Intercultural Communication and Effective Strategies

 The Importance of Intercultural Communication.
We live in a world today with many different types of people from around the world, education, and language. Being able to communicate effectively with differences outside our own world perspective. Finding ways to connect in communication is learning how to reach out and not hold prejudices and stereotypes that may hold you back from growing as a person or stop you from communicating your needs.

As humans we have grown up to live a certain way and we have been taught to live in the culture as defined by our environment. Cultures are group understandings rather than individual ones. Finding a way to connect with others can be learned if we see what makes them different than us.
Some conflict that can occur are our own cultural identities which can cause issues with others. Finding a sense of belonging is coming to terms with diversity and it is finding a solution to issues where broader perspectives are reached through equality, overcoming differences, and finding ways to interculturally communicate.




In finding ways to relate with others and deal with diversity is to learn more history, learn about other cultures so that your outside experiences are not blinded by ones own predispositions. Also being in touch with ones own personal process in communication and being aware of ones own prejudices and stereotypes can help in not creating barriers but finding more connections with others. Trying to understand others is also a personal responsibility in creating empathy, understanding, conflict resolution and enhancing social communication.

The Internet and Communication

The 21st Century
We have gone from riding a horse and delivering a message, to writing letters, to telephones and than to computers. The advancement in technology these days is opening new doors to communication. Technology is becoming the next human android to our way of living, and thinking. These days people dont learn to speak, they learn to text with bad grammer. The needs of todays world, is face paced and not only do we personally need to find ways to become better communicators, but our schools systems also need to be focusing on how to advance there students to be prepared for what the world has to offer. When the internet came out it was allowing everyone to search for information about person hobbies, sell things, do research reading, instant messaging, reading on entertainment news, and shopping. The internet in the form of communication is a global network itself that supplies us with gossip, opinion, and rumors. The best way for self-expression has been through the use of mass media and media technology. The only downfall to many sites are the ethical conflicts and issues with messages portrayed on-line. Learning confidentiality is an important aspect in communication.

Visual Representation & Media Technology

The websites for writers, photographers,journalists and professional career blogs is a great way to further my own personal career goals in the field of communication. Networking through the use of internet sites, linkedln, blogger, facebook, and twitter are all ways in which people reach out to people. By understanding how technology works via web, we learn how to enhance our own social interactions in the world. Mass communication is a media source for large diverse audiences. Media technology is a powerful tool in communication since it keeps us up to date in the 21st Century. It also teaches us how to live in modern society. Just like the many professional websites we have researched in our studies, we have learned how to find a profit-oreinted organization.

The Structure Of Audiences

When it comes to communication and reaching and audience, it starts with the face-to-face communication as well as the influences we made working in groups or with large audiences. Working with a blog is like working with large audiences through the spoken word and the visual form of media. Finding a clear focus and content of material on a blog is just like giving a speech and bringing in prior beliefs, attitudes, values and life experiences. My opinions shape my attitude about life and my values. Learning about why we are here in life, and how we connect is to reach out to others. The values I have and share are those that touch audiences most.

Communication Can Be Negative

Communication can be yelling to get your point across. But that will not increase your skills when it comes to working for others. Communication may be face-to-face but learning how to mediate and to interact appropriately is will what help in solving problems in communication.

Taking the time to listen while others speak first can help and aid what kind of communication tactic is needed. Being a responsible communicator is making the right decisions and to show concern and respect to others.

Visual Representation

Communication is Social Networking! Professional communication is working together as a team in collaboration for future goals.

Globalized Workforce in the 21st Century

By preparing to use effective communication studies in the capstone program, one can reach out to more networks. Websites such as http://images.apple.com/education/docs/Apple-Education_Stimulus_White_Paper.pdf. this website gives an overview of how technology is used in education curriculum and finding more ways to enhance teachers and school systems.  Another important form of communication and purpose is for educators to learn about what is needed and what can be acquired when preparing for proper instruction in institutions. Check out the website:http://p21.org/

Week Four-Career Research In Communication

The evaluation of research in the field of communication have been:

Locate and evaluate a minimum of five career fields for Communication Studies majors.  Provide a brief summary of each and determine which career path interests you.  In your response be sure to include the salary ranges, potential growth, required credentials, and experience.

The reason why have chosen communication studies is because it brings in both the creative and the technical aspects of communication. Communication is a versatile learning curve with a wide-open spectrum of possibilities. To enhance your personal life, your job or a job that may fit you better in your field of study. From mass communication, to learning about the theory of education, political, media, language and speech. A very interesting site that I found statistic research fro educational trends in communication studies is from the on line website ( www.3.saintmarys.edu/ ) speaks about the demand in degrees for communication students. Anything that has to do with communication, such a degree will help in helping you with the skills you need. Jobs such as video editors, news directors, producers, actors, sales managers, marketing specialists, foreign relations officer, international broadcasting, speech writer, public administrator, legal reporter, Journalist, travel agent, lawyer, and sales representative. There is a long list of possible jobs but the most important part of communication studies degree is the lack of on-line experience. Speaking, using critical thinking, the day-to-day uses of persuasion through communication, accurate reporting, good listening skills and the ability to clarify and respond. After such a degree one must really put into practice on a daily basis all that  has been learned in our capstone for this year. Experience In many cases is more important than degrees, so working as an intern in many cases may be a great first step. Communication is meant to be interactive and working with real people is the skills we need to make it in life, personally and professionally.

Having searched the BLS, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, I learned that the OES website can search up to 800 occupations that are related to my field of interest and experience. By searching the occupational outlook handbook I have looked up five that I really like and a few that I’m currently pursuing myself. They are; writer, artists, massages therapist, fitness worker, and photographer

1.

Career: writer (authors, writers, and editors) Searched under www.bls.gov/oco/oco320.htm)

Working as a writer is someone who can write original prose material, such as poems, short stories, plays, and speeches. Also skills as a writer can work in the field of songwriting, screenwriting and written material that is produced for television broadcast.

Salary: median annual wages is 53,070 in May of 2008.

Potential growth: the average is 57, 509. Besides the money aspect of this job, the moving up the ladder in this field is not always easy. It means that one must take on larger projects to move up and also getting published is a notable publication. Some statistics is that by 2018 303,300 jobs are to be average.

Required credentials: required training is bachelor’s degree. A job in this field does also expect you to be well written and sophisticated with web or multimedia experience.

Experience: It does say that it has a 128 percent high unemployment rate. Experience needed to be a writer is also someone who can organize materials, plan arrangements, develop story lines such as theme, plot, character and story line. Some writers do specialize in certain forms of writing such as grant writing, essays, magazines, novels, and biographies. Besides a BA degree one must have skills in using desktop and or electronic publishing software, scanners and electronic communications equipment. Depending on the job as a writer, sometimes quality of writing, unique perspective and potential is more at stake than the degree at hand.

2.

Career: Artist (visual communication)

A person who is an artist is someone who expresses with visual communication.

Jobs as artists are both salaried jobs as well as freelance jobs. An artist is someone who communicates ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Ways to express this is through painting, and drawing. Artists can also be visual artist such as graphic designers. The communication degrees comes into practice because the artist needs to understand the overall visual direction needed and oversee design, layout and production of materials. This can be in pottery, building, printing, sketching, sculpting, woodworking, or working with clothes. Much of how an artist gets his or her work out is by displaying it in a gallery, or museum or in private home. Other types of artists can be cartoonists, and painting restorers.

Salary: for art directors is: 84,200, fine artists: 23,600

Potential growth: Many times as an artist, they must have another job, while they are trying to get their art off the ground. Also when an artist displays in a gallery there potential for growth comes from the profit of art sold. The work sold is what is through direct sale.

Required credentials: Many colleges offer degrees such as BA or MA degrees in fine arts. Or one can go to art school where most art schools award degrees in Art. Evidence of talent is important also in an artist’s portfolio

Experience: Experience means that artists should begin working on there own works of art, or work with others in a field of career. And or go to an art school.

3.

Career: massage therapist (communication skills needed)

The nature of work as a massage therapist is one who treats painful ailments, and helps to decompress overworked muscles, reducing stress in promoting. Being a massage therapist specialize in 80 different types of massages. Some are called, Swedish massage, deep-tissue, reflexology, acupressure and neuromuscular massage. Massage therapists work at home, at fitness centers, hospitals, studios, and private offices.

Salary: the median hourly wages is $16.78 an hour as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent earned more than $33.47

Potential growth: the growth in massage therapy is not that large in growth, since it all depends on the nature of the work, the location and the increase in clientele. A good way for an entrepreneurial spirit is to have ones own business and have own clients.

Required credentials: Depending on the state you are in will determine the training standards needed. A high school diploma is needed required for admission. Also programs of study is needed in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and the study of motion and body mechanics. Workers must also obtain a license after graduating from a training program prior to practicing massage. The National Certification Examination (MBLex) needs to be taken for ones credentials to be valid

Experience: Attending a massage therapy school is needed and a high school diploma. Other qualifications needed are strong communication skills, and qualities that help with building trust with clients. For a massage therapist to find work one must be good in networking with others.

4.

Career: Photographer (Media Communication related)

(www.bls.gov/oco/ocos264.htm)

Jobs in photography can be for art, design. Photography is about telling a story, and it is about painting a picture in detail. Having a creative eye is very important in this field. Even if you have all the highest technology and Photoshop skills, it will not present a great image for an audience unless you have the talent, skill of detail. Photographers use digital cameras and take pictures of nature or whatever the assignment is with the current job. Photography also plays a role in advertising, since the media uses digital images to tell a story. Photographers also may specialize in a specific medium such as, industrial art, portrait photography, or fine art.

Salary: median wages is 29,440 and the highest 10 percent earned is more than 62,430

Potential growth: The potential for growth is not that easy. Again this depends on the job and or the network build up as a photographer or the work sold. Many photographers these days because of the competition is to go out freelance and find jobs and opportunities that way. Because technology is such a fast growing network, finding related work and skills will help the prospect of making a living.

Required credentials: As a professional photographer an entry-level position in photojournalism is required or a degree in photography. Also there are some that have only completed vocational schools as entry-level positions

Experience: Photographers must have gone to school, or have freelanced with there own work and have a portfolio to present to potential companies. Also personal investment must considered in printing images and learning about the technical skills needed for commercial art. Having a business sense about ones own work is also very important because how you communicate with your art must be constructed as well as the networking with others to work. Knowledge of the dark room is important if you are to be a high-end photographer and not someone who is just doing it as a hobby.

5.

Career: Fitness Workers

Many job in this field are part time, but can increase if clients are also being seen in their homes. Fitness workers help to motivate others in group exercise and activities. They can work in health spas, hospitals, universities, studios and yoga. Personal trainers work with people to help them find exercises that will help them reach their goals in fitness. They also keep track of their clients and there needs for weight control and exercise session groups. They must have knowledge of health as it pertains to the body; also go through school and learning about physical training, weight control, nutrition and basic anatomy. Also someone who works in a gym must know the equipment that is in the gym and how to properly use it. Specifics can be found on (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos296.htm)

Salary: fitness and recreational jobs, 30,610, civic and social organizations, 25,110

Potential growth:

Required credentials: Depending on where you choose to work and what the employer is asking will determine if a degree in the specific field is required such as education in exercise science or physical education. Sometimes just the credentials as personal trainer are required.

Experience:  Training at a school for physical fitness.

Along with the jobs posted that relate to communication studies, some great websites to search for jobs are: monster jobs search, net-temps, salary.com, USAjobs. Also some related websites that offer jobs related to a communication degree are: CBS, http://www.wtvh.com, NBC WSTM/SWTQ http://www.wstm.com, Lockheed Martin http://www.lockheedjobs.com/,

References

Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, Communication Studies Career

     Opportunities, retrieved on March 17, 2011, www3.saintmarys.edu

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (2010) Office of Occupational Statistics and

       Employment Projections, Washington, DC. Retrieved on March 17, 2011

     

            From www.bls.gov/oco

Week One-Connecting With Communication

There are many things that play a part in communication. The essentials of communication are the verbal, and the nonverbal forms of communication. A list of key elements to good communication is: language, non-verbal communication, and understanding.

The language of communication can come from many different cultures with many words that mean different things. Language has a large role to play because is also part of tour literacy and our education. The more vocabulary we know, the better off we are when trying to communicate ideas to others. Language also plays a part in intercultural communication. Learning about cultures, and their traditions says a lot about what language will be used to communicate ideas.

 The forms of languages can through media such as television, magazine, reading, writing, music, and art. All forms of expression play a role in language and how we communicate with others.

These forms relate because of ideas, thoughts and feelings that are communicated.

Depending on what form of language you want to express or translate depends on the medium one will use. Through media, through face to face, through written reports or memos, or through art. We all communication with each other on a daily basis and the purpose of communication is relationship and understanding each other as a culture and as a humanity.

Non-verbal communication happens all around us on a daily basis. Taking into consideration the form of the spoken language we have behavior to analyze when trying to figure out non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication can be unintentional, share multiple codes, rational information and lastly emotional expression.

The benefits of non-verbal communication are that we learn about the biological orientation of someone else, we learn about the cultural understanding, and the psychological. A very important form of non-verbal communication is NLP. Neuro-Linguistic Programming has a “developed system that models the human thinking skills”.  (Robert D, 1991, pg. XV) NLP is broken into three parts. Visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Also non-verbal communication is a decoding process. The tone position of the body can translate a form of being happy or uncomfortable, eye movements and expressions.  A benefit of non-verbal communication can reveal how someone is feeling or thinking. But not always is the non-verbal approach accurate and can sometimes lead to contradictory behavior. When it comes to different cultures and using certain gestures, non-verbal communication can be a type of universal language. As stated in Sarah Trenholm in chapter five, “ nonverbal codes are especially useful for giving us information about personal and relational topics we would be embarrassed to talk about”. (Sarah T., 2008, pg.111)

     Lastly, understanding is a large part of communication and the main reason why I chose to work toward my BA degree to learn more about people.

Benefit: The benefit of understanding in communication can help in public speaking, shaping knowledge, testing ideas and building community.

Form: The forms of communication as it pertains to understanding; is effective leadership. Understanding the relationship in communication is through culture, perspective, decision-making, socializing and building relationships, motivating, managing ideas and people and clarifying roles and objectives.

Purpose: There are many elements to understanding and forming effective communication. Having an understanding is applying the knowledge. It is the clarifying of communication for plans, policies and the role expectation between people. Learning how to identify the steps needing to better communicate, determining what actions are necessary and how to achieve a goal and developing procedures that will create a better understanding or implementing goals for others to follow. Being able to understand communication and the role it plays at any given time will help one to influence positive change.

References:

Trenholm, Sarah, (2008) Thinking Through Communication: an introduction to the

     study of human communication.- 5^th ed Pearson Education, Inc.

Dilts W., Dilts B., Epstein, ( 1991)  Tools for Dreamers: strategies for creativity

     And the structure of innovation. Meta Publications Inc.

Technical Writing

Technical Writing is Another form of writing in communication studies.
Media Technology can be an on-line documentation, it can be word processing,audience analysis, computer aided instruction or an instructional video. In the field of communication technical writing can be found in business, and areas that are organizational, written, scientific and or task oriented. Much of technical writing is the breaking down of words that are clear and concise and are straight to the point. We read them in instructional manuals for our cars, cook books and or technical writings found a lot in the military sector. The theory of technical writing is in the form of visual, textual, reading, linguistically and communication.
here is an example of an essay written by Alice Delp, addressing the United States Army. The letter is formatted as an e-mail or letter and is considered to emphases word order to depict technical writing. Much of technical writing is less emotions and more logic, and factual.
________________________________________________________________________________

TO:                 12^th  Transportation Battalion Headquarters

                                  Sicily, Italy

FROM:           Office Of Inspector General

DATE:            January 3, 2011

My purpose of writing to you is to find a solution to a lack of leadership in the United States Army. This letter is directed toward the Transportation Battalion stationed in Sicily, Italy. During my years of service, I have experienced, harassment, sexual harassment, and a lack of leadership in my immediate unit.

The power and influence for each solder in the United States army is to have a mission statement of morale and a code of ethics. Being a member of any Military Branch is to show one’s loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage. The values and attitudes of each member should be approached with leadership challenges and key elements to solving issues.

I have used my chain of command with my complaints with harassment, sexual harassment, unprofessional work environment and friendly fire issues and I have received no resolve. I have written numerous letters and spoken to many about my issues including my local chaplain who has also gone against me. I do believe that because of being a woman, and educated I have bee ostracized, and set apart from others. My mission is to service my country and those around me is filled with great discouragement.

The superiors above me have continued to break me down mentally, set me up with mental games and have continued to build there own empire. I have not been able to attend school, I have been told that they way I walk, speak and move with mannerism are wrong. I’m continuasly analyzed every day and set for amusement for there pleasure. I’m not treated as a human being or as a service member serving my country. I have been trained to do a job and do not work.

This letter of complaint is to investigate my situation further and to ensue my rights as a solder with equal opportunity. If there are no leaders to lead, and those that tear others down, they should not be in a position of power and influence if it is not done, ethically, or morally sane.

I do honor and respect the United States Army, but I do not look up to those that I serve with, since they are not allowing others and myself to live a healthy life. As a solder with rights, I have freedom of expression and wish this matter to be resolved.

My correspondence with Inspector General and those solders in my unit have collected similar reports as to other situations that harm other services members as well.  Section 3:1 from Regulation Reference Guide (IG Handbook) states: “to assist leaders and commanders in properly executing their duties in accordance with Army Regulations”. Please assist me in bringing the Army back into a leadership role, where it has failed as to the respect of individuals in service.

                                                            T:<Earl_Denelik@usag.army.mil

                                                            CC: alicescolors22@me.com

1/8/2011  7:45 AM                                   Subject: United States Army Inspector General

Sincerely,

Alice Delp

Professor of Communication Studies

Ashford University

300 West Lane Road,

Ramona, CA 92065

(619)322-4052

alicescolors22@me.com

Visual Communication

Communication is Visual


Capstone Communication-March 28 (Final)
A big part of communication is also visual. Here is a picture I have taken from my yard. A visual aid can bring in the attention for an audience, to understand what is trying to be communicated. Pictures, colors, shapes and design all tell a story just as photography tells a story about life. Photography can also bring in 1,000 words to those that find purpose or an artistic reaction. What does this picture tell you, how does this image speak to you? Author Sarah Trenholm supports visual communication by stating that, "Visual aids should be subordinate to the ideas they are meant to illustrate". When it comes to media technology and using images for design, purpose and layout of a blog, it helps to convey an idea, a thought, a feeling, and the importance of how visual aids leave people with impressions.

Reference
Trenholm, Sarah (2008) Thinking through communication: an

                                                              introduction to the study of human communication. Pearson

                                                                   Education, Inc.

Ensuring Effective Communication & Technology

How does one ensure effective communication? And what technologies are sued to enhance the effectiveness of communication?
Detecting miscommunications before they start is a way to become an effective communicator.

Ensuring effective communication is a very broad statement that can be approached from many angles, depending on the intent of communication and context. It is very important to have a clear message and to have details to allow the reader to follow your purpose and direction in audience. 

     What makes communication and the words used is to be directed toward a specific audience with supporting points to guide and persuade the reader to be in touch. The expectation of the communication is creating enough meaning for purpose that will relate to those reading your material or listening to your words. The research and documentation is what is a great persuasive technique in communication.

      Depending on what medium you choose to communicate with such as videoconferencing, telecommuting, or face-to-face. What visual presentation is used and what language used can demonstrate good effective communication. As stated in chapter one, “individuals communicate face-to-face, they experience the most effective form of communication.” (Roebuck, 2006, pg. 8) Being aware of the communication process understands the message you are wanting to portray, listening to what the encoder is hearing, and decoding what the receiver is giving back to you. The feedback of what you hear back will determine how effective your communication has been. But not always can communication be clear, that is why we learn different ways of listening, decoding, and being in touch with what we feel, to determine what works best for both parties. Communication is relationship and many times things can be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Feedback is a two way process and this allows us to learn about how people think and helps to verify nonverbal signals as well. The awareness, and behavior are also elements to pay attention to, to determine what makes communication effective. When communication becomes a problem is through inference. Inference is when we “draw a conclusion based on facts.” Roebuck, 2006, pg. 14) Being able to label your inference is being able to make your communication more believable. Also intercultural differences can cause a problem with inference. Different cultural backgrounds can easily be misunderstood due too, perceptions, value systems and language use. Each culture comes with there own tone, word usage, and sensitivity.

     Culture differences can also be an issue in communication, since words learned as a second language can infer something different or be interpreted with different meaning, which causing the receiver and decoder to get mixed messages. Following key words can help to resolve this issue of miscommunication as well as using the same words back to those that speak English as a second language.

The technologies used to enhance effectiveness communication are e-mail. Which is what is similar to our on-line classes. Cell phones as an instant access to connection to other people. Instant messengers, used for exchange between clients in a business dialogue between partners. Also facsimile is used which helps in fax line and or free-up voice line and dial-up connection. Even with all forms of communication is also states that, “Studies have found people spend 70 to 85 percent of their work time deliberately communicating through writing, reading, speaking, and listening.”  (roebuck, 2006, pg 8)

Reference:

Britt-Roebuck, D. (2006). Improving business communication skills ( 4^th ed.). New

     Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Critical Thinking of Student Blogs

    Discussing the findings from the blogs from my fellow students was very fun. I was able to learn about their personality and what there likes are in life. Many people chose to be more professional and others make it more personal. The choices we make in communication, written, or verbally say a lot about how others learn. Finding those that posted on my blogs were those who could relate to my blog. Those I feel did not find my post interesting did not really have anything to say. There is a preference in what will make others interested and trying to reach a wider audience means more visual aids.  I think someone who has a business with roofing and tiles will not run to my blog because it is more intellectual and not hands on with building. If I had a blog title in there that was about roofing and tiling maybe I would reach those in the field.  The website from De’ Airra was about writing and journaling and she had some very good things to say about my blog. So I can see who will be a follower and who will not.  Now to look at other elements to blogging would be to evaluate design and visual appeal.

     One of the most important things to remember when creating a blog is your audience. Finding what will communicate your ideas most affectively. Communication is through sound, touch, hearing, and listening. And bringing in as much as you can will only but make the experience better and more entertaining. Many web blogs are very visually boring since there is no interactive. Using good media technology such as YouTube or other networking sites like face book or LinkedIn. From the students in my course I have read their comments as to my page layout, which ties into my theme of my blog. I have also had remarks about my wording and how easy it is to follow them. To me I see that many people like to have ease with how things look more than what the content is really about. Also high end blogs, I have noticed less writing at first and more color, design and interactive tabs that bring videos and sound. I will work at trying to integrate more into my blog that gives a deeper look at communication with interactive tabs such as videos.

I will also want to maybe change some colors on my site, and do not want to exceed more than three colors on my site, for it may become distracting.  

     The three web blogs that I have looked at are as follows: De’Airra http://comm21century.blogspot.com, Benjamin, http://gilesroofingconstruction.blogspot.com/2011/02/our mission-giles-roofing-construction.html, and Felicia: http://felicia-themusingsofabusymom.blog.com/ What I have noticed from all of these sites is the layout ideas. They showed a balance of ideas based on details on the page. Much of what Felicia had on her page seemed to be well rounded with ideas, theme and images. The site from Benjamin was not yet that advanced since he only had a theme on his cover page of writing and the background design that was perfect for his title. There was not enough dialogue so the balance was not that structured. The layout was simple and not yet developed enough yet since he is still in the progress. The functionality of Benjamin’s site has a lot of potential because of his business idea. A business blog I think can serve many purposes rather than just journaling thoughts like my blog or like Felicia’s site that is an attempt to get people to donate for fundraising. The attachments on the blog, the history of past projects is what shows credibility and with more time, so many more possibilities can be added creatively to both Felicia’s site and to functionality. The beginning stages of all three web blogs, I see is a first stage of catching the attention of an audience and showing purpose of the blog. My blog is more of a communication blog where I would people to add thoughts, add life experiences, add discussions and I would want to bring an innovative approach to certain topics such as art, education, or linguistics of communication. Depending on the theme of the website I would want to also show quoted materials from my courses at Ashford University as well as videos about current communication in the world. The effort to inspire and connect with others is my main goal.

    Components to effective blogging are as stated from the “7 Elements to Make Your Blog Look Great” by Michael Martin. Structure, balance, color, small detail, clarity and emphasis, remark ability, and functionality. Since communication can tape into your senses it is very important to use these seven steps when creating a blog that will serve a purpose and bring your audience in closer to learning from you and create a connection of lasting impressions.

    Another large factor in building sustainability for future bloggers is developing a forum of communication that develops a learning curve. The website called, “Blog: Training and Development” retrieved from,

http://managementhelp.org/blogs/training-and-development/2010/11/07/three-things-you-should-know-about-communicating-credibility/.

    I really loved this site because it has some great advice on designing communication that brings in continuous learning. That is something that ties into my perspective of Life Long Learning in my blog. To know your audience, you’re subject, and yourself. If these three points can be made strong in the form of communication there will be a large network of people that will want to visit your blog. By making the message memorable and adding in my education I can make my communication blog pretty powerful. I was suggested by my instructor to add in more citations professionally so that it would give me larger voice. That is something I will be working on since it will bring a stronger purpose to the quality of my site. Jack Show who is the maker of the blog titled, “Things you should know communicating credibility” has created a forum of discussion on managing ideas with blogs and ways to create training through communication.

    Also through the process of evaluation in communication there are the details of getting your point across. And just like my degree program at Ashford University we have learned about technical writing and the importance of grammar. Two references that pertain to making a better blog is the writing aspect of communication. The first reference is from the website (http://blog.sponsoredreviews.com/ A note reference on this website titled, “New English Grammar Rating Filter” by Jarrod Hunt speaks about future advertisers. Not only is building a blog simple and an audience perspective is needed but also the innovative eye as an advertiser will help to enhance your blog. The editorial quality of your blog with good grammar is a way to keep ideas clear and keep fluency about what ideas you are trying to combine. Another asset to building a blog is using images. Article posted August 21^st, 2007 called, “Using Images in Your Posts: The Guide gives you tips on adding images in reference to making your blog be like a MySpace account. Building credibility and interest is all about images and networking.

Even though we find credibility in visual affect such as keeping our blog entertaining, we also have the break down of language and use of words. I also believe there is a form of technical writing to communication and blogging. In chapter eleven of my textbook, Technical Communication, by John M. Lannon it speaks about sentences that are more active than passive. Writing information that the audience can process easily. Which means I would not get that into depth with communication that maybe only teachers and students of the subject would understand. Also the conciseness of how I used my words and the redundancy that may make the blog boring. And most of all about presentation would be the fluency such as the sentences used and the length of them on the blog. Too long of essays would bore me personally as well. Also the word choice and the tone of writing need to be clear and not misspellings of words and keeping sensitivity to others and culture differences as well. Just like in verbal communication and relating intercultural so too, does the language we write have to show concrete word phrases. Creating a readable style is keeping the, “wording simple, familiar, unambiguous, and free of useless jargon.” (Lannon, 2008, 220)

Reference

21^st Century Skills, Educations & Competitiveness. A resource and policy guide.

      (2009) Tuscon, AZ Retrieved on March 21, 2011 from

              www.21stcenturyskill.org

Micaheal Martin, (2010)  7 Elements To Make Your Blog Look Great: Pro Blog

     Design, Design a better blog. Icons by Function. Retrieved on March 21, 2011

           From http://www.problogdesign.com/

Shaw Jack, (2010) Things You Should Know Communicating Credibility: Training

     and Development. Free Management Library, Copyright Authenticity Consulting,

          LLC; Retrieved on, March 21, 2011, from www.managementhelp.org/training-

               and-development/2010/11/77/three-things-you-should-know-about-

                    Communicating-credibility/

 Advertising & Blogging (2011) Review of textbroker.com-content marketplace with

      60,000+ writers. SponsoredReviews.com. Retrieved on March 20, 2011 from

          http://www.blog.sponsoredreviews.com/

Lannon, M. John, (2008) Technical Communication, 11^th ed. A Pearson Education

     Company, New York, NY

youtube video on non-verbal communication

For YouTube Video please go to (http://www.youtube.com) and search "non-verbal communication".because of technical issues video was not able to post on blog.
Search for the video under sunshinestudiosinc

The Power Of Non-Verbal Communication

The process of communication can be verbal and non-verbal. Definitions for communication are from many different perspectives such as; communication is the discriminatory response of an organism to a stimulus. Also, communication is a speech process in which we try to make sense out of the world around us, and sharing it with others. Another definition of communication is that communication can be process whereby people assign meanings to stimuli in order to make sense of the world around them. And the best known understanding of communication is stated by Sarah Trenholm, in her book Thinking Through Communication that "Communication is the transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols, words, pictures, figures and graphs." (Trenholm, 2007, pg 20)

One of the strongest forms of communication is the non-verbal form. Creating meaning non-verbally is often unintentional behavior but together with the spoken word, meaning can be interpreted. Our gestures convey meaning, tone of voice can sometimes mean something completely different even if we are using words to portray an idea. Constructing functional models or forms of things can also help us to understand what is communicated. For example using models such as prototypes for things to show the process rather than the use of words to convey a message. Or actors portraying emotion and story through the use of there  eyes, body movement and use of symbols. The You Tube video is to show you an interactive look at how non-verbal communication is portrayed in the 21st Century

Intercultural Conflicts: How To Build Leadership

     To begin with communication we must first learn how we as individuals think and how we can teach ourselves on how to be more effective. Before we can speak we must learn how to think. Self-awareness comes from our own makeup and our own thinking based on circumstances.  A fun way to learn about oneself is to take the Myers-Briggs Type test.  How we think and how we make choices says a lot about how we communicate. Being able to recognize ones own personal strengths is helpful when working with others and trying to reach a bigger perspective when it comes to resolving issues and barriers within communication. The article on the web about, “Successful Communication Begins with Self Awareness”, is a great review of how important it is to learn about what our personal preferences are and how they relate with others.

www.beyondintractability.org/essay/communication_tools

    On another note, learning about global diversity and how others communicate is also an important perspective to realize. Even if we work with a certain culture group it is very important to recognize ones individuality and identity. By labeling and stereotyping too much, can pull apart communication. The article called, “Global Diversity: Understanding Cultural Differences in Communication Style” retrieved from,  www.orcworldwide.com/readroom/diversity_culture. Speaks about how the importance of being culturally sensitive. When working with someone from a different background than us, or someone that uses another language to communicate, sometimes the context of thinking may not be clear. To effectively manage clearer understanding we must learn to sympathize or use empathy to place ourselves in their situation to learn about how they feel or think about the situation.

In the article I do not agree that the American style of communication is very direct or personal. But I do agree that it is problem-oriented. I think because there is not too much awareness to care about others, and more of an image to care oneself that creates a barrier automatically. If someone has a position of power, they usually communication out of that frame of mind, rather than a way to communicate as leaders.

     In the American culture it is so easy to make friends and so easy to lose it. In Europe the communication is very clear as to the social structures of experiences. I’m sure this exists in the USA also but not as much as I had expected out of my personal experiences. Having experienced two contexts of life in Europe and the United States and the crash course in Iraq, this has opened my eyes to communication very much. What one person thinks is person may not be the same for another. That is why it is so important to learn about cultural differences to better communicate and build interpersonal relationship.

    Being explicit with saying what you mean is often overlooked since many people assume they know what you are talking about and that may be a lack of listening skills or it could be out of ignorance or just simply not being a good communicator.

To be effective we sometimes have to repeat ourselves to get what we want or to be understood and this can be effective in portraying our point of view.

     Another helpful perception to have in understanding communication is to have a clear systematic approach. Kinesics and the actions people make nonverbally also plays a role in global communication. It does not matter with whom you are communicating with, the gestures one makes says a lot about how you one feels and thinks. By learning one’s own communication style one will learn how to determine how the other is communicating. In a meeting, at home with family, with friends, or with someone who you are interviewing. People express a lot about what is being communicated in their surroundings.

I was an observer to an argument at work. Two ladies at work were arguing about a job. On the manufacturing floor we have to build things and their task was to label strings one through four. To make this visual simple to understand I will do my best to describe it. There was a round plastic coil and out of the coil were four strings. The task was to label each string one through four. The first lady argued in her language that you must face the strings up before you label them. And the other lady argued that the strings must face down. I used my logical thinking and thought it was very absurd that I was experiencing something that could be placed in some third grade conflict. I let them talk back and forth and than I stopped one of the ladies and said. “Hey, can I tell you something?. You both are right about what you are saying. Can I tell you why? I than looked at the other lady and she did not understand my language too well, but I smiled and than I said to the one that had her feelings hurt the most. “Here let me show you something”. I said directing her to hold up her coil. “If you have four strings and you number them you can see the numbers written on each strand.” I asked her if she could see it and she said yes. I than went on to say, “ And if you turn this upside down with the four legs facing down, the numbers are still in the same spot. Can you see that it did not change?” She said yes and smiled. And than I went to the other lady and repeated myself. They both understood and were still a bit irritated, but after an hour they were back to normal. Sometimes it take someone to bring in another way of seeing something to help in communication, because the way something is expressed sometimes and the words used, together with the relationship you have to the person you are speaking says a lot about what will happen.

  In my tact of resolution, I used explicitness, I was direct with not too many words since there vocabulary is not large, I also approached it with personal focus on trying to make them both feel better in that they were both right.  I also understood that they both had different perceptions and tried to communicate with both of them in the communication style they would understand. Also depending on influence depends on how culture affects perception as to whether it is low or high in context.  By wanting both people to build a better relationship I approached it with this perspective. I believe that I hold a kind of individualism and therefore I strive for personal achievement but also look to helping others. I would not say that I am that competitive. Not only is it essential to know our own skills, but to learn about others. The conflict resolution occurs when we know how to listen. Listening improves interpretation, judgment, and evaluation. Author Sarah Trenholm says, “When we listen, we engage in a complex multistep process that includes, sensory stimuli that make up a message, our own experiences to interpret, critically evaluation or our interpretations, the responses to messages, and storing the messages for later usage”. (Trenholm, 2008, pg. 45)

References:

Trenholm, Sarah, ( 2008) Thinking through communication: an introduction to the

        Study of Human communication. 5^th ed. Pearson Education, Inc.

LeBaron, Michelle, (2003) Communication Tools for Understanding Cultural

      Differences: Cultural Diversity. Beyond Intractability Project. Colorado

   

            University of Colorado at Boulder. Retrieved on March 9, 2011 from

                http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/communication_tools

 Wyman, O., Carpenter Guy (2011) Global Diversity: Understanding Cultural

      Differences in Communication Style. Mercer LLC. Retrieved on

             March 9, 2011 from  www.orcworldwide.com/readroom/diversity_culture.

Innovative Learning In Communication

     My purpose is to present the understanding of what communication is and the role that it plays in every day life. Media technology plays a large role in today’s society since everyone is either texting on a phone or watching television for the latest news. Anything we hear, and see is a form of communication. This blog created will assist in furthering knowledge in the field of communication as a life long learner. The title is an innovative approach to reaching many different audiences. Strengthening communication is in analyzing data, using logic reasoning, understanding, applying problem solving solutions, exploring ideas, and apply habits of strategic planning. I will be working toward mastering my communication as a current student of Ashford University.

     As a first time blogger my design layout will be of an antique image representing the theme of my work. It is through history and experiences that we learn the lessons to our language. Referencing a website titled, “ 7 Elements to Make your Blog Look Great” gives great advice on how to build a strong image and purpose.  Determining the idea of my page in life long learner is giving the appearance of functionality as it pertains to my current study program. I have chosen a simple layout with blogging room. I will be integrating photos, videos; communication studies capstone lesson plans, and open discussion forums that will enhance higher learning.

     The content information will be our current course of study as we learn how to move toward the mastery of communication and the current finding of media technology. The audiences mostly persuaseded are those who are educators, professionals, students, journalists, artists, and anyone who feels encouraged to reach a larger audience through life long learning in the field of communication. To maintain lifelong relationships is to engage in diverse audiences to work toward understanding. My opening blog can me found at (comingintoview22.blogspot.com)

For further research:

Martin, M. (June 26). 7 Elements to Make your Blog Look Great. Pro Blog Design.

      Retrieved from http://problogdesign.com/design/7-elements-to-make-your-blog

Google. (2010). Gmail. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/acounts/Service

Blog Design Blog. (2010). Blog Design. Retrieved from

      http://www.blogdesignblog.com

           

Leadership Perspective on Resolving Conflict-Course Discussion

     Dealing with a conflict depends on what the issue is and in what environment it takes place and with whom. The scenario to find solution for is as follows: You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services.  You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service.  One of your employees, who have been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and coworkers.  In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior, which has created a hostile environment.  You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.”

     As department manager there are several ways in which I would handle this situation. Depending on what type of boss I choose to be will determine how I would handle this situation. This employee has only been with the company for two years so there status may not be to equal status as others who have been with the company longer.  Not only does this employee show interpersonal issues, but also they may lack the skills needed to work together as a team player. Since I do not know what the complaints are about it is hard to determine the correct action. In my experiences at work and being a supervisor myself I have learned many things. In many cases complaints come and go with any company but if customers are complaining than that falls on the business image. There are three things that need to be addressed to this person and the first is there personal issues, second there interpersonal image and lastly work ethic to the company.

   It seems that this person many not fit the position they are currently in and it may also be that they are just having a hard time in there personal life and it is showing in there job. To not ask this person personal questions but to be a leader and address problem solving topics is what I would do. I would want to keep a trust built between that person and I would want to give them a chance to explain why they are acting the way they are. Problem solving for me would be to sit down, directly express the issues that are being directed toward this employee and than find out how to find the best job and position where this person can excel. Or maybe they have another way of doing a job that may not fit with others ways of learning. I would keep an open mind to this issue, but work toward positive reinforcement to get them to change their behavior. By giving positive feedback to them will allow this employee to find a kind of control to adjust his or her behavior. Depending on how this employee communicates with me will determine if he or she is defensive or is receptive to my suggestions.

     The importance of calling this employee to my office would be to re-establish trust as manager and employee, find the good assets this person has, state the issues at hand that there have been problems, and inform them that they need to find a way to get back on track for job performance.  As stated from author Pamela S, in her book, Organizational Communication speaks about valuing diversity. As a manager I would want to understand and appreciate the contributions that differences in people can make to organizations. “Personal communication competency, we increase our effectiveness by understanding barriers to valuing diversity and positive approaches helpful in increasing understanding”(Zalabak, 2009, pg 166) By understanding that there may be workplace democracy, group norms and task that each member must do to perform a job function it is important to also focus on the individual and what there assets are in personal performance.

      If I do not get feedback for good reason on why he or she is not doing there job well and that this causes further issues, I would want to put them into another area of work where they can excel. I also would give them a chance since each person should be valued and should be given an opportunity to grow if they fail.  Also as defined from Author Pamela Zalabak, that conflict, “can be described as a process that occurs when individuals, small groups, or organizations perceive or experience frustrations in attaining goals and addressing concerns”. (Zalabak, 2009, pg 295) As a leader and manager I would take the time to understand the behaviors of this employee and the negative outcomes that have come about. I would want to emphasize customer service and ways to deal with conflict if he or she feels they are not being understood or the reason why they do not get along with others. Also finding a way to reinstate the importance of work ethics and the organizations values to employees and customers. I would inform them of the standards and the goals needed to follow to abide by the organizations vision of customer service. I would also inform them that there is no tolerance of bad behavior and that there will be no arguments allowed with other people on the floor and if there is a problem that he or she should come to me directly and let me handle the situation. Not only with direct communication but with an openness for understanding and learning about this person; the meeting will have been ended on a positive not in hopes of positive change through action.

Reference:

Shockley-Zalaback, Pamela. Fundamentals of organizational communication:

     Knowledge, sensitivity, skills, values. – 7^th ed. (2009) Pearson Education, Inc.