Foundations of Communication Chapter Outlines (Ch. 1-5)

Foundations of Communication Chapter Outlines (Ch. 1-5)

Ch. 1: The Communication Process

What is Communication? Describe the communication process outlined in the chapter, and label the parts. List and give examples of each type of communication barrier. 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

How can communication barriers be avoided? As a Speaker As the Audience How do nonverbals and symbols communicate messages?

1

2

3

4

Laying the Proper Foundation What does “working to be a good person” have to do with the communication process? What type of relationship should a speaker have with their audience?

Describe the difference between interpersonal communication and oratory (or rhetoric).

Building the Proper Motivation What two internal forces should be responsible for motivating words? What is the problem with stereotypes?

Where does the text suggest that your motivation to use spoken word should come from? How can setting a good example for others make you a more believable communicator?

A Worthwhile Conversation Read the Communication Breakthrough.

1. How might stereotypes have been a factor in the relationship between Caleb and his teacher?

2. Do you think that both Caleb and the teacher learned a valuable lesson?

3. What role did intrapersonal communication play in this story?

4. What role did interpersonal communication play in this story?

Ch 2: Building Confidence What is confidence?

Understanding Stage Fright What is fear, and how can understanding it help you gain confidence as a speaker? Who typically suffers from stage fright? What is the difference between a fear and a phobia? What is the difference between stage fright and performance anxiety?

Even Those on Stage Get Stage Fright Read the Communication Breakdown and answer the questions.

1. Sometimes in social situations, we try too hard to be impressive. In the first paragraph, what were two ways that seventh grader Frank James tried too hard? What were the negative consequences?

2. Communication apprehension can really be a problem when it involves our jobs. Winston Churchill found a way to solve his stage fright. He used detailed, accurate notes when he spoke. But what about the singer, the judge, and the weatherman? How did stage fright affect their careers? Why is it ironic that they would suffer this condition?

Establishing an Accurate Perception What is the role of perception in confidence?

Symptoms of Stage Fright

What tips does the text give in regards to how you should perceive your audience? What tips does the text give in regards to how you should perceive your speech? What tips does the text give in regards to how you should perceive yourself? How does Plato’s allegory of the cave relate to perception?

Examining the Planks of Confidence Define each plank and explain its role in building your confidence as a speaker. C- O- N- F- I- D- E- N- C- E-

Ch. 3: Listening Skills Why are good listening skills important?

Listening is More Than Hearing What is the difference between listening and hearing? What is the cost of poor listening?

Describe the “rate gap”—what is it and what are the problems associated with it?

In each box, describe one of the four types of listening and a situation in which you might use it.

Roadblocks to Good Listening In what way are people vulnerable while they are listening?

Why is listening difficult?

List the seven bad habits of listening that good listeners should avoid and explain the problems with each. 1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Instant Impact Do you agree or disagree with the statements made here about the difference between the genders? Why?

Thoughts During a College Lecture Read the Communication Breakdown and answer the questions.

1. How well do you listen to classroom instructions or lectures?

2. What other things do you think about while you’re listening?

3. What could you do to help focus your listening skills during class time?

Explain the concept of filters and how they affect your listening.

Keep Emotions in Check Read the Communication Breakthrough and answer the questions.

1. Can you think of a situation where your emotions might keep you from listening attentively to someone?

2. Why is it important to try to remain objective and open-minded when listening to people with whom you may disagree?

Effective Listening Strategies Explain what you should do in regards to your listening strategies at each part of a speech.

The Beginning

The Middle The End

Explain the four ways to use your listening spare time to your advantage from the acronym EARS. 1. 2.

3. 4.

The text lists four additional tips for active listening. What are they? 1. 2. 3. 4.

How Well Do You Listen? Take the quiz. How did you do?

Ch. 4: Nonverbal Communication

Body Basics Why is it important to be aware of your nonverbal messages? What two reasons does the text give for the importance of body language? 1. 2. How many different physical signs can the body produce? Describe positive and negative body language.

Positive

Negative

What do the terms distal and proximal mean and what are they associated with? What is the relationship between your body language and the way that you feel?

Interpreting Nonverbal Messages What are some important tips to know when you begin interpreting body language? What can you learn from a person’s facial expressions? What can you learn from a person’s tone of voice?

What are key signs that a person is lying? How can you tell if a smile is genuine?

Multicultural Messages How do cultural differences affect communication and body language in particular?

List examples of some specific body language differences.

Why is it important to be aware of cultural customs (such as for greetings or touching)?

Label the four types of space as if you were standing in the middle of the circle. What distances do these represent and what relationship do they signify? 1. 2. 3. 4.

One Woman’s Experiment to Act Like A Man Read the Communication Breakdown and answer the questions.

1. Do you find yourself fitting in to or breaking these generalizations?

2. What other kinds of body language do you think men tend to use more than women?

3. What kinds of body language do women use more than men?

11

4

3

2

1

Ch. 5: Interpersonal Communication Based on the Looking Ahead and Introduction sections, why is it important to learn about and practice effective interpersonal communication? What is the difference between courtesy and tact?

Appropriate Tone Describe the difference between aggressive, nonassertive and assertive tones. What are the problems or benefits described with each?

Aggressive

Nonassertive

Assertive

Using the Telephone Effectively Read the feature, and then answer the questions.

1. What did Kevin do wrong in the first conversation?

2. What did he do better in the second conversation?

3. What characteristics do you think companies look for when they speak to potential employees on the telephone?

People Skills What are “people skills”? What is important to know about making a good impression with introductions?

What three things should be avoided in conversations? Why? 1. 2. 3.

What are the four ABCs of giving directions? Explain them in your own words. 1. 2. 3. 4.

What is the appropriate way to respond when receiving criticism?

When giving criticism, what should you avoid doing?