Last Week of post (1)

Final week: 1. What concept in the this class have you found most interesting? What was it about the concept hat you found interesting?

The concept I found most interesting in this class is probably considered the most simple but is not always the case “listening”. Listening is more then just hearing, which many people may get confused on a daily bases. For listening is “the process of receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken and/or nonverbal messages” (p. 45). While, hearing is “a physiological process that occurs when sound waves are translated into electrical impulse and then processed by the central nervous system” (p. 45). So, as you may be able to see listening takes more effort for others then just to say, ‘you hear what someone is saying’. Also, listening involves multiple steps such as attention, interpretation, evaluation, responding and storage and retrieval. By using all of the above steps both the listener and the speaker will be able to engage in more communication and understand the verbal and non-verbal message more clear. For example, we all have witness at least once someone telling a story to an individual but we can see by the individuals non-verbal messages that they are not listening to the story. I have seen this happen and now understand that just hearing the story is not enough, but we must engage in listening to the person. So, next time someone is talking to you about something as simple as ‘their day’ be sure to listen and not just hear them. Remember listening a very important aspect of communication.

Good Luck with finals!!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 11: Medium is the Message

CH 11: Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

Yes I would agree with Marshall McLuhan “the medium is the message” because the way and style a message is transmitted may affect the way the message is received (p. 307). For example, each business has their own format for when sending out messages internal and external. There are many forms of channels to broadcast content, such as television. McLuhan mentions, why television has cool medium because “it demands that viewers fill in detail” (p. 307). With all the new technology, television is still a good way to ones message to a certain demographics looking at both format/logic and content. However, I can not help but think how important format and logic is in today’s society with all the content being thrown at us everyday.

Have a good one!

Thanks,
Vanessa

CH 11: Cyberspace vs Face-to-Face

CH 11: Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from face to face relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

There are some people who love to talk face to face and for those you do not may use cyberspace to communicate with other individuals. I am one of those individuals who really enjoys and prefers face to face communication with friends, family, co-workers and my boyfriend. I have never built friendships from cyberspace and really do not intend to in the future. I believe face-to-face communication is more effective and helps a person grow within their relationships. For example, I know I like face to face communication because just tonight I told a friend that “ lets meet for coffee to discuss some things instead of online.” Also, I have never used a blog page before this class, if that tells how much I like face-to-face communication then computer communication. I know there are many positive and negative aspects to cyberspace but this is a new method that could help communication grow more globally by video conferencing through cyberspace for but those who like face-to-face and the internet.

Have an awesome Friday!!!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 11: Interesting term

CH 11: Pick one interest concept or term and discuss it.

We live in a world that allows the media to reach us in many styles and methods. Mass media has grown with the times, allowing more people to be reached with multiple sources of mass media making information with a push of a button. I found certain characteristics of mass media interesting, such as “Interposed Channels” (p. 300). When reading over this chapter I could not help but think of how mass media reaches us today. For example, electronic media many involve equipment and financial commitment and so forth, however it is the norm to use technology to receive information from the mass media (p. 300). Just think about how internet, myspace and commercials were used in the 2009 US President elections. Mass media and the candidates used electronic media because that is the best way to reach the majority of US citizens and others in the world. However, I believe there are both positive and negatives that will come with the future methods and styles of all mass media (electronic versions). One thing for sure, the world is at our finger tips, which mass media will continue to use to their advantage.

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 8: Organizations and Environment

CH 8: How are organizations tied to the environment? What is the relationship between the school you attend and the city or town in which it is situated? What, if any, an ethical obligation does an organization like a college or universities have to the local community?

I believe organizations fall hand in hand with the environment they are formed, practiced and grow to be. Trenholm states, “ Organizations depend on their surroundings for resources and energy” (p. 215). An organization can do well when the economy is doing well and sometimes suffer when the economy is not doing well. For example, I come from a small town named Hollister, CA. When I was growing up this small town everyone knew everyone and what clubs everyone was involved. However, when it came to Friday nights or Saturday afternoons and our high school football team was playing mostly everyone in town would attend. The people would talk about the game the next day and you could read about in our newspaper. As you can see our schools play a big part within the community and the way the school is viewed will affect the way outsiders view out community/city.
Another example of how organizations can effect the local community can be seen right here at SJSU. I belong to a sorority that is from SJSU and the way we are viewed by the local community will affect out school and our future growth within our community. I believe that is why our sorority does so many different ways of community service to better the community we are a part of and help them understand us. Either way, organizations and the community must work together to better the growth for the area they live in for the future.

Hope you have a Great sunny weekend!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH8: etiquette rules for information age

CH 8: Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?


I would agree with the “Etiquette Rules for an Information Age” which are listed in out textbook. The most popular would definitely be the cell phone rule. There is nothing worst then having to hear someone else conversation or hold up a line because the user of the cell phone has no cell phone etiquette. I am a strong believe there are certain times and locations for cell phone use and then there are those times or locations where one should not answer their cell phone in a verbal or text way. For example, I work at a law firm where cell phones are not allowed to be spoke on outside of your office or outside of a conference room. The purpose of this is so other employees and clients in the common areas do not hear personal conversations or other case information. To tell you the truth I really like this rule for cell phones because if we did not have this rules attorneys would have their ear attached to the cell phone at all times.

The next rule popular rule would ring tones and screen names because more and more individuals are turning to this technology to be original. However, some people do not understand that some ring tones just do not want to be heard by others. In addition, there is nothing worst then typing in a weird or silly screen name to talk with someone. No matter what people will make up ideas about you based on your screen names, which I think a screen can tell a lot about a person.

In addition, answering machines are a helpful tool if both parties are clear with their message. The way a person leaves a message such as the words they choose, tone, length and so forth can tell the other how that person is feeling the topic. However, I can not stand it when people leave really long voice messages because when you call this person back they will say the same thing all over.

Conference calls are used some much more today because we were do business all over the world. Conference calls are an important communication tool for the growth of any business. I must saying being is a few conference calls at work really shows how important it is to use names and make sure everything you say is clear and to the point.
As for faxing, we still use this at work occasionally, but when we do send then it is necessary to send a cover sheet and make sure it is being sent to the correct number.

Lastly, timing your communication for calling, faxing, talk with others, leaving messages and so forth must be done at appropriate times. For example, when doing business over seas it is important to keep in mind the time difference when wishing to communicate with another individual.

As for call waiting I am not a big fan of it because either party will not feel important to you if you do not switch over, interrupt the conversation or even end the conversion to speak with the other person. Also, there is nothing worst then speaking with someone and the phone keeps beeping for call waiting. I really do not like putting people on hold because I find it rude. The last thing I want to hear in the middle of a conversation is “can you hold on a minute? So and so is calling” because by the time they get back on the phone we find ourselves trying remember where we were at in the conversation. Overall, there needs to be communication etiquette for the new ways of communicating in this very busy world we live in today.

Have a good one!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 8: Interesting Term

CH 8: Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

Organizational communication is more important then ever in today's society with the multiple methods of communication. Just think about an organization you are involved with and the way the group communicates with members in the organization. No matter what organization you are involved in their is a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is "someone who is in a position to pass on or discard information" according to Trenholm (p. 222). I believe a gatekeeper has a huge responsibility of weeding out the good/important information from the non-important information. For example, I work at a law firm where I answer the phone to see who is calling the attorneys and make sure they are speaking with the correct individuals for each case. I am a gatekeeper, which is a big responsibility to make sure I tell the attorneys the correct information of each caller. I tell co-workers sometimes when clients give me to much information I am not always 100% sure I am passing on all the information the attorneys would find helpful. Either way a gatekeeper must pass any information in a timely and effective manner within the organization to reach the correct person. Organizational communication will always need improvement within and without the organization because of the new styles/methods of communication that are to come in the future.

Have an awesome week!

Thanks
Blondie

CH 6: Patterns

CH6: Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be most difficult to change? Why? Which would be the most damaging to a relationship? Which would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved?

I believe every relationship starts to have patterns, over time. With that said, rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry and submissive symmetry would be difficult to change within a relationship once those patterns have began. However, I would think rigid complementarity is a little more difficult to change from my personal experiences within my own relationship with my boyfriend. On a light note of rigid complementarity I have experienced this with my boyfriend when it comes to going out. The reason is most of the time I am the one who plans what we are going to for the night, such as where, when, with who and what to wear. At first I did not mind this but now after reading this chapter I realize it is difficult to change this pattern even though we both have discussed this every so often. I do get tried of being in charge of what we are going to do and make sure i plan accordingly the factors in our life at that moment. After gaining a better understanding of the possible patterns we can fall into when in a relationship I will be able to better my relationship with my boyfriend for the future.

On another note, I believe complementary pattern would be most damaging in a romantic relationship. I am sure you would agree, there needs to be a balance between partners. If a partner takes the submissive part to often then the relationship would not be balanced and not be healthy for both partners. I would also say this term would be most damaging ones self-esteem in the relationship. If both parties don not have positive growth in the relationship then self-esteem will not grow in a positive direction as well.


Hope you enjoyed the rain this weekend! :)

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 6: Filters

CH 6: Think about the filters you use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners. What characteristics or behaviors lead you to judge others as unattractive? Does Duck’s theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cue?

I believe everyone who is human uses filters when meeting anyone, especially when considering an individual as a potential romantic partner. I know when we meet someone and start to date that individual our friends also use filters when they meet their friend’s new boyfriend/girlfriend. With that said, I have used all the filters our textbook discusses in chapter six; everywhere from sociological to interaction cues. It’s funny because when I was showing my boyfriend this part of the chapter, he mentioned how I did use all these filter either through questions or looks about where our relationship may lead. After reading the chapter and speaking with my boyfriend I realized Duck’s theory makes sense because no matter what we as humans will use many filters in beginning of a relationship. I know I am somewhat of a judgmental person (I am working on changing this), however there are behaviors or characteristics that make people unattractive to me, for example, no eye contact, bad words, do not look clean or match their outfits, no future goals, hang with the wrong group of people and so forth. However, even with all the filters, I have for a romantic partner because filters can help a person realize what they are looking for in another person. Maybe that is where the saying ‘my better half’ came from? Lastly, no I have never eliminated potential romantic partner by using sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction because I did not really date my first four years of college, which may have been because of my many filters.

Have an awesome weekend!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 6: Interesting Term

CH 6: Write about an interesting term you found from the reading.

The term I found interesting was looking-glass self (p. 144). This term seems so simple, but made me think of the way I view myself when I communicate both verbally and non-verbally. We live in such a fast pace world, where if you did not have the correct image it is difficult to be heard in certain groups. However, looking-glass self reminds us that we must understand who we are as a person. We gain a good understanding of who we are based on who we wish to hang-out with, have relationships with, organizational involvement or even our future goals. Looking-glass self helps individuals see how others view them by looking their surroundings, i.e. people. We can use others as a mirror to see how we are viewed (p. 144). I found it amazing that all the talk about “you are who you are by the company you keep” could be found in a textbook. However, I would agree with this statement because we all experience looking-glass self within our lives and others we communicate with regularly. I believe we need to take more time to use the looking-glass self idea to grow as a person and a communicator.

Hope your week goes GREAT!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 12: Rationality, Perfectibilty and Mutability

Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?

After reading the text I agree with rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises to a point, but again we must remember not all humans have similar beliefs/practices. First, rationality premise descibes how humans are able to find the truth and logic, for example trail and jury (p. 353). With that said, I believe many humans have the ability to find truth by sometimes using logical and sometimes just look deep into their own soul. However, not all humans can see or understand the truth which makes it more difficult to see if all individuals believe in the same thing. Next, perfectibility premise is described as humans are born with sin but can over came sin to promote good through their life style, for example a person in jail (p. 353). I believe many people have the strength to be a good and caring person, but not all humans wish to be a good citizen. I can not help but think of those murderers who will never be sorry for taking the life of an innocent person. Lastly, Mutability premise shows the understanding that humans behave based on how their environment factors shapes them as individuals and groups, for example traditions within our friends and family (p. 353). I would agree many humans are shaped either in a positive or negative factor based on their surroundings. Its funny when I read this term I thought of what my parents use to say, "you are judged by your surrounds , ie who you chose to hang out with." This statement by my parents shows that the environment including tangible and non-tangible items will effect a persons physical and psychological areas. All three of these terms can help a person realize the truth about themselves if they take the time to see where they stand in there own soul and environment.

Have a great week!!!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 12: Ruth Benedict's thoughts on culture

Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, can we break through the limits of our cultures?

I would agree with Ruth Benedict's statement because culture is what helps shape us as humans within certain communities. We learn certain habits, beliefs and impossibilities by viewing what is closes to us when we are developing throughout our childhood, teen-years, and early adulthood. However, there are always those individuals who follow certain beliefs or habits but at the same time adapt to new ways of living outside of ones own culture. Nonetheless, people first want to have a sense of belong, which they learn from their own culture and then build confidence or need to learn about other cultures. I believe it is the learning of other cultures that allows us to move towards a more peaceful and understand civilization. According to the text, cultural is what humans make of the environment around them, so cultural can be both tangible and non-tangible styles, methods, etc (p. 343).

Have an awesome week!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 12: Interesting concept

CH 12: One concept or term I found interesting.

It is amazing to think of how many different cultures one individual can be from in a lifetime. For example, you can find many families who celebrate multiple holidays based everywhere from religion, age to nationality. With that said, I found the concept of 'overlapping cultural identities' very interesting mostly focusing on today's generation located in the US. For example, I have a friend who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah because both parents are from different religious backgrounds. Trenholm expresses, how some of the culture overlapping can benefit an individual or completely clash with ones many cultural aspects (p. 347). Sadly, many individuals do not even understand what cultural identity helps make them who they are today. Nevertheless, the text shows how overlapping cultural identities is more common then many of us would believe.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 5: Nonverbal messages

CH 5: Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someone’s nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal message?

Nonverbal and verbal communication can be ambiguous, which many of us experience everyday. For example, a few weeks ago I went out with my friends for dinner and was extremely tired but could not flake on girl’s night out. However, half way through the dinner one of my friends said out loud, “what is wrong with you?” There was nothing wrong with me but they noticed I was not all smiles and did not make as much eye contact as I normally do. I notice that even without me saying anything mean I looked upset with my friends. My nonverbal communication was saying I am upset, but verbally I had to address I was just tired. It was funny how quick my friends were to judge me for being upset just by nonverbal messages at the dinner table.
We can increase our accuracy of nonverbal communication by understanding that sometimes our nonverbal communication is talking louder then own words. Also, we has humans must remember that individuals do not always mean send off messages, which shows we must understand if the sender means to send the message or not. After taking many communication classes I found that being more knowledgeable and aware about how to view nonverbal and verbal communication between a sender and receiver could make each message clearer.

Have a fun weekend!!

Thanks,
Vanessa

CH 5: Nonverbal Messages within other cutlures

CH 5: Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give an example of a nonverbal display that take on different meanings in other countries?

It is true many nonverbal messages can be understood by other cultures, however not all nonverbal messages mean the same thing. For example, when I majored in Business we took a class of ethics within business. During this class we studied how to communicate and interact with major business countries. One area we really focused on where international locations where huge amounts of business is involved. Take Japan or China where the communication of business is always in the air. With that said, it is important as Americans to communicate not only verbally but non-verbally as well. When giving a presentation to a group of business individuals it is important to not make eye contact and to address those individuals who hold higher positions and that are older in age. These two forms of nonverbal communication will show the correct respect and understanding of their style of business. It is the opposite here in the US where if we are not making eye-contact we are showing no respect to the speaker. Also, even wearing the color red is a sign of power and rank within the culture. In the US red has the same nonverbal message of power for example; look at our president who normally is wearing a red tie. Nonverbal communication is all around but if you are visiting another country it is in your best interest to learn some of the customs of nonverbal messages for that area.

Have an Awesome Week!!!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 5: One Concept I Found Interesting

CH 5: Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

This weeks reading on non-verbal communication was very interesting. I feel as though sometimes our actions and expression speak louder then words. With that said, I find the concept of ‘the kinesic code II: facial expressions and eye behavior’ very interesting when reviewing the positive and negative effects these non-verbal codes can have on a listener. For example, have you ever viewed a speaker that had no non-verbal expressions? If so, you may have thought the speaker was boring or not interesting. However, if the speaker used facial expression and eye contact the audience would feel more engaged in the speech. Eye contact and facial expressions are very important factors that help the speaker seem as though they are well prepared and confident in their message.
On another note, I found it incredible how Trenholm writes, that even blind children can develop similar facial expressions and some facial expressions can be understood around the world (p. 118). It is amazing that facial expressions and eye contact can such powerful impact between every human.

Have a Great Week!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 3-4: Gender

CH 3-4: Do you agree that men and women is language differently? In what areas?

Yes, I believe men and women use language differently most of the time. Men and women can agree on language, but most of time it seems like we are from two different worlds. Trenholm mentions, how language uses signs and symbols to express our thoughts in our minds (p. 72). With that said, many of us have experienced moments when either a man or woman just could not understand where that person is coming from at that time. For example, I have been studying communications, which has helped me better communicate with my boyfriend. When something is bugging me, he is so quick to give me solutions to the problem, when really I have thought of those solutions, but honest just want to talk about it. However, I must say he can read my non-verbal expression very well and sometimes can see when giving me a solution to an issue may not be the right time. From my personal example you can see women and men may not always understand each other in a verbal or non-verbal way, but there are times when both genders can understand what the other is saying by what is said or not said.
However, it is funny sometimes to hear how genders may tell a story or describe a word differently because each gender decides what is important and what information to leave out. For example, “Women language” have you ever heard a woman and a man describe the word birth? Well, many times you will hear a woman describe birth as painful and difficult, but if you ask a man he may say loud or amazing. The reason why this action of birth can have such different views from each gender is because a woman experiences it first hand with her body and a man experiences it from standing and watching. Many of the words we use many have a similar meaning but may be described differently depending on what the individual experienced through his or her life.


Thanks,
Blondie

CH 3-4: Judging and Categorizing Others

CH 3-4: Is it possible to perceive others without in some way judging or categorizing them? If so, how? If not, how can we make the judgments we do make more fair?

I believe we make judgments on individuals everyday. We view others by both verbal and non-verbal symbols. For example, sometimes when I am driving I look at other people in theirs vehicles and try to guess what their life’s are like by what they drive, what they look like, their attitude behind the wheel, if their going home or out, etc. Most humans prefer to categorize people into groups to understand where everyone and everything fits in our society. And when something does not fit the culture pattern we look at that individual or object closer because it stands out. We may judge people and categorize them to gain a better understanding of what is similar and what is un-similar about the individual or object. There are some incidents when we do not even categorize the individual or object but we hear the opinion from other and make that opinion our own. Judging and categorizing may have its benefits, but this does not mean that every person or object will fit exactly into one category, but multiple categories at different times.

Have a blast this weekend!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 3-4: One Concept I Found Interesting

Ch: 3 Pick one concept from the assigned readings that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

When we hear the word ‘listening’ many of us do not understand how many factors there are to fulfill the action of listening. With that said, I chose to pick the concept listening because I found it very interesting how this word and action is not fully used in everyday society. Many individuals believe they are good communicators, but with being a good communicator involve the action of listening. Our text book address four factors to being a good listener, they are “attending to the sensory stimuli that make up a message, making those stimuli meaningful by using our own experiences to interpret them, critically evaluating our interpretations, responding to the message, storing the message for future use” (Trenholm 45). Overall, it is clear we need to be active listeners to be clear communicators.

Also we must remember that listening is different then just hearing an individual’s message. For instance, hearing is more of a science relationship to being able to translate information to the brain, while listening is creating meaning to better understand the messages. Listening will always be a major factor in the growth of our society even with the new styles of communicating through electronics. We need to listen to be able to grow within our economy, friendship, family, school and etc.

Have a Fantastic Week!

Thanks,
Blondie

CH 9: Influenced by a Speaker

CH 9: Have you ever been influenced by a speaker? Think of the best speaker you’ve ever heard? What was it about that speaker that made his or her communication memorable? Think of the worst speaker you’ve heard. What do you remember about his or her message?

Many of us are inspired, motivated and encouraged by speakers we hear throughout our lifetime. However, I believe there is only a true handful of speakers who can influence an individual that will stay in that individuals mind for years. One of the speakers who influenced me that I still remember is Julie Johnson, Kappa Delta National President when I was an active member of Kappa Delta Sorority (2002-2006). We were celebrating our 50th anniversary at San Jose State University and our National President was planned to make a speech to active members, alumnus, parents and friends at our evening dinner. Mrs. Johnson was full of knowledge and was able to gain the attention of all the different individuals in the room. Her speech encouraged many individuals to become involved in organizations they love and enjoyed. Julie mentioned the history of Kappa Delta and the devoted members who made a change because they believed in the organization. She did not just talk about the sorority, but other interests in organizations that helped her grow and continue to grow at her age. I remember her saying something along the line of ‘if you enjoy school, stay in school and earn your masters, if you like volunteering start a community service event at your work, if you love your field of work then show younger individuals your passion, etc.’ She encouraged all the people not to just live life, but enjoy life to the fullest. I believe her visit and the discussion of her speech with others gave me the confidences to stay in school to earn my masters in a subject I really enjoy studying.

On the other hand, I have heard my fair share of bad speakers. For example, in my economics class a few years ago we had to attend a speaker to earn credit for the class. I believe earning this credit for the class was extremely difficult because he was horrible speaker. Yes, he was full of knowledge of the topic, but I did not hear a word because his delivery was awful. His voice never changed, did not know his audience, no movements, no humor, no interesting introduction and no passion behind his words. Lets just say the time stood still for those two-hours and I still remember this awful speaker and not an idea of what his message was about.

Have a Blast this weekend!

Thanks,
Blondie