students may not be able to hear or adequately see the professor, thereby inhibiting the communication process.

4. As an applicant in a job interview, what nonverbal communication should you use and what should you avoid?

ANS:Eye contact can be very positive as nonverbal communication in a job interview. Correct posture, appropriate dress, head nodding, and a firm handshake are also important nonverbal communication. Failure to make and maintain eye contact, poor posture, and inappropriate clothing should be avoided. Some note taking can be helpful as nonverbal communication, but too much note taking could be distracting and convey the impression that the interviewee has not prepared for the interview.

5. How do communication technologies affect behavior?

ANS:The new communication technologies provide faster, more immediate access to information than was available in the past. Computer-mediated communication is more impersonal in nature and the nonverbal cues we rely on to decipher a message are also absent. In addition, clues to power position may not be available so the social context of the exchange is altered. Communication through technological means has had a tendency to equalize participation. The potential for overload is also much greater. Polyphasic activity (doing more than one thing at a time) is also encouraged with new technology. Finally, the new technologies may make people less patient with face-to-face communication.