Book Concept

One concept from our book that I wish would have been further elaborated was Chapter 11 on mass media.  The internet part of mass media I would have liked to be further discuss. I liked when we discussed the difference between cyber and face to face conversations. I think that would have been a great section to cover so that we could find out the percentages of people who actually carry on friendships or relationships via the internet. Not only do I think that could have come in and handy, but also the topic of discussions. I would love to know what a lot of people speak about that they felt they couldn't talk to their friends face to face about. I really enjoyed speaking about the differences of mass media. My favorite topic and chapter in the book.

I think this could also deal with our chapter 13 where we have discussed the differences in the research methods. Finding out what people actually speak about could be a type of research as well that most definitely has a lot to do with communication. 

Interesting Concept

The concept I found the most interesting in this class was the concept of that attracting is the process of elimination. I really enjoyed the blog we had to do on our potential romantic partner because it gave me a real thinking process where I had to think about characteristics and behaviors that could turn me off from someone. I feel like when it comes to the process of elimination you may just look at someone and feel attraction, but after that it is like you start getting to know them and certain things about them start to become unattractive you.

The reason I felt that this was very interesting to me is because I really enjoyed this concept. I felt like I learned something new and never felt like I could look at attraction as a process of elimination. After reading the section on this I looked at this concept something to consider when having an attraction to someone. 

Research Method

The most interesting research method in my opinion is the survey research.  “To survey groups of people, researchers use either written questionnaires or face-to-face interviews to question subjects and record and code their responses. Researchers question a representative sample so that findings will be generational ” (Page 355) I feel like survey research gives the questioner a better chance to explain. They get to elaborate more on their answer and it doesn't generalize anyone into one category. The person taking the questioner has the opportunity to be in other.

If I were studying an aspect of deception, my number one question would be “When it comes to deviance who engages in the act of deviance more?”  I definitely feel like this would be under the Ethnography.  This could be in any setting and apply to any behavior. The researcher avoids imposing his or her own values and assumptions on the data. Instead of testing an existing hypothesis, he or she allows conclusions to emerge from observations. (page 354)

Selective Processing

A useful topic that I liked was the section on selective processing.  “We are capable of ignoring messages we don’t like, of tuning out tedious or irrelevant details, of interpreting messages in original ways, and of forgetting inconvenient details.” (page292) I have to agree. We do tune out things we do not want to hear or because we don’t think it is important. It’s just like sometimes I have to tell my boyfriend that he doesn't listen to me when I tell him something I think is important or he says he forgot. I have to say that this deals with selective retention, meaning he only remembered a little bit of our conversation. My mom always has a saying “You only forgot because you weren't listening, but if I told you I was giving you a million bucks you would listen”.  I also thought the term selective perception, meaning we perceive something in a different way than someone else.  

Medium Is The Message

“According to McLuhan’s theory, each medium has its own internal logic, and each affects how we experience the world.” (page 291) I can agree with this! It is important that you know which medium is best to make sure that the message is delivered properly. I believe TV is a great medium.

I do agree with McLuhan that TV is a cool medium, especially in today’s era. We use television in everyday life, to watch the news, entertainment, speeches, and music.  With television you can see and hear at the same time it gives the person watching an easier way to receive the message. TV shows everything that you wish you saw once you heard it. I believe television gives everyone that believability they may need to understand facts. For example, we may read a newspaper article on a killing and may by pass it. Once you've tuned to the news and they show you how the investigation is going and what the murderer looks like I feel like you could get more involved. Even with newspapers still around some people may just prefer watching the news than reading it. 

Cyber Friendships

When it comes to being friends with people in cyberspace I actually have when I was in high school. I remember long summers and I remember seeing my oldest sister talking to people in chat rooms and I would walk up behind her being nosey. I would ask her what she was doing and who she was talking to. I believe that was my start to finding out that you could chat with people who were all over the world and the same age as me.

The difference between my face to face conversations and Internet conversations aren't really different! You meet someone and you get to know them! I mean the conversations would be the same, but you just can't interact with them in person. If you have a web camera you can video chat. This question came just in time as a TV show on MTV just premiered last night called CatFish where people who met online get to see each other on person. I have to say that would be a little cart especially if they turn out being someone totally different. That's part of the reason I don't use my Internet as a friendship tool. Some people will turn out not being exactly who you think they're. 

Interview Skills

One of the topics from Chapter 8 that I felt was interesting was the section about interviewing skills. I had actually had a short lesson on this last semester in my business class, but I liked reading and going over some of these things again. I really liked the fact that there was a whole part about questions. It gave the questions that some employers may ask you and the importance of asking the employer some questions. It wouldn’t be right if you got yourself into a job you had no idea what a regular day could be like.

“Interviews are like exclusive parties: you can’t crash the gate; you have to be invited. That means sending out resumes and cover letters that catch the eye of potential employers and make them want to meet with you.” (page 213) It is very important to update your resume and make sure it is spruced up and can catch the attention of the employer you are applying for. You want them to see why, on paper, you are the best candidate. 

Etiquette

I have been bothered by electronics with people in my work place. The worst thing being a server is when someone hounds you down because they said they’re ready to order and then they hop on their cell phone or their iPad’s. It is very rude to use any electronics when someone is speaking to you especially when you’re the one that called them over to help you.

I feel like call waiting can be useful. When it comes to being rude or not I think there is a fine line. When someone has been waiting beyond a couple of minutes it can become very rude. Sometimes I work front desk at work and when there are people calling and in front of me I try to answer the phone first. The people in front of you can see that you’re busy, but the people on the phone do not necessarily know that you can be busy and may see it as you’re ignoring them.

Organizations and Environment

Organizations are tied to the environment because they help the environment. “Just like living creatures, organizations cannot survive without a healthy environment.” (page 200) They help the people in our community that makes up the environment.  

“The college or university you attend, for example, is a complex organization that involves many people working together to achieve a common educational goal.” (page 200) The relationship between the school and city and town that is in is they both have a goal in the city. They both help each other to maintain the city. I also noticed a lot of times the city and school can help each other to raise money or even do fundraisers together to get the communities involved.

I think schools have obligations to the city to get involved together. The city and school should work together to keep the campus and city safe. For example, how we have cops circling around our campus to make sure every student is safe. Working together can help each other. 

Rules Of Communication

One of the topics I felt were a good one to talk about was the rules of communication. It determines how we communicate with other people. This is put together as cultural level, sociological level, and psychological level.

Cultural level rules are how we communicate with people we do not know. Our culture of being polite and using what we know is proper ways to address strangers. In this area our topics are limited, we wouldn't tell strangers our personal information we tell family and friends.

Sociological level rules are how we communicate with group membership. In the book it uses college campus as an example and how we use slang to say hello. We may say “What’s up” instead of Hi as a greeting. Nothing too formal here. 

Psychological level rules are how we communicate with people on personal levels. We may name call, joke, or even hug and kiss. You are comfortable with your family and friends so you know the boundaries of discussion.

I saw this very cool because of how people can move into these rules of communication. Especially since someone we don’t know may get greeted through the cultural rules, but go on to become a great friend and we will communicate with them on a psychological level later on in life. 

Potential Romantic Partner

This question took me a little bit of thinking, but I really enjoyed picking my brain on some of the characteristics and behaviors that lead me to label someone unattractive as my romantic partner. Someone who feels like they cannot be honest or communicate is the two biggest unattractive traits to me. I feel like if you cannot be honest to someone you just met, then you probably are dishonest about a lot of things.

In our book it says that, Steve Duck feels that attraction is really a process of elimination. I do agree. When we are getting to know someone and we are only attracted to the physical we are just waiting for the parts of them we don’t like.  As soon as someone shows me something I don’t like early on in the dating stage I will cut them off.

I have DEFINITELY eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues. I think we all make these reasons why we can’t date someone only to find out they are exactly your match.

Patterns

In my opinion the hardest pattern to change would have to be symmetrical pattern. Competition is an everyday life thing. You are always trying to one up someone or gain a better position in life. You are fighting to one up someone in everyday life.

The most damaging to a relationship would have to be rigid complementarity.  In the book it says, “When the submissive partner begins to resent always giving in or when the dominant partner begins to tire of being in charge, dissatisfaction can result. “ (Page 140) This is very true, I know it is very hard to take the back seat and let someone take control, especially when you’re so used to being in charge or disagree with the person in charge. Even being someone who always has to be in charge or make the family decisions it can become tiring because you may feel like it’s time for someone else to take initiative.

The most damaging to self-esteem would have to be complementary pattern.  One partner takes the one-up position and the other takes the one-down. (page 140) One person gets the short end of the stick. I feel like the person who takes the one down must feel like they do not have enough responsibility or don’t feel adequate enough to have an authority position.

Stereotypes and Prejudice

One of the sections that I found interesting about the chapter was the section on prejudice and stereotypes of other cultures. In the book it talks about why some intercultural contacts can be frustrating.  “We often enter them with preconceived attitudes that impede the possibility of understanding. Among these attitudes are stereotypes and prejudices.” (page 338)

I have to agree. Sometimes when we don’t understand a person’s culture or their reasoning for the way they do something, we may think is odd, and usually we prejudge. I know sometimes I have been a person to prejudge someone or even believe a stereotype sometimes. I think when we don’t understand something it is foreign to us so we may think it is odd. Sometimes we may think our culture we grew up in is better than or superior to another’s because we feel we have more relatable culture than someone who hasn't lived in the United States. 

Three Terms, Do I believe?

According to the text, “most Americans hold three basic beliefs about human nature: that humans are, at heart, rational; that humans are perfectible; and that human nature is highly susceptible to social and cultural influence.” (page 334)

Do I believe in this? To an extent, I can honestly say that I relate to rationality and mutability premises. The one about perfectible kind of threw me off with the definition in the book that humans can be born into sin, but are capable of achieving goodness through effort and control. I don’t exactly believe humans are born into sin when they don’t sin. Unless, they mean start of doing bad things, but have the chance to change and shape up their future.

An example I can think of mutability premises, is when people who hang out with certain people at school can gain their habits and social skills. In high school I had a good friend who would always use her hands with talking and I remember I would go home and use those same social skills. My mom would not understand where I got it from. It’s my human behavior shaped by my environment and the people I hung out with.  

Cultures

I do believe what Ruth Benedict said that we are creatures of our culture. Whatever culture are environment and parents instill in us is who we are. We are taught these cultures from the time we are born. We will pass them down to our children and so on, BUT I do believe we can break from our limits of culture. You have to have an open mind and be willing to learn another culture. In our textbook it gives the characteristics of culture. Culture can be learned, taught, and shared. Not only that, but cultures are always changing. “As economic conditions change, as new technologies are developed, and as cultural contact increases, old ways of doing things change and people must learn new behaviors.” (page 328) You are never made to be stuck on one culture. Many people, like me, come from parents with two different cultures. It is very common to possess more than one culture. 

Facial Displays

One of the interesting topics from our chapter reading this week was the section on facial displays. The section talks about how facial displays are learned and the ones that are our natural brain is programmed. I know plenty of times my mother has told me, don’t make your face like that you look like your father.

In the chapter (page 112) it says that when we smile when we are happy and cry when we are sad is because of our biological inheritance. Although we are biological to do these things it does not mean that we cannot learn how to mask these emotions. For example, we may try to smile when we are sad because we do not feel like it is everyone’s business.  I know children find out that sometimes when they cry they can get what they want, so if they know this they may use it to their advantage to get what they want even if it is not a necessity. 

Nonverbal meanings. .

For this part of the assignment I decided to read and Google some information. I decided to look up some information on different noverbal communication in India. I found some of their nonverbal communication a little odd, but interesting. Some of the things I found interesting were:

The finger to the temple. That person is mad.

The Hand held to the side and shaken side to side: Used to communicate a lack of commitment. Means It’s not a good idea, it was never a good idea, it only contained elements of the truth and don’t even think about it.

The palm upwards, three fingers folded towards the palm, the index finger raised. This is a question hand signal meaning how are you, what happened, what do you want, what are you staring at, I don’t understand and I don’t have.

(http://aussietraveladvice.com/india-travel-tips/)

The one place I have visited in the country is Miami, FL. The people there use kissing your cheek and a hug as a greeting. I love it they’re so friendly and make you feel welcome. It is amazing how in some places a handshake is enough, but in Miami they’re so warm.

Nonverbal Misinterpretation

I have definitely been wrong when reading someone’s nonverbal communication! When it comes to facial expressions they can totally throw you off. I know once in high school my best friend and I had the same class and she sat across the room from me and I remember us speaking on text message and then she made a facial expression that I swore was rude. I remember throwing one back at her and we got into a big argument that became a misunderstanding. I so learned from that moment that next time I should ask before I blow up. It’s extremely hard to recognize what a facial expression could mean without verbal words, but at the same time you can definitely understand what is going on through nonverbal communication.  The only way possible to interpret the right nonverbal communication is being familiar. Either being familiar with the certain person or the meaning behind the clues.

Importance of a closing

One of the topics I found interesting in our reading was the topic of conversational closings in chapter four. In the topic it explains the importance of a closing in your speech or conversation. In the text it says, “Endings play an important role in conversation. They signal that interaction is about to wind down, establish a sense of closure, reassure participants that the interaction has been successful, and establish conditions for future interaction.” (Page 84)

I do agree with this, you have to have a good closing that leaves the listener with a sense of understanding about what you have said and they feel good about the conversation. Not only is a good closing good for conversation, but also essays or papers. I know when it comes to a closing in your school paper or essay it leaves the reader with a sense of the stance you stand on with the subject or topic. It also gives the reader the option to think of their own stance on the subject or better understanding of the topic. 

Men VS Women Language

I definitely agree that men and women use language differently. Women we sometimes have this thing where we say one thing, but it means another. This is just an example and I know men will most likely agree, but the way men may communicate with their friends not the same way they would a woman. The same goes for women, I feel like we have this thing with gossip and we definitely gossip way more than men.

For example, when I speak to my boyfriend and I try to elaborate about an outfit or start talking about colors like cobalt blue or mint he does not understand.  If I were to explain this to my girlfriend she would know exactly what I meant by these colors. Women and men will forever have different languages. I know when my boyfriend starts talking about his cars or football it’s definitely like listening to a different language. I do believe men and women have a common ground when it comes to certain subjects, but we will always have some misunderstandings. 

Making Judgments. .

I honestly do not think it is an easy task to not judge others. I can always try and say I will give someone a chance, but that doesn’t mean I have not made my own opinion on someone already before getting to know them. I think everyone is judgmental in a sense. For example, when I walk into a interview I am already being judged. I have already been judged by my time management and my appearance from the minuet I walk in the door.

I think the only way to make our judgments fairer would be to not take that judgment and place it over the person’s head. What I mean by that is that we should give them a chance and let them show us themselves before we confirm or deny our judgment on them. It is the only fair way to let your judgment be wrong or right. I know that even when I do judge someone I have to give them the benefit of the doubt and let them show me who they are. I have always been a person not to listen to the he/she say just because it could definitely be another’s judgment. 

A Well Known Speaker

The person I chose to critique their public speaking skills is former president Bill Clinton. I had recently watched the 2012 Democratic National Convention on September 6^th and watched how he spoke with such confidence. I think some of his strongest characteristics would be his calmness in his voice and his preparedness. He seemed so confident in his words and even brought a little humor in his speech. I thought he did an excellent job at his persuading and getting the crowd amped and excited for the campaign voting.

I believe Bill Clinton does possess credibility, attractiveness, and power. Bill Clinton used to be our president for two full terms and I believe he has the credibility from his own elections. I do believe he has the power to attract attention to his words and he has the right attitude and words of persuasion. Bill Clinton is a smart man and I believe he knows exactly how to get the followers involved and knows exactly how to get their minds thinking.

Private Sphere and Public Sphere

When reading through Chapter 9, I found the two different spheres of communication very interesting. I wouldn’t have thought there was a term for two different types of public communication.

The private sphere is when you are solely speaking about our own interests in mind. Since the book did not elaborate on the private sphere I did a little bit of my own research. It is said that when you are in your private sphere of communication that you are most likely speaking in the comforts with your family or friends. The communication here would most likely be our of comfort ability with the people that you already know and that would help you gain.

The term public sphere is when you are speaking on behalf of our community in a chance to connect with others or bring awareness. I liked how the book used examples of how people used their own life experiences and reached out to our community to create awareness and get others involved in greater issues in our communities.

Best and Worst Speaker

I have once been inspired by a speaker. The best speaker I ever had was my tenth grade English teacher. He actually has made English my favorite subject since my tenth grade in high school. The one thing that made his speeches memorable is the way he would connect to the students. He would use examples or personal experiences that made him more relatable to our own experiences. He always had a way with words and the motivational speeches he would give us at least weekly. He wanted to see us all do our best in school and achieve the grades we deserved if we worked hard enough.

The worst speaker I ever heard was another female teacher from my senior year of high school. It wasn’t necessarily the words or speech she was giving us it was the deliverance. She had no motivation in them nor was she ever prepared. I could tell she didn’t like speeches when she had to give them. Usually she would pass out papers to the class with whatever information she wanted to give us for the week and we would “popcorn read” it out loud. When speaking she didn’t have the confidence, she would stumble over words, and even be unprepared. I feel like if you are nervous or unsure of what to say to make notecards and always be prepared. PRACTICE!

Intentional Communication

In our reading the one interesting topic was the theories if communication was intentional or not. I found the argument between not meaning to send communication messages or if communication is unintentional behavior.

I have to agree with the side that says, “Communication is a process whereby people assign meanings to stimuli in order to make sense of the world”. I feel like when we are communicating we say what is on our minds and any behavior that follows those words is how we feel.  I don’t think you can send messages by accident. I believe the first reaction is the reaction that you made unintentional because that’s the way you felt at the time. It might not be the right one, but it is the first that came from a reaction.

In the example the book uses between Brianne and Brennan where Brianne frowns and didn’t know that she was being watched so her reaction was not considered communication, I feel is wrong. Some people will try and change their reaction or say they were kidding because of the embarrassment of their reaction.

Pragmatic Perspective

The pragmatic perspective explains that communication is patterned. It does make sense to think of communication as a pattern. I believe when people are nervous when they have to communicate or even make speeches they have their own forms of ways to get around that nervousness. Not only does this have to do with nervousness it’s just the specific movements or gestures one may use when communicating with others.

For example, I noticed that some singers, Mariah Carey in particular, when she is singing her high notes and put emphasis on that particular note or lyric she has this hand movement that she uses. I feel like when she does it she is signaling that the part is coming up. This kind of reminded me of the pragmatic perspective.

Communication is like a game because I feel like sometimes when you get around certain people you may use different tones or words that you wouldn’t use around others. For example, I would not speak to my parents how I speak to my friends. It’s all about knowing when to use the right words or type of specific gestures and tones when speaking to certain people. A way it’s not like a game because you’re not really looking to win anything.

Social Constructionist

According to our text the social constructionist perspective is when people use communication tools from their culture. This perspective makes it clear on how the culture you are brought up in influences your communication. One thing that I noticed that we talk about in our culture that others may not be an issue in other cultures is how we emphasize the importance of the money you make with your success.  I believe we focus on wealth to make us happy and feel successful. In other cultures, they us other forms to show their success and not with money!

Defend Yourself

The one concept that I found interesting about this week’s reading was about how the Sophists came about.  Sophists were teachers who were professional speakers.  For many years Greek had a ban on professional lawyers and so the Greek people had to defend themselves and come up with their own evidence to win their case. That’s when sophists came up with the idea to advertise their services to people who needed help in court. You still had to defend yourself they would just help you write up a persuasive speech to the courts.

I think this is awesome, in this time you had to use the resources that you could. So basically you were getting outside help to state your case. I mean its word against word with whatever evidence you could to win your case. It makes me wonder how many cases actually won against the court system when you had to defend yourself without help from someone who knows the law regulations and the proper way to defend a case. 

Orator's With Good Morals

Greeks believed that if you were an orator you had to be morally good. I do agree with that, if someone you want to follow or elect (ex. President) doesn’t have the morals that you believe are right for your wellbeing why listen or agree with them? I do believe this is a connection to goodness, truth, and public communication. You do want someone who is speaking a speech to give the truth and speaking from the goodness of their heart.

With my example of a president, you want to believe everything they’re giving a speech about. If a president is promising your country and the people things that can help everyone you want them to deliver. Speeches are a way for the president to get others involved and their way of communicating with the public.

In my opinion, the Greeks believed in the speeches of the orators and it was only right that if an orator was going to speak to them that their morals were good. If we had that option we would be able to weed out the ones who weren’t giving speeches that were truth. 

The Introduction of Me!

Hello Eveyone!!!!!

My name is Adrienna. This is my second year at Sierra College and my 3rd semester taking online classes. I am 23 years old. I love traveling new places and take vacations at least once a year. My favorite pastime outside of work and school is to relax at home and hang out with friends. I am excited about this semester and am looking forward to this classroom and using this blog! I hope everyone has a great semester and wish everyone luck in this class! =]

Adrienna