Communication Notebook 1

Communication Notebook

Student’s Name

COM200: Interpersonal Communication

Instructor’ Name

Date .

Communication Notebook 2

Week 1: Channels of Communication Step 1 – Describe the findings. (100 to 150 words) – Only this part is due at the end of week 1 I chatted with two of my co-workers – one through messenger and the other through video chat – asking about when their last vacation was. Neither has ever taken a real vacation before. The messenger communication was dry and had negligible content- just a simple answer to a simple question without the influence of nonverbal feedback via tone, inflection or facial expression. In the video chat, our ability to communicate nonverbally made the relational dimension much stronger and created a more detailed dialogue. What Bevan (2020) refers to as mediated channels become apparent considering the similarity of the question and answers, and different responses due to the inability to convey those nonverbal cues. The text communication was about five minutes long due to waiting for responses and external distractions. The video chat was shorter because it was handled much like a face to face interaction – no distractions from outside sources, and lots of nonverbal feedback through expression and tone to enhance our dialogue. Both people answered the questions clearly, however, the one via SMS was lacking content due to a lack of feedback. I was able to laugh and giggle during the video chat and change the context of the message significantly. The messenger content was straightforward, to the point – almost dry. This conversation was also based on shared knowledge of each other’s situations, what Bevan (2020) refers to as “relational dimension.” I felt much closer over the phone. My nonverbal communication set the intent for this to be a positive, happy conversation – and changed the context. We had an exciting discussion about her dream vacation to Disney and what that would mean for her son. This conversation ended up being a little more one-sided on the receiver’s part because I didn’t influence the context. The conversation ended up being more related to how tired and frustrating it can be not to have a way to get away for an extended period. The face to face interaction was much more satisfying because of added elements through nonverbal communication. Step 2 – Apply what you have learned during this class, especially the basic principles of effective communication, ideas of the self, or culture, to your exercise results, citing at least two course resources to support you and one can be a video. (This must be 200 to 250 words.) Due week 5. Effective communication is always limited when texting, video chats, etc. cause mediation. Losing nonverbal cues such as tone and facial expression changes the context or meaning of the conversation. To compensate, we rely on what Bevan (2020) describes as the “primary goal of human communication,” shared meaning. Shared meaning enhances mediated dialogue by relying on rapport and self-disclosure.

Commented [KC1]: Nice point. You mentioned inflection, tone, and facial expression earlier. It would have been great to restate some of those points here.

Commented [KC2]: Good point about how it changes the experience for both parties. I wonder if that contributed to “shared meaning.”

Commented [KC3]: Be sure to explain specialized terms like that. In addressing that concept, Bevan explains the importance of power, how well the two parties get along, and feelings. Those are all important.

Commented [KC4]: I struggled a bit to follow this point. It seems maybe you're saying there is more "sharing" when it is live?

Communication Notebook 3

During my previous conversation in messenger, the context was changed by the closeness of our relationship. Healthday News (2011) states close friends may stop taking in all the details and lose perspective of the conversation because there is so much prehistory to influence the context of a simple question. As the messenger, Bevan (2020) reminds us that we are responsible for clearly, accurately communicating to the receiver, no matter the channel. To mitigate miscommunication, we need to encode our responses by tailoring them to the communication styles of the receiver. In a world where face-to-face communication is rapidly becoming less common, the odds are against successful communication. Headlee (2015) warns that we are more polarized and divided than ever before. Through heightened awareness of our communication skills, we can find shared meaning in a platform devoid of gestures, tone and facial expressions. Week 2: Please list your exercise: ___ Stereotypes ___ Step 1 – Describe the findings. (100 to 150 words) – Due week 2 Bevan (2020) describes stereotypes as fixed opinions or preconceptions based on expectations rather than facts. It is quite natural for humans to categorize and assign characteristics to individual based on common representations, and those assumptions are often useful in helping us communicate more effectively. Examples of stereotypes: 1) Old people don’t understand technology. o Old folks can’t understand computers, so I always try to spend more time helping them and answering simple questions, so they are more confident. Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they can’t use modern tech. This assumption can cause offense and lead to missing out on valuable input grounded in years of experience.

2) The Jones boy was raised out in the sticks, and it will be easy to play a joke on him because he won’t catch on.

o Upbringing and surroundings don’t indicate limited intelligence, and bullying can alienate and cause mental anguish.

3) Don’t believe anything he says; he’s just a kid!

o Assuming that children aren’t truthful can lead to abuse and neglect. To avoid assigning what DiMaggio (1997) describes as default stereotypes, we need to: 1) Be aware of if our surroundings. Are we being influenced by another’s ideas? 2) Be active observers and listeners. Search out what makes the interaction unique.

Step 2 – Apply what you have learned during this class, especially the basic principles of effective communication, ideas of the self, or culture, to your exercise results, using and citing at

Commented [KC5]: This is a nice final point as it is important to be aware of this so one can adopt different measures to convey tone. 😊😊

Commented [KC6]: Good point. The older person might have worked in the early years of computing and still keeps up!

Communication Notebook 4

least two course resources to support you and one can be a video. (This must be 200 to 250 words.) Due week 5. Is a stereotype an ugly, outdated expression? Or is it simply social categorization, the natural phenomenon that occurs when we subconsciously assign individuals to social groups (Stangor, 2014)? In answer, it can be both. Bevan (2020) describes stereotypes as necessary and organize sensory input. By sorting individuals based on similar characteristics, our brains don’t have to work as hard to give us useful information about our surroundings. Stereotypes help us discern people of similar interests and tastes. In the video “A Nation of Tribes,” stereotypes are referenced as a social class system, dividing people by religion, education, income or hobbies, often subconsciously. While this seems counter-intuitive to the American cultural standard of equality for everyone, it is a natural occurrence due to natural human desire to interact with people who share a similar cultural identity. Whenever we can share “cultural norms, values and traditions,” barriers typically in place dissolve quickly and easily, creating instant rapport and belonging (Bevan 2020). Negative stereotypes lead to an evident lack of respect through unwillingness to appreciate natural differences. While it is appropriate to associate with people that you like and respect, it is not appropriate to allow a stereotype to dictate how we behave through biased jokes and offensive sexist or racial slang. Bevan (2020) reminds us that failure to respect differences can negatively impact professional reputation through an evident lack of judgment. Week 4: Please list your exercise: _Relationship Maintenance Step 1 – Describe the findings. (100 to 150 words) – Due week 4 My husband Roger and I have been together for almost 10 years. We built our relationship on a foundation of trust and instant rapport based on similar upbringing and many shared interests. We continue to build on that foundation with what Bevan (2020) describes as crucial behaviors and communication, or relationship maintenance. During the early years, we had our challenges – mainly getting used to the idea of being only children and sharing. Some of our biggest fights happened because I moved something 6 inches to the left, or I thought he sounded like my mother. Conflict management: there is a time and place for every conversation. Roger doesn’t bring up argumentative topics while I’m on my way to work. Whenever I’m upset about something he’s done, I give myself plenty of time to think it through and find a logical approach. Openness: trust can’t be held without a level playing field. We share successes, mistakes, frustrations, you name it. There are no passwords that I don’t or can’t have, no locked doors that he can’t open.

Commented [KC7]: Good point. So, we need to just be aware of when this might be harmful to ourselves or others.

Commented [KC8]: Interesting. I wonder what the root of those two points of contention is. 🙂

Commented [KC9]: It would have been even stronger to cite Bevan and cover a specific point from her.

Communication Notebook 5

A relationship can be how well I work with my boss, or how often I call my mom. Bevan (2020) refers to definitions of relationship maintenance as overlapping and applicable to a variety of relationships. Step 2 – Apply what you have learned during this class, especially the basic principles of effective communication, ideas of the self, or culture, to your exercise results, using and citing at least two course resources to support you and one can be a video. (This must be 200 to 250 words.) Due week 5. To be meaningfully involved in intimate interpersonal communication can be one of the most personally fulfilling experiences of being alive. Brene Brown (2010) describes it as feeling connected: it’s how we are wired, why we’re here. Building and maintaining any relationship is an effort based on the very core of our being. Being vulnerable, open, and trusting is instrumental in achieving a level of complete rapport and self-disclosure suited to a long-lasting, intimate relationship. Ideally, we will “focus on positive behaviors to maintain a relationship (Bevan 2020)”. However, the reality of conflict is almost always present in some shape or form throughout a long-term relationship. Negative behaviors such as avoiding an upsetting or time-sensitive topic or attempting to control the relationship can cause irreversible damage if left unchecked. Stafford and colleagues (2000) describe conflict management as using constructive and positive behaviors such as listening and apologizing to repair damages. Sometimes, Relationship maintenance isn’t as simple as fixing a communication issue or saying, “I’m sorry.” According to Vuchinich (1990), 66% of dinnertime family conflicts agreed to disagree. Further, repetitive, unresolved conflicts such as serial arguments can increase relationship dissatisfaction (Cramer, 2002). In situations like these, it’s essential to be involved in and actively looking for ways to effectively resolve conflict if the approach didn’t work the first time. Week 5: Please list your exercise: _Relationship equity_ Step 1 – Describe the findings. (100 to 150 words) – Due week 5 In my role as an assistant supervisor, I was underbenefited much more often than overbenefited. There was always an imbalance in how the role was described- a few supervisor/ assistant teams as equal co-supervisors – others very much “boss” and subordinate. True to Bevan’s (2020) example, I often felt hurt, resentful and dissatisfied because I was always over extended and scrambling to meet all my daily tasks when I was in the latter combination. As I look back at this experience, I let my lack of communication skills get in the way. Bevan (2020) mentions uncertainty management as a waxing and waning of interpersonal communication based on the relationship or even our self-concept. My self-concept and inability to trust was impactful, allowing me to sell my abilities short and not be assertive over my own rights.

Commented [KC10]: Nicely put, as you highlight the connection between rapport and self-disclosure and how they are crucial to sustaining meaningful relationships.

Commented [KC11]: I'd like to have seen you list just a few here.

Commented [KC12]: Good point. Just a bit more detail about your role and how specifically you felt under benefited would have helped me better understand the scenario.

Communication Notebook 6

Step 2 – Apply what you have learned during this class, especially the basic principles of effective communication, ideas of the self, or culture, to your exercise results, using and citing at least two course resources to support you and one can be a video. (This must be 200 to 250 words.) Due week 5. A relationship is a partnership between two people and each half of that partnership has the basic need to feel rewarded (Bevan 2020). Each half of the relationship measures its value based on self-perception, expecting a different reward. As an assistant supervisor, my reward was to be appreciated by my supervisor, loved by my team and instrumental in helping drive performance. The reward for the supervisor is to have all daily tasks completed and see team performance excel. Though different, those separate tasks can be equally rewarding if each partner fulfills their own responsibilities and communicates needs clearly to the other party. Bringing equity back to a relationship can have many different challenges, particularly when people with very different conflict styles are involved. Competent communication used to express thoughts and emotions constructively is key to any attempt to regain balance (Bevan, 2020). Actively listen, be engaged, focused and present, in the moment (Headlee, 2015). Through this heightened level of engagement. you can learn their conflict style to better engage in dialogue and restore balance. Often, inequalities or imbalances in a relationship are based on a mutual loss of trust or failure to communicate clearly. By assuming we have something to learn, we can regain that lost ground and rebuild trust by providing a collaborative response to conflict. Instead of showing a high concern for ourselves and aggressively defending our position, we can attempt to create a win-win situation by reaching a mutual decision that benefits both halves of the relationship (Bevan 2020).

Commented [KC13]: Good point. I hope to see you explain the idea of equity a bit more.

Commented [KC14]: This is a bit better, but the idea could have been developed more, with Bevan used to support you.

Commented [KC15]: Good general point, but I struggled to see what this win-win would look like for your example. Try to make those links between examples and course themes whenever possible.

Communication Notebook 7

Commented [KC16]: All the details are in the correct order, following APA guidelines. Two small corrections are to ensure the reference list items are alphabetized, by last name and to indent the second line. To do this second task, right click on the text in word and go to the section that says “Indentation.” From the menu items, select “Special” and then scroll down and click “Hanging.”

Commented [KC17]: To comply with new APA style guidelines, please omit the “Retrieved from” information. Just FYI – we are working on making changes to the course shell and correcting any errors on those references lists.

Commented [KC18]: Omit.

References Headlee, C. (2015, May 7). How to have a good conversation. TEDx – Creative Coast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6n3iNh4XLI HealthDay News. (2011, January 24). Close relationships sometimes mask poor communication (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/01/24/close-relationships-sometimes-mask-poor-communication Brown, B. (2010). The power of vulnerability. TEDxHouston. Retrieved July 14, 2019 from https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?referrer=playlist-when_you_re_having_a_hard_time Bevan, J. L. (2020). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication (3rd ed.). Zovio.