Lecture 5Beyond Messages—A critical look at communication “skills”Today’s concepts: Means ends relationship transmission/linear model of communication interaction scripted vs. non-scripted interactions communication proficiencyI. Assumptions about communication in messagesAssumption #1:Communication is a toolkit, consisting of independent, unchanging tools (such as expressing, listening, problem-solving, clarifying, etc.)If you look closely at actual communication:Communication acts (including the use of the “skills” discussed in Messages) are made up of…Complex combinations of infinitely variable units of communication (words, sounds, gestures, etc.)—that can be combined however you want as long as it is recognizable—in infinitely variable contextsAssumption #2: Communication “tools” have well-defined functions There is a direct relationship between means and ends (“you say X and Y happens”)If you look closely:The function of the same act of communication can change across conversations, contexts, and historical periods (e.g., saying sorry)In complex interactions, the “effects” of communication acts are never guaranteedEX: the changing of meanings of words like lame and gay OR how sorry doesn’t have one meaning, can be used many waysAssumption #3: Communication “tools” can be fully controlled implicit model of communication: linear/transmission If you send the right message you will get the right result, feedback, response (a predictable process)If you look closely: communication as interactionInteraction: an open minded, context-bound give and take that requires constant coordinationA conversation varies depending on location and is dependent and variable upon reactionsNo one participation is in full controlYou are relying on recipient of the messages you’re sendingHowever there are situations where someone is dominant, like when you’re pulled over by a police officerNo pre-determined scriptCommunication goals and their accomplishment depends on cooperation of participantsParticipants don’t always have the same goalsAssumption #4: Training can help you become a “skillful” user of communication “tools” communication skills are trainable like motor skillsIf you look closely:Learning to communicate is not like learning to do jumping jacksYou need other people to play along in order to learnInteraction is unpredictable (no direct means-ends relationship; accomplishing results requires cooperation/coordination)Communication training can only improve communication practice in small ways (e.g. overcoming habitual mistakes, learning scripted interactions)“Skills” apply to relatively scripted/structured/predictable interactions in some contextsExamples of interactions and social contexts to which skills actually apply:Giving speechesParticipating in trialsParticipating in church serviceJob interviewsIs Messages wrong?NOit is a great resource for thinking about your communication habits and challengesthinking about “skills” can be useful in some contextsit captures important communication values/principlesBUT...it fails to capture the full complexity of a lot of actual, everyday, observable (recordable) communicationits limitations are the limitations of the single contingency perspectiveThe proficient communicatorCan use skills when appropriateCan reflect on her/his communication habits using the skills model (e.g., “Am I being a good listener?)Understands that the skills model of communication doesn’t capture the full complexity of human interactionKnows that understanding the meaning and dynamics of context-bound language use is key to communication success.COMM1210 1nd Edition Lecture 5 Beyond Messages—A critical look at communication “skills” Today’s concepts:  Means ends relationship  transmission/linear model of communication   interaction  scripted vs. non-scripted interactions  communication proficiency  I. Assumptions about communication in messages Assumption #1:  Communication is a toolkit, consisting of independent, unchanging tools (such as expressing, listening, problem-solving, clarifying, etc.) If you look closely at actual communication:- Communication acts (including the use of the “skills” discussed in Messages) are made up of…o Complex combinations of infinitely variable units of communication (words, sounds, gestures, etc.)—that can be combined however you want as long as it is recognizable—in infinitely variable contexts Assumption #2:  Communication “tools” have well-defined functions  There is a direct relationship between means and ends (“you say X and Y happens”) If you look closely: - The function of the same act of communication can change across conversations, contexts, and historical periods (e.g., saying sorry)- In complex interactions, the “effects” of communication acts are never guaranteedo EX: the changing of meanings of words like lame and gay OR how sorry doesn’t have one meaning, can be used many waysThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. Assumption #3:   Communication “tools” can be fully controlled   implicit model of communication: linear/transmission   If you send the right message you will get the right result, feedback,response (a predictable process)  If you look closely: communication as interaction- Interaction: an open minded, context-bound give and take that requires constant coordinationo A conversation varies depending on location and is dependentand variable upon reactions- No one participation is in full controlo You are relying on recipient of the messages you’re sending o However there are situations where someone is dominant, likewhen you’re pulled over by a police officer- No pre-determined script- Communication goals and their accomplishment depends on cooperation of participants - Participants don’t always have the same goals  Assumption #4:  Training can help you become a “skillful” user of communication “tools”  communication skills are trainable like motor skills  If you look closely: - Learning to communicate is not like learning to do jumping jackso You need other people to play along in order to learno Interaction is