Lesson Proper

Communication is derived from the Latin word “communicare” which

means “to impart”, “to share”, “to participate” It is one of the more essential
human activities that enable us to make connections, create meanings, and nurture
understanding.
What do we share? What do we impart? Why do we participate?
When you talk to your family, friends, or anyone for that matter, you always
give something of yourself. You share your ideas, your feelings, your aspirations,
your happiness, your anger, your anxieties. You always have that need to connect,
to participate, to belong… Can you imagine existing without communication? How
would life be? Even for the most introverted people who prefer “alone moment”,
they could not possibly exist with zero communication. Somewhere in the basic
needs of human existence lies the compulsion of people to get connected, because
it is what completes us.

Your Thoughts!
 In not more than 10 sentences, share your insights on this question.
 Why is communication a dynamic process and a social cement? Consider the analogy given.
construction? Analyze its meaning in the context of communication. What does communicatio
What does it do to our society?
 ·    proceed to the discussion forum and post your response.
·     

 
Elements of Communication
How do people communicate? Where does communication begin?  The
communication model below illustrates the elements and the communication
process or cycle.
Communications Cycle

 1. The Communicators.

      The people involved in the process of communication are categorized
into sender  and receiver. You have to take note though, that in the process of
communication,  both communicators take turns in their roles.
1.       sender. The sender is one who initiates the conversation with the
intention of passing information and ideas to others.
      The communication process begins with the sender, who is also called the
source. The sender has some kind of information, a command, a request, or idea-
that he or she wants to present to others. For that message to get through the
receiving end, the sender must encode the message in a form that can be
understood, such as using a common language that both parties can understand.
                     2. The Receiver. The person to whom a message is directed is called
the receiver or the interpreter. To comprehend the information from the sender, the
receiver must first be able to receive the sender’s information and then decode it or
interpret it.
2.   The Message
      The information that the sender wants to convey is called the message. It can
come in the form of a question, a plain statement, a comment or remark.
 
3.  The Medium
     The medium, also called the channel, is the means by which a message is
transmitted. When people communicate, they use a vehicle or a medium so that the
message can get across the receiver. This medium is called language.
Communicators use a language that is common to both.
 
4. Feedback
      The communication process reaches its final point when the message has been
successfully transmitted, received and understood. The receiver, in turn, responds
to the sender, indicating comprehension. The response is called
the feedback. Response can come in the form of either verbal or non-verbal cues,
depending on the preference of the receiver.
      Notice that there are elements and factors that shape the way a conversation
begins, continues and ends. Our total experience with communication largely
depends on the context, the situation, who we are talking to, and what we are
talking about. Whether the conversation is a positive encounter or a negative
experience, there are several factors that account to it.
COMMUNICATION MODELS
Source: Businesstopia.net (2019)
 
     Communication models are systematic representations of the process which
helps in understanding how communication works can be done. Models show the
process metaphorically and in symbols. They form general perspectives on
communication by breaking communication from complex to simple and keeps the
components in order. Communication models can sometimes encourage traditional
thinking and stereotyping but can also omit some major aspects of human
communication. Communication models are the metaphorical, simplified, and
systematic representation of the communication processes which forms general
perspectives on communication.
      There are three general types of communication models in which all other
communication models are mostly categorized.
     1. Linear Model (SENDER- MESSAGE- CHANNEL- RECEIVER)
KEY FEATURES
 One way communication
 Used for mass communication
 Senders send message and receivers only receive
 No feedback
 Concept of noise

PROS
 Good at audience persuasion and propaganda setting
 Intentional results
CONS
 Communication is not continuous as no concept of feedback
 No way to know if communication was effective

 In linear model, communication is considered one way process where sender is the
only one who sends message and receiver doesn’t give feedback or response. The
message signal is encoded and transmitted through channel in presence of noise.
The sender is more prominent in linear model of communication.
       Linear model was founded by Shannon and Weaver which was later adapted
by David Berlo into his own model known as SMCR (Source, Message, Channel,
Receiver) Model of Communication.
Linear model is applied in mass communication like television, radio, etc. This
model is not applicable in general human communication as general human
communication has to have feedback and responses.
 
Components of Linear Communication
  Linear model has defined set of components required for a communication to be
established where
 Sender is the person who sends a message after encoding.
1.       Encoding is the process of converting the message into codes compatible with
the channel and understandable for the receiver.
2.       Decoding is the process of changing the encoded message into understandable
language by the receiver.
3.       Message is the information sent by the sender to the receiver.
4.       Channel is the medium through which the message is sent.
5.       Receiver is the person who gets the message after decoding.
6.       Noise is the disruptions that are caused in the communication process in
channel or in understandability of the message.
  2. Transactional Model
KEY FEATURES
 Used for interpersonal communication
 Senders and receivers interchange ideas
 Context of environment and noise
 Feedback is taken as a new message

PROS
 Simultaneous and instant feedback
 No discrimination between sender and receiver
CONS
 Encourages non-verbal communication
 More noise due to communicators talking at the same time

Transactional model of communication is the exchange of messages between

sender and receiver where each take turns to send or receive messages.
       Here, both sender and receiver are known as communicators and their role
reverses each time in the communication process as both processes of sending and
receiving occurs at the same time.
       The communicators can be humans or machines but humans are taken as
communicators in this article to analyze general communication between humans.
The model is mostly used for interpersonal communication and is also called
circular model of communication.
     The transactional model is the most general model of communication. Everyday
talk and interactions are also a form of transactional model communication. It is
more efficient for communicators with similar environment and individual aspects.
For instance, communication between people who know each other is more
efficient as they share same social system.
      In transactional model, efficiency and reliability of communicated message
also depends on the medium used. For example, the same message might not be
perceived by a person the same way when it is send through a phone and when it is
provided face to face. It is because of possible loss of message on a phone call or
absence of gestures.
  3.  Interactive Model
KEY FEATURES
 Used for new communications like intern
 Slower feedbacks in turns
 Concept of field of experience
 Known as convergence model
 Communication becomes linear if receiver does not respond

PROS
 Feedback even in mass communication
 New communication channels

CONS
 Feedback can take a very long time
 Sender and receiver might not know who the other person is

Interactive model or convergence model is similar to transactional model as they

are both two way communication model. But, interactive model is mostly used for
 new media, like internet. Here, people can respond to any mass communications
like videos, news, etc. People can exchange their views and ideas.
 
Components of Interactive Model
  Interactive Model of Communication requires different following components for
the communication process to work:
 
1.     Encoder-Source-Decoder: The person who originates a message is the source.
The encoder and decoder are the same person/source. The second source is also
encoder as well as decoder. The source acts as an encoder while sending the
message and as decoder while receiving the message. The second source decodes
the message, then originates another message, encodes it and sends it to the first
source. The source is known to be encoder and decoder during the act of encoding
and decoding.
2.      Message: Message is the information sent during the interaction.
3.      Feedback: The decoder forms a second message after receiving the first which
is known as feedback.
4.     Field of Experience: Field of experience is the experience and knowledge that
the source possess which affects the message formation and interpretation. For
example, the source’s culture, social behavior, etc.

Communicating Meaning: Verbal vs Non-Verbal

COMMUNICATING MEANING
When you communicate, what do you usually use as a medium? Do you use only
words? Do you use other means to emphasize your ideas? What are they?
Verbal vs Non-Verbal Communication
      Communicating meaning utilizes verbal and non-verbal expressions. Verbal
communication uses words which can be expressed either written or orally. (It is
therefore wrong to say verbal to mean “oral”, like, “verbalize” you concern, to
mean saying it orally). Non-verbal on the other hand is a wordless communication.
Other means are used to convey meaning like facial expressions, proxemics,
paralanguage, appearance, gestures, oculesics, body language and posture,
artifacts, haptics and chronemics.
      For better understanding about these different non-verbal cues, let us discuss
each of them.
   
Facial Expressions
    Facial expressions are a form of non-verbal communication. They are used by
humans to convey various types of meaning in various contexts. Facial expressions
such as a frown, a raised eyebrow, a smile can send meanings depending on the
context.
       Ekman (1992) claimed that there is a set of expressions that are innate, and
they mean that the person making that face is experiencing an emotion. For
example, brow raising means. “I feel surprised.” He also claimed that there are
culturally acquired facial expressions used to modulate the innate emotional
expressions, so-called display rules, and others that are used for communication.
      While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between
cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar
throughout the world.
    What is important to note is that, facial expressions must be consistent with the
meaning that a speaker intends to convey. Sometimes, communication breakdown
happens because of the inconsistency in the facial expression and the intended
meaning. For example, when you say you are happy, but displays a frowning
expression, there comes the confusion. It is expected that when one claims to be
happy, a smiling or gleeful expression accompanies the emotion.
Proxemics
1. Intimate Space (less than 1.5 ft. or 0.45 m)
2. Personal Space (1.5 ft. or 0.45 m to 4 ft. or 1.2 m)
3. Social Space (4 ft. or 1.2 m to 12 ft. or 3.6 m)
4. Public Space (12 ft. or 3.6 m to 25 ft. or 7.6 m)
 
Edward T. Hall, the cultural anthropologist who coined the term in 1963,
defined proxemics as the interrelated observations and theories of human use
of space as a specialized elaboration of culture. (study.com)
  
Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effect that population
density has on bahavior, communication and social interaction. It refers to an
individual’s perception of the use of space, both personal (how much space do
they take up) and social (distance from one another).
Study this illustration. How can proxemics communicate meaning? Can you easily
detect people who are intimately close without them having announce publicly that
they are in a certain kind of relationship? When you see a couple who are normally
so close everyday, but suddenly sits apart or does not walk side by side, what
usually is your assumption?
      People often refer to their need for "personal space," which is also an important
type of nonverbal communication.5 The amount of distance we need and the
amount of space we perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of
factors including social norms, cultural expectations, situational factors,
personality characteristics, and level of familiarity.
      The amount of personal space needed when having a casual conversation with
another person usually varies between 18 inches to four feet. On the other hand,
the personal distance needed when speaking to a crowd of people is around 10 to
12 feet.
 
Paralanguage
 
       Paralanguage is the technical term for the voice cues that accompany spoken
words. It is concerned with the sound of the voice and the range of meanings that
people convey through their voices rather than the words they use
      The meaning of what you express is contained, in part, in the words you say,
but how you say it also contains powerful meanings. For example, the word “Yes”,
can completely convey different meanings, even in the exact same sentence,
depending on how it is said—whether it is spoken sincerely or sarcastically. The
“how”—you say something—is referred to as paralanguage, which includes your
conscious or unconscious intonation, accent, pitch Opens in new window, pace,
pause, silence, emphasis, word and syllable stress.
Basically, paralanguage is your voice minus the words you speak. Again, it
denotes the tone (sound) of your voice. The sound of your voice communicates,
revealing to others your emotional state, attitudes, status, personality, etc.
 The tone of your voice can help you communicate what you mean to
convey, or it can reveal thoughts you mean to conceal. It can reinforce or negate
the words you speak. How you speak influences how others interpret your
intentions, as well as how credible, intelligent, or attractive they judge you to be.
With this in mind, you may assess yourself by responding to the following
questions:
 Does my voice enhance or detract from the impression I make?
 Does my voice support or contradict my intended meaning?
 If I were interacting with me, would I want to listen to the sound of
my voice?
 
Gestures
    Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate
meaning without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and using
fingers to indicate numeric amounts. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to
culture.
Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point,
beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly, often expressing
yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures
can be very different across cultures. While the OK sign made with the hand, for
example, conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it’s consider
offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it’s important to be
careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation
1.     Body Language and Posture
 
Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit,
walk, stand, or hold their head. The way you move and carry yourself
communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal
communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the subtle
movements you make.
 6. Oculesics or Eye Gaze
The eyes play an important role in nonverbal communication and such
things as looking, staring and blinking are important nonverbal behaviors. When
people encounter people or things that they like, the rate of blinking increases and
pupils dilate. Looking at another person can indicate a range of emotions including
hostility,  interest, and attraction.
 
People also utilize eye gaze as a means to determine if someone is being
honest.6 Normal, steady eye contact is often taken as a sign that a person is telling
the truth and is trustworthy. Shifty eyes and an inability to maintain eye contact, on
the other hand, is frequently seen as an indicator that someone is lying or being
deceptive.
7. Haptics
Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal behavior.
There has been a substantial amount of research on the importance of touch in
infancy and early childhood.
Harry Harlow's classic monkey study demonstrated how deprived touch and
contact impedes development. Baby monkeys raised by wire mothers experienced
permanent deficits in behavior and social interaction. Touch can be used to
communicate affection, familiarity, sympathy, and other emotions.
In her book Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters, author
Julia Wood writes that touch is also often used as a way to communicate both
status and power.7
Researchers have found that high-status individuals tend to invade other
people's personal space with greater frequency and intensity than lower-status
individuals. Sex differences also play a role in how people utilize touch to
communicate meaning.
Women tend to use touch to convey care, concern, and nurturance. Men, on
the other hand, are more likely to use touch to assert power or control over others.
 
8. Appearance
This non-verbal cue is quite controversial. We're taught not to judge a
book by its cover. We can't assess a person's intelligence or demeanor by the
clothes they wear. Yet, in a professional setting, one's appearance does send a
message. This is why we wear suits to interviews or enjoy casual Friday at the
workplace.
 Our everyday attire and hairstyle sends a message. Imagine a woman who
always wears bright, bold tones. Perhaps she wears orange suits with red
blouses or yellow skirts with royal blue shirts. This is a woman who's not
looking to be a wallflower. You can probably roll the dice on her high level of
self-confidence.
 On the other hand, just because someone chooses muted tones or grays, it
doesn't mean they're shy. They might simply prefer a simplistic style. To
them, less may be more.
 Either way, how we present ourselves to people and situations tells a story.
We're told to take our hats off at the table, put a comb through our hair, and
wear our Sunday best for a reason. It shows we put a little thought into the
interaction.
 
9. Artifacts
 Objects used to communicate information about oneself
 Colors- common in healthcare and extremely importantArt
 Clothing
 Jewelry
 Symbols
 Signs
 Logos/ trademarks
Objects and images are also tools that can be used to communicate
nonverbally. On an online forum, for example, you might select an avatar to
represent your identity online and to communicate information about who you are
and the things you like.
People often spend a great deal of time developing a particular image and
surrounding themselves with objects designed to convey information about the
things that are important to them.
Uniforms, for example, can be used to transmit a tremendous amount of
information about a person. A soldier will don fatigues, a police officer will wear a
uniform, and a doctor will wear a white lab coat. At a mere glance, these outfits tell
people what a person does for a living.
Nonverbal communication plays an important role in how we convey
meaning and information to others, as well as how we interpret the actions of
those around us.
The important thing to remember when looking at such nonverbal behaviors
is to consider the actions in groups. What a person actually says along with his or
her expressions, appearance, and tone of voice might tell you a great deal about
what that person is really trying to say.

Communication Filters
COMMUNICATION FILTERS/ BARRIERS
The communication process may not always result to a positive experience. When
the intended meaning is not perceived by the recipient of the message,
miscommunication happens. Sometimes, people misunderstand one another for a
variety of reasons. Specific items that can distort or prevent communication refer
to communication barriers or filters. To further understanding of the
communication barriers, the types of barriers are explained below.
Types of Communication Filters
  Cultural Barriers
Culture refers to the attitudes and beliefs that come from our personal environment
and experience. How can culture be a barrier to communication?  Study the
following illustrations:
People grow from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. How they perceive
things therefore differ from other cultures.
For example, basic pleasantries differ from culture to culture. Filipinos usually
greet elders by “pagmamano”; The Japanese bow their heads as a form of greeting
or respect; the Americans shake hands or kiss those who are relatively close to
them. When one is not particular about cultural differences, communication
breakdown happens.
  
What to do about cultural barriers?
1.      Consider the cultural makeup of the intended audience.
2.      Seek to understand where are the differences.
3.      Fashion the message to ensure that it says what you exactly mean.
Language Barrier
Inability to converse in a language that is known by both the sender and the
receiver is the greatest barrier to effective communication.
Examples of language barriers that prevent individuals from effective
communication include:
     Dialects - While two people may technically speak the same language, dialectal
differences can make communication between them difficult. Examples of
dialectical language barriers exist worldwide. Chinese, for example, has a variety
of dialects that are commonly spoken, including Cantonese and Mandarin.
     Language Disabilities - Language disabilities are physical impediments to
language. Physical language disabilities that cause language barriers include
stuttering, dysphonia or an articulation disorder and hearing loss.
When a person uses inappropriate words and jargons while conversing or writing,
it could lead to misunderstanding between the sender and the receiver.
Can you think of a specific example or situation or maybe an experience where
communication failed or resulted to hilarious situation because of language
differences?
In the classroom, when your teacher uses jargons (technical terms), do you easily
understand? Tendency is you would end the day learning nothing, unless the
concepts are simplified and explained further. 
What to do?
      In a work place or in a more formal setting, use visual methods of
communication more than audio. Show more than tell. Explain it with pictures as
much as possible. Use pictures in your instruction manuals rather than words.
Almost every step in every process can be described in picture format. Give your
listeners signs, cue cards or other methods to help them learn.
     Use repetition. As with any new concept, most people don't learn something the
first time they hear it. People need to hear the same message over and over before
they fully grasp it. Don't expect people to learn anything after being told once. This
is true of all of people whether they have a language barrier or not.
     Never raise your voice or over-enunciate your words. Talk slower, not louder.
Speak clearly, not forcefully. People of a different language and culture can hear
 fine. They probably also are intelligent enough to grasp what you are saying if you
intelligently deliver your message without talking down to them. Don't speak
"Pidgin English." Speak correct English the correct way, just more clearly. People
cannot learn the language right if you don't speak it right.
      Use simpler words with fewer syllables. Be aware of the complexities of your
words. Use more common words that convey your message in simpler terms.
Again, don't talk down; just use a less complex vocabulary.
      Minimize the use of slang or idiom.
      Keep it clear
      Use an interpreter whenever possible
(Source: https://guides.co/g/the-seven-barriers-of-communication/37696)
 
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are easy to spot : doors that are closed, walls that are erected,
and distance between people all work against the goal of effective
communication. 
       Physical barriers can be anything from background noise, distractions,
interruptions, equipment, connection  glitches and the like. When on the phone,
and you experience signal interruption, when sending text messages, but you
suddenly run out of load so the message failed to send, when you are talking
with somebody in a noisy environment, when taking a synchronous  online
exam and there is a sudden power interruption, those are considered physical
barriers.
 Examples of physical barriers that prevent individuals from effective
communication include:
     Environment -Some barriers are due to the existing environment. For
example, if you are standing in adverse weather conditions, your conversation
would be hampered because you would not be able to pay full attention to what
the other person is saying.
     Distance -Distance also plays an important part in determining the course of
a conversation. For example, if the staff in an organization are made to sit in
different buildings or different floors, they might have to substitute face to face
communication with phone calls or emails.
      Ignorance of Medium -Communication also includes using signs and
symbols to convey a feeling or a thought. However, if there is a lack of
 ignorance about the medium in which sender is sending the message, the
conversation can be hampered.
Perceptual Barriers
We all have our own preferences, values, attitudes, origins and life experiences that
act as "filters" on our experiences of people, events and information. Seeing things
through the lens of our own unique life experiences or "conditioning" may lead to
assumptions, stereotyping and misunderstandings of others whose experiences
differ from our own.
Anything that inhibits or prevents us from making accurate perceptions is called a
perceptual barrier or a perceptual error. ... Five of the most common perceptual
barriers are selective perceptions, stereotypes, halo effect, projections, and
expectations.
 
Perceptual barriers are internal. If you go into a situation thinking that the person
you are talking to isn't going to understand or be interested in what you have to
say, you may end up subconsciously sabotaging your effort to make your point.
You will employ language that is sarcastic, dismissive, or even obtuse, thereby
alienating your conversational partner.

Think of movie scenarios in which someone yells clipped phrases at a person they
believe is deaf. The person yelling ends up looking ridiculous while failing to
communicate anything of substance.

Examples of perceptual barriers that prevent individuals from effective

communication include:

      Perceptual Filters -We all have our own preferences, values, attitudes,
origins and life experiences that act as "filters" on our experiences of people,
events and information. Seeing things through the lens of our own unique life
experiences or "conditioning" may lead to assumptions, stereotyping and
misunderstandings of others whose experiences differ from our own.
      Triggers and Cues -What we say is affected by how we say it (tone,
volume) and by our nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial gestures.
For example, you may perceive a situation differently if the person you are
speaking with is smiling or frowning, has body odour and is standing too close
or is not giving you direct eye contact.
 
 What to do?
       To overcome perceptual barriers within the workplace, there are a few things
you can do:
      The audience may make assumptions about you or the situation; perhaps you
are new to the organization, or the situation is a challenging one. To get your
message past these barriers, provide evidence to support your claims and enhance
your credibility.
     Effective communication relies on being aware of nonverbal aspects of
interactions with others. It is equally important to be aware of one's own nonverbal
behaviours and be sensitive to how they may be perceived. For instance,
maintaining eye contact when communicating indicates interest. Staring out the
window or around the room is often perceived as boredom or disrespect.
(Source: https://guides.co/g/the-seven-barriers-of-communication/37756)
 
Emotional Barriers
Emotional barriers can be tough to overcome, but are important to put aside to
engage in conversations. We are often taught to fear the words coming out of our
own mouths, as in the phrase "anything you say can and will be used against you."
Overcoming this fear is difficult, but necessary. The trick is to have full confidence
in what you are saying and your qualifications in saying it. People often pick up on
insecurity. By believing in yourself and what you have to say, you will be able to
communicate clearly without becoming overly involved in your emotions.
Examples of emotional barriers that prevent individuals from effective
communication include:

     Anger- Anger can affect the way your brain processes information given to
you. For example, angry people have difficulty processing logical statements,
limiting their ability to accept explanations and solutions offered by others
      Pride -The need to be right all the time will not only annoy others, it can
shut down effective communication. For example, you might focus only on
your perspective, or you might come up with ways to shoot down other people
before you even listen to their points.
     Anxiousness -Anxiety has a negative impact on the part of your brain that
manages creativity and communication skills. For example, your constant
 worries can hinder your ability to concentrate on the information you are giving
or receiving.
To overcome emotional barriers within the workplace, here are some helpful hints:

      Removing Yourself.Angry people have difficulty processing logical

statements, limiting their ability to accept explanations and solutions offered by
others. With this in mind, remove yourself from communication until you feel
you can collect your thoughts, think clearly and hold back potentially hurtful
and undue comments.
      Accepting Imperfections. The drive to win every argument or get the last
word often spawns from overcompensation, or trying to cover emotional
insecurities with a sense of superiority. Other people might find you easier to
communicate with when you accept your imperfections from time to time.
     Relaxation Exercises. While a mental health professional should address
anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or phobias -- typical
anxiety, like the anxiety you feel before giving a speech -- can be managed with
relaxation exercises.
Gender Barriers
Gender barriers have become less of an issue in recent years, but there is still the
possibility for a man to misconstrue the words of a woman, or vice versa.

      Even in a workplace where women and men share equal stature, knowledge
and experience, differing communication styles may prevent them from working
together effectively. Gender barriers can be inherent or may be related to gender
stereotypes and the ways in which men and women are taught to behave as
children.

      Although not all men or all women communicate the same way as the rest of
their gender, several traits that tend to be more common in one gender or the other
have been identified. Understanding these tendencies is key in creating a work
environment that fosters open communication among all employees.

 Examples Of Gender Barriers

According to Heather R. Huhman of Forbes, becoming aware of the following

generalizations may help you more effectively communicate at work:
      Women talk about other people. Men talk about tangible things like
business, sports, food and drinks.
      Women ask questions to gain an understanding. Men talk to give
information rather than asking questions.
     Women are more likely to talk to other women when a problem or conflict
arises. Men are often known for dealing with problems or issues internally
     Women focus on feelings, senses and meaning. They rely on their intuition to
find answers. Men focus on facts, reason and logic. They find answers by
analyzing and figuring things out.
     A disagreement between women affects many aspects of their relationship
and may take a long time to resolve. Men can argue or disagree and then move
on quickly from the conflict.
Please keep in mind that these are generalizations, and do not necessarily apply to
every individual.

Overcoming Gender Barriers

 To overcome gender barriers within the workplace, here are some helpful hints:

      Educate Team About Gender Bias.Bias is embedded in stereotypes and

organizational practices that can be hard to detect, but when people are made
aware of it, they see possibilities for change.
     Create Safe "Identity Workspaces".Companies should encourage women
to build communities in which similarly positioned women can discuss their
feedback, compare notes, and emotionally support one another's learning.
Identifying common experiences increases women's willingness to talk openly,
take risks, and be vulnerable without fearing that others will misunderstand or
judge them.
     
  Interpersonal Barriers
 
Interpersonal barriers are what ultimately keep us from reaching out to each
other and opening ourselves up, not just to be heard, but to hear others. Oddly
enough, this can be the most difficult area to change. Some people spend their
entire lives attempting to overcome a poor self-image or a series of deeply rooted
prejudices about their place in the world. They are unable to form genuine
connections with people because they have too many false perceptions blocking
the way.
Luckily, the cure for this is more communication. By engaging with others, we
learn what our actual strengths and weaknesses are. This allows us to put forth our
ideas in a clear, straightforward manner.

Examples of interpersonal barriers that prevent individuals from effective

communication include:

     Desire to Participate -The lack of desire to participate in the communication

process is a significant barrier. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to
communicate with an individual that clearly does not want to.
      Desire to Explore -Unwillingness to explore different ideas, opinions, and
priorities create communication barriers every day of our lives. A clear lack of
desire to explore your views, opinions, or ideas can be extremely frustrating.
To overcome interpersonal barriers within the workplace, here are some helpful
hints:
     Use simple words to convey the message.To have an effective process of
interpersonal communication, you have to simplify language. Everyone hates to
decipher spoken words, reserve the deciphering to the writing and when
speaking, keep it simple and easy to understand.
      Learn the art of listening.A person will always try to get his opinions
across first before listening to the other person's point of view. To improve
interpersonal communication, listen both attentively and proactively.
     Keep composure while communicating.The process of interpersonal
communication is more effective if emotions are kept at bay. Keeping your
composure while talking or negotiating with a business partner will keep you on
the right track towards your goal.
    Provide constructive criticism.Constructive criticism is perhaps the best
sign that you are communicating with the other person on a more personal
level. Both the sender and receiver of communications may use feedback for
effective interpersonal communication.

WHY STUDY COMMUNICATION?

Your quality of life depends primarily

on your communication skills.