The Black Box March 9, 2008

There are a wide number of sources of noise or interference that can enter into the communication process. This can occur when people now each other very well and should understand the sources of error. In a work setting, it is even more common since interactions involve people who not only don’t have years of experience with each other, but communication is complicated by the complex and often conflictual relationships that exist at work. In a work setting, the following suggests a number of sources of noise:

o Language: The choice of words or language in which a sender encodes a message will influence the quality of communication. Because language is a symbolic representation of a phenomenon, room for interpretation and distortion of the meaning exists. In the above example, the Boss uses language (this is the third day you’ve missed) that is likely to convey far more than objective information. To Terry it conveys indifference to her medical problems. Same words will be interpreted different by each different person. Meaning has to be given to words and many factors affect how an individual will attribute meaning to particular words. It is important to note that no two people will attribute the exact same meaning to the same words.

o Perceptual Biases: People attend to stimuli in the environment in very different ways. We each have shortcuts that we use to organize data. Invariably, these shortcuts introduce some biases into communication. Some of these shortcuts include stereotyping, projection, and self-fulfilling prophecies. Stereotyping is one of the most common. This is when we assume that the other person has certain characteristics based on the group to which they belong without validating that they in fact have these characteristics.

o Interpersonal Relationships: How we perceive communication is affected by the past experience with the individual. Perception is also affected by the organizational relationship two people have. For example, communication from a superior may be perceived differently than that from a subordinate or peer

o Cultural Differences: Effective communication requires deciphering the basic values, motives, aspirations, and assumptions that operate across geographical lines. Given some dramatic differences across cultures in approaches to such areas as time, space, and privacy, the opportunities for miscommunication while we are in cross-cultural situations are plentiful.

Extracted from: http://web.cba.neu.edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun.htm

I picked 4 points from the about website as I feel that these pointers are the important factors which is leading to ineffective communication. Although we’re taught these points in class but what I chose will make us understand more about the barriers causing ineffective communication and we should learn to avoid these barriers by improving our communication skills by reading more about it.

In a group :) March 8, 2008

“Keyboard works as a team and no single key is able to stand on its own”

Focus the discussion on the information needed: Judy, I’ve noticed in the past month that you’ve fallen behind on keeping the project schedule current. I’d like to figure out with you what we both can do to get it back on track.

Use open-ended questions to expand the discussion: You’ve always kept the schedule up to the minute-until about a month ago. Why the change?

Use closed ended questions to prompt for specifics: What projects are you working on that take time away from your work on this project?

Encourage dialogue through eye contact and expression: This involves nodding in agreement, smiling, leaning toward the speaker, making statements that acknowledge the speaker is being heard.

State your understanding of what you are hearing: This can be done by restating briefly what the other person is saying but don’t make fun of it.

Summarize the key points; try to get some agreement on the next steps and show appreciation for the effort made so far: So let’s call Jay right now and set up a time when we can meet and iron this out; keeping the schedule updated is a high priority and I’d like to get this settled by Wednesday.

Extracted from: http://web.cba.neu.edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun.htm

Small group communication is an interactional process that occurs among three or more people interacting in an attempt to achieve commonly recognized goals either face-to-face or through mediated forms. When working in small groups, it is very important to understand groupthink because of the implications of groups in today’s society. We need to know why and how groups make bad decisions and groupthink offers one explanation. However the theory of groupthink should be carefully examined before it is offered as the sole truth of what happens in groups.

comunicación no verbal February 29, 2008

1. Facial Expression

Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication. Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. While nonverbal communication and behaviour can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, and fear are similar throughout the world.

2. Gestures

If you fail to gesture while speaking, you may be perceived as boring, stiff and unanimated. A lively and animated teaching style captures students’ attention, makes the material more interesting, facilitates learning and provides a bit of entertainment. Head nods, a form of gestures, communicate positive reinforcement to students and indicate that you are listening.

3. Paralinguistics

Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language. This includes factors such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection, and pitch. Consider the powerful effect that tone of voice can have on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might interpret approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a hesitant tone of voice might convey disapproval and a lack of interest.

4. Body Language and Posture

Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information. Research on body language has grown significantly since the 1970’s, but popular media have focused on the over-interpretation of defensive postures, arm-crossing, and leg-crossing, especially after the publication of Julius Fast’s book Body Language. While these nonverbal behaviours can indicate feelings and attitudes, research suggests that body language is far more subtle and less definitive that previously believed.

5. Proxemics

People often refer to their need for “personal space,” which is also an important type of nonverbal communication. 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, situational factors, personality characteristics, and level of familiarity. For example, 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.

6. Eye Contact

Eye contact, an important channel of interpersonal communication, helps regulate the flow of communication. And it signals interest in others. Furthermore, eye contact with audiences increases the speaker’s credibility. Teachers who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth and credibility.

7. Haptics

Communicating through touch is another important nonverbal behaviour. 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 the deprivation of touch and contact impedes development. Baby monkeys raised by wire mothers experienced permanent deficits in behaviour and social interaction.

8. Appearance

Our choice of colour, clothing, hairstyles, and other factors affecting appearance are also considered a means of nonverbal communication. Research on colour psychology has demonstrated that different colours can invoke different moods. Appearance can also alter physiological reactions, judgment, and interpretations.

Extracted from: http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/commun-1.htm

This web article describes more into the different non-verbal communications that we have learnt in class and have been using it in our daily life. I chose to write about these non-verbal communication examples because I feel that what we’re taught in class is insufficient to let us understand more about those non-verbal communications we often use unknowingly. So do read through what I’ve found to improve your non-verbal communications with people you meet.

Ah Long Pte Ltd -.- February 24, 2008

Cast: Fann Wong, Mark Lee
Director: Jack Neo
Release Date: 7 February 2008

Ah Long Pte Ltd is a light-hearted black comedy about the triad world and the money-lending business. The movie takes on a humorous and sarcastic treatment on the underworld. It depicts how a young lady, Li Hua (Fann Wong) tries to restructure her money-lending triad into a professional and ‘loving’ triad that stands against the use of violence after she takes over from her triad leader (Richard Low) who retired. Her various restructuring plans (which are no doubt very creative) bring about hilarious results. Li Hua tired of her mother’s constant nagging to get married; she finally relented and proposed to Mr Fang (Mark Lee), an effeminate dance instructor cum image stylist. Surprised to many and even herself, Mr Fang accepted the proposal. The unusual union, despite the misfits, soon blossom into love.

Extracted from: http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2553.jsp

I felt that Ah Long Pte Ltd was not as funny as I thought it would be but rather it was quite a silly movie. Mr Fang (Mark Lee) behaved like a sissy with very strong Malaysia accent while Li Hua (Fann Wong) tries to look cool by staring at triad gangsters. Ah Long Pte Ltd is also kind of boring because every movie directed by Jack Neo will have a certain amount of vulgarities and there seems to be no “freshness” in his movies already. Ah Long Pte Ltd might be doing well in box office but I still strongly advise everyone to consider before going ahead to watch the movie.

In Ah Long Pte Ltd, slang and jargon were often being heard. Actions done by the actors and actresses becomes a form of non-verbal communication with the audience as they shows us their roles and characters they are in the movie.

communication verbale February 16, 2008

The basis of communication is the interaction between people. Verbal communication is one way for people to communicate face-to-face. Some of the key components of verbal communication are sound, words, speaking and language.

How to improve your verbal communication?

• Using positive words to challenge limiting beliefs.

Verbal communication includes phrasing your words clearly and positively. Your words and the explanations you give affect thoughts and determine emotions.

Verbal communication that includes questions helps you challenge beliefs. According to Michael Hall, a belief is a thought to which you have said “yes”, and you have affirmed by saying, “I believe this”. It takes questions worded specifically before you can fully agree.

Your customers, children or partners agreeing and saying “Yes” to your suggestions and opinions indicate that you were able to influence and change their beliefs and thoughts from your spoken or written persuasion.

• Telling or reading a story.

One of the ways to let others understand your message is by telling a story, reading a quote or telling a joke. Verbal communication through stories carries power to induce the person to relate to what you are saying or suggesting. A joke usually helps people relax more and is opened to listen to you.

The way you deliver the story can affect the thinking, emotions and behavior of the listeners. He is able to imagine the experience and will reproduce a response. A story narrated with eloquent can give hope to people who are in dire need for encouragement.

• Asking the right questions.

Questioning yourself or others with precise words allow for answers. It make a difference if you were to ask a “why” or a “how” question. The former gives you a lot of reasons, understandings and explanations while the later set your brain thinking for a solution, useful information and a strategy.

By asking questions and wording them specifically, you will invite a positive debate and interaction that will benefit all involved. You become a better listener and entice others to do the same. Unnecessary arguments are reduced when you are able to express yourself with great command of your language skills.

• Think and prepare before you speak.

Whether you are going to speak in public, talk to your boss, spouse or children, you have to think before you utter those words. Verbal abuse happens when you express yourself without thinking and instead allow your emotions to take over.

You have to project your thoughts first in your mind or in writing before speaking them out. By doing this, it will enable you to prepare yourself with any objections that may arise. Thinking, preparing and imagining the most desirable outcome in your mind allow you to practice your presentation and getting them right.

• Reduce your usage of verbal pauses.

Have you ever listened to how you speak and render your conversations? If you haven’t and are unaware, request for someone to do so. How many times did you stop your sentences and added an “ah”, “um” or “well”? You can also record your verbal communication and listen back to your style of speaking.

Too many of these will irritate your listeners or is perceived as uneasiness or uncertainty in what you are saying. In order to reduce the unnecessary verbal cues, listen to yourself and become aware of it. Then when you realize it coming, condition yourself to just a silent pause.

• Avoid careless language.

Use your phrases with care. Talk and write in ways that allow for accurate description of your experience, thoughts or ideas. Don’t expect people to assume and guess what you are trying to say.

Speak with specificity by avoiding words like always, never, every, or all. For example, when you say to your spouse that he is always late when in fact he was late only twice, you are attracting an argument. Parents like to compare their children by making statements like, “You are worse than your sister”. What happens then? That will create resentment and a rebellious attitude.

Extracted from: http://www.about-personal-growth.com/verbal-communication.html

Kung Fu Dunk February 8, 2008

 

Cast: Jay Chou, Charlene Choi, Chen Bo Lin
Director: Kevin Chu
Release Date: 7 February 2008

Shi-Jie (Jay Chou) is a brilliant martial artist from the Kungfu School. The master of the school adopted him as a baby, when he was found abandoned in the woods. His remarkable Kungfu skills stem from his innate intuition and ability to read his opponents moves. One day, he encounters a group of youths playing basketball and shows off how easy it is for him, with his martial arts training, to do a Slam Dunk. Watching him was Chen-Li (Eric Tsang), a shrewd businessman, who decides that he would exploit Shi-Jie to make some money. Under the guise of helping Shi-Jie to find his family, he recruits him to play varsity basketball at the local university.

Extracted from: http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2561.jsp

This is a simple and no-thinking required kind of humour and laughter movie. There are certain scenes which triggers your laughter without having the need to understand or think. But after much laughter, I cried at the final scene whereby Jay Chou found his family and he had to leave with his family but before he continued walking any further, he turned back and looked at Eric Tseng.

At this scene, much non-verbal communication for example – eye-contact – was used to express both parties’ feelings.

CJ7 :D February 3, 2008

Cast: Stephen Chow, Kitty Zhang Yuqi
Director: Stephen Chow
Release Date: 7 February 2008

The latest comedy from Stephen Chow, CJ7 is a fantasy tale featuring state of the art visual effects. A poor labourer father (Chow) and his young sons lives are turned upside down when a fascinating and strange new pet enters their world. Amid the resulting comic mayhem, they ultimately learn a poignant lesson about the true nature of family and the things money can’t buy.

Extracted from: http://www.gv.com.sg/moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_2562.jsp

Stephen Chow said that CJ7 is meant to be a touching movie and he hoped to make his audience cry upon watching it. I think he succeeded as I cried for a couple of scenes. However I was disappointed when I noticed that Stephen Chow only appeared in minimum scenes and his lines were always the same and it is kind of meaningless to say that he is the leading actor of the movie. Overall, it is sad to know that some are saying that the Asian talent pool for comedy is drying up fast.