Short Answer Assignment

Short Answer Assignment

Name:

Answer the following four questions using 250 to 300 words for each response. Each question is worth 1.25 points and there is additional scoring for proper grammar and citations for a total of 7.5 points. You must use course material to support your work, with full APA citations, to earn the most points. You will score few to no points for not using course material. Be sure to include a reference list at the end. Finally, don’t forget to ensure you’ve covered ALL ELEMENTS of each question.

Managing your impressions and identities

1. Describe one of the following functions of nonverbal communication from Bevan and Sole (Section 4.2).

Managing and interpreting your relationships

Regulating the flow of interactions

Engaging in and detecting messages of emotion, influence, and deception

Then, share an example that illustrates how this function is demonstrated in a hypothetical communication exchange.

Nonverbal communication is when you communicate through ways other than language (Bevan & Sole, 2014). There are several important functions of nonverbal communication. One of these functions is to engage in and detect messages of emotion, influence, and deception. According to Bevan and Sole (2014), nonverbal communication is essential for expressing your emotions, as well as determining the emotions of others during communication. Individuals use nonverbal codes of communication to express emotion in forms such as hugging, crying, screaming, and jumping. Individuals also use nonverbal cues to influence others during communication. To try to persuade others, we may speak in softer tones, wear certain clothing, maintain steady eye contact, and regulate our proximity to the other person (Bevan & Sole, 2014). When it comes to deception, nonverbal cues consist of avoiding eye contact, hesitancy in the message, and restlessness or fidgeting. However, Bevan and Sole (2014) state that most people are aware of these cues signaling deceit so it is hard to detect deceit from nonverbal communication, and instead we should rely on inconsistencies during verbal communication. An example depicting the importance of this nonverbal function can be seen in a court trial. The plaintiff in the trial might cry or their voice might waver, to express the emotions over the troubles that the defendant caused them. The defendant would be sure to dress nice, use a softer voice, and try to express sadness or remorse to persuade the jury to declare them not guilty. The prosecutor would try to intimidate the defendant and would interrogate them and point out any verbal inconsistencies while observing eye contact and fidgeting to indicate deceit.

Using Bevan and Sole (Section 4.1), explain how biased language impacts attitudes, behaviors, and perception. Be sure to spend some time on each element and explain the significance of biased language overall.

Bevan and Sole (2014) describe biased language as language that conveys preferential, prejudiced, or disparaging messages. Biased language significantly impacts attitudes, behavior, and perception. “Such language thus obstructs open-minded communication and cooperation between individuals and communities” (Bevan & Sole, 2014, sec. 4.1). When a person uses biased language, it creates negative attitudes that diminishes the shared meaning and mutual respect in interpersonal communication. For example, when an individual makes a racial slur, it creates an air of negativity, hate, and disrespect, thus negatively impacting the attitude of those communicating. Additionally, biased language can affect behaviors. When an individual uses biased language, it causes them to lack sensitivity to the thoughts and emotions of others. This can impact a variety of other behaviors such as recruiting staff for an organization. An individual’s biased language could exclude a candidate because of their race or gender. Consequently, biased language also impacts perceptions. An individual might perceive themselves as less worthy or less respected due to the biased language of others. For example, if a recruiter for a caregiving position states they are looking for a “nurturing and maternal” figure, a male candidate might perceive themselves as not being worthy of being a caregiver because he is a male. Overall, biased language is significant because it can largely impact effective communication in a negative manner. Bevan and Sole (2014) state that to have unbiased communication, you must be considerate of others and be mindful of the terms and language you are using during communication to be sure they are not derogatory. Understanding biased language and its significance helps to encourage positive and effective communication and the importance of objectivity.

Bevan and Sole (2014) contend that most academic research has found few differences in how men and women communicate.   However, most people still tend to think that they do! For this question, you will:

1. Communication and Gender

My inventory test results scored me at 96 for masculine and 122 for feminine. I find these results to be pretty accurate. I do possess quite a few masculine traits. For example, as cited by Bevan and Sole (2014), Aylor (2003) and Palomares (2012) state that common communication behaviors for a masculine gender-oriented person include accomplishing goals, influencing others, and finishing a task. I am extremely goal-oriented and I like to be assertive and take charge in groups and influence others. I was even given the position of “team leader” at work. However, even though I do possess some “masculine” traits, I consider myself a tad more feminine. Aylor (2003) and Palomares (2012) state common communication traits of feminine gender-oriented individuals are closeness with others, emotions, expressive, and relational communication. I am a very emotional person and I am very expressive about it. I consider all relationships to be very important, whether they are familial, friendly, professional, or romantic. I think that open communication is key for relationships. I strive for closeness in my relationships as well. For example, I create deep and meaningful bonds with all my patients at work because I find that to be the most important aspect of my job. Wheeless and Duran (1982) state the androgynous individuals are more capable of flexibility and positivity during interpersonal communication (as cited by Bevan & Sole, 2014). An androgynous communication style can be beneficial because it allows the individual to relate more to others during interpersonal communication, regardless of the gender-orientation of others. Androgynous individuals can also be more comfortable in a variety of communication situations because they can more easily identify with the different styles of communication. Paying attention to gender can increase effective communication because it allows us to consider the differences in communication styles and more easily identify nonverbal communication cues, thus improving interpersonal communication.

1. Take this sex-role inventory test – http://personality-testing.info/tests/OSRI/
   • Reflect on the relationship between your gender orientation and how you communicate.
   • Based on what you’ve learned in Cameron and Bevan and Sole, identify at least two “masculine” and “feminine” traits you use in your communication.
   • Finally, list some of the benefits of what Bevan and Sole call having an “androgynous” communication style. How can paying attention to gender help us become more effective communicators?

When it comes to computer mediated communication, there are two key points to be aware of. The first key point is to sustain professionalism. The second key point is to endure accuracy and precision in our communication. According to the video Digital communication skills: Dos and don’ts (2015), M.E. Yancosek Gamble says the absence of tone and facial expressions when using technology and text could increase miscommunication. However, if we focus on providing clarity and professionalism in our messages, we can form improved digital communications. Bevan and Sole (2014) believe that with the lack of nonverbal cues in CMC, we are forced to focus on the content of the message, which could be advantageous for communication. Therefore, professionalism and precision are key. With CMC, we have the time to edit and review our message before it is sent. Taking the time ensure professional and precise language in the message we send allows the receiver to focus on and accurately decode the message.

1. Watch at least the first 10 minutes of the following video titled Digital Communication Skills: Dos and Don’ts. Based on this and Bevan and Sole (Section 4.4), what are two key points we need to be aware of in relation to computer mediated communication. Explain two specific ways you can use this advice to become a better communicator?

Two ways that I can use this advice to become a better communicator is to proofread and to instill professionalism through the language that I use. As discussed above, precision and accuracy are elemental to effective computer mediate communication. If I take the time to proofread my messages for grammatical and mechanical errors, I can improve my communication. In addition, I need to be aware of the language that I use. I must learn to avoid informal language and be considerate of my words to avoid biased language, so that my messages remain professional. By practicing and applying these strategies, I can become a more competent and effective communicator.

References

Bevan, J.L., Sole, K. (2014). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication. (2nd ed.). [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu.

Caldwell, S. (Writer)., Dimoff, D. (Producer). (2015). Digital communication skills: Dos and don’ts. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://fod.infobase.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?token=58374&wID=100753&plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=360&fWidth=660&fHeight=410