Description
The assignment
Before writing this reflection, think about what your experience has been like this semester. Then write a one page reflection paper. Your paper should be one page (with 12 point type and reasonable spaces and margins). I expect college level writing in your paper. Please be thoughtful and honest in your reflection paper, but avoid uncivil or inflammatory language. Be sure to answer each of the following questions in your paper:
Overall, what has your experience been like in this class this semester? What was something you learned about yourself?
What were some things you disliked about this class?
What were some things you liked about the class?
If you could change something about this class, what would it be?
Would you recommend this class to future students? Why or why not?
Lecture:
Based on the definition of Communication, we can learn about some important characteristics of communication.
Communication is the process of understanding and sharing meaning.
The root word of communication, “Co” means together or with. The same root word appears in words like cooperate, coalition, co-pilot, etc.
What do each of the words in the definition tell us about communication?
Sharing and Understanding
Two or more must be involved. We can’t have communication unless there are two or more people involved.
Some information has to be exchanged and interpreted by the other.
Meaning
Communication is receiver based. It happens in the mind of the receiver. Once the sender sends a message, the receiver has all the control over how it is interpreted.
It isn’t what is said that is communicated, it is what the receiver perceives (perception is how you see things). For example, you might tell your friend you are tired and don’t want to go to the movie with them. What you meant: I would like to go with you, but I am too tired and need to rest. What you friend heard: I don’t want to spend time with you.
Meanings are in people, not in words. We tend to assume that everyone knows what we mean when we say a word. Take the word bat for example. When you hear the word bat, do you see this or this ? Words themselves don’t possess meaning. The meaning is in the mind of the receiver.
Process
What does the word process make you think of? It implies that there are steps involved in communication. It is not simple. It is complex.
What is the Difference Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication?
A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that Verbal means voice and nonverbal means body. This is not the correct distinction.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Verbal communication literally means words. Verbal communication is communication through words. Spoken words are verbal communication, but so are written words, including email, text messages or a Facebook post. Verbal means only the words.
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal Communication is everything else that humans do to communicate, including the pitch, tone of voice, etc.
Nonverbal Communication is defined as those aspects of communication, such as gestures and facial expressions, that do not involve verbal communication but which may include nonverbal aspects of speech itself (accent, tone of voice, speed of speaking, etc).
Why do we divide them this way? Because that is how our brains divide them up. I will get back to that later.
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Something like 70-90 % of the meaning in most messages is carried through the nonverbal channels. Nonverbal is far more powerful in the message than verbal. When verbal and nonverbal messages contradict each other, listeners tend to believe the nonverbal.
Think about a friend sending a text message that says, “I’m having a great day.” You would assume the person meant that literally. Now imagine that friend said to you in person, “I’m having a great day,” with a frown, a low pitched voice and a scowl at the end. You would know that person was being sarcastic. The true message is that your friend is not having a good day, and likely just the opposite. The words themselves have meaning, but the nonverbal message (including the tone of voice, facial expression, posture, etc) are far more powerful in the message.
My notes:
My notes : this semester was four weeks long so challenging to have time to do everything perfect. What I like to change in the class is letting the assignment open after due date because in four weeks everything might happen like family emergency or having to work over time which can interact with our time. I will recommend other people to take this class as it gives knowledge about different topics that are important in our life like doing a public speech and how being prepared is important. Also I learned important tips about grieving people as I used to feel awkward and don’t know what to do.
