The worst experience in communication happened to me due to the language barrier and it caused me some discomfort. I was talking to a person from India, and we tried to communicate but it was complicated because of the accent and the language he was using. I could barely understand what he was saying.
From my understanding, communication is a transmission of the message between several participants to solve an issue or to convey a particular message. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior” (n.d.)
The Linear View is one-way communication in which the sender is the one who sends the message, and the receiver does not require giving feedback. Messages sent through television, radio, or magazines can be considered as a linear view communication.
Interactional View is the model of communication in which the relationship interprets communication; hence, it consists of the content along with the relationship, where the relationship is dominant. Relationships depend on how parties begin an interaction.
Transactional View is when the sender and receiver exchange messages and both parties participate in the communication and give feedback. This type of communication is mostly used in interpersonal communication.
Linear View is the model that is most commonly used, and that is what I struggle with the most. Even though the transactional model becomes more prevalent in the classroom and teachers engage students in the exchange of messages, linear communication does not give much space to leave feedback, which does help to memorize material. The way it’s used in classes is through textbooks and lectures.
Interpersonal communication is a communication between two people that includes the exchange of information, ideas, or feelings through the four main types of communication: listening, verbal, written, and non-verbal.
Meetings between two teammates is when both communicators send and receive information simultaneously as they exchange thoughts and ideas in a real-time setting.
Presentation is an example of interpersonal communication that is transmitted through multiple channels. People use face-to-face communication as physical presence and tone of the speaker allows the receiver to interpret information in the most accurate way. Moreover, a presenter can use broadcast media communication as he includes slides that can contain not only text but also specific video attachments.
People in the relationship create meanings when communicating. It is especially useful in the conflict when both sides explain their understanding of the situation. Conversation helps to create meanings for both of them and contributes to the establishment of an understanding that results in a compromise.
Perception is an example of the noise in interpersonal communication as it interferes with the correct transmission of the information. For instance, a person can interpret what he heard and create a different meaning for himself.
Communication is unavoidable: When a person does not respond to what the other is saying, he transmits a message that he is mad even though he does not say a word.
Communication is irreversible: For instance, a friend told his friend something that offended him. He can apologize or take steps towards making up to him, but he cannot change what he already said. Another suggestion is being careful with words as they can have diverse meanings as well. For instance, Americans interpret the word “quality” as “it works”; however, in Korea people understand this word as “brand new”.
Content and relational dimensions: Two friends are driving in the car, and one of the friends did not respond to what the other one said. The friend who did not get a response decided that a friend who is driving is not interested in the conversation and does not listen to him. However, another car was passing the moment he was asking a question, which created noise, and a friend did not hear the question.
Its effectiveness is learned: When a person enters the school, he does not know how to communicate efficiently. However, he improves each year as he gets experience, learns, and his communication becomes more effective with classmates and teachers.
Perception is important in communication, as it affects how the receiver gets the message. Each person tends to translate a message, and if it is done incorrectly, the meaning cannot be created. My boss and one of my colleagues are friends. During the meeting, he did not mention how the friend did not do one of the procedures correctly, which is considered selective perception.
I am a patriotic person, and a person who communicates with me can notice that. However, I see how the modern world influences everyone, and I meet more people who do not share the same Views as me. I was raised with deep respect for my country, which I translate into the world, and I like to have long conversations about it when I get a chance.
Non-verbal communication should be considered as many gestures mean different things in various cultures. For instance, while thumbs up is recognized as a sign of approval in most of the cultures, it is considered an an insult in Bangladesh.
I feel like keeping communication meaningful is what could help me the most. As the primary goal of communication is to convey a message, it is crucial to make sure that a person understands what another one intends to say. This leads to effective communication; hence, keeping communication meaningful contributes to the establishment of an efficient relationship that helps in personal and professional life.
The goal I would like to set for myself is to improve empathy. I feel like this could help me to understand others more, which would improve my communication skills. Being appreciated is one of the primary needs that lies in human nature, and the ability to listen and feel what others want to say can be crucial.
Reference
Merriam-Webster Definition of communication. (n.d.). Web.