COM102 Discussion Posts Week 4 & 5
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Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi *
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Communications
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Nov 24, 2024
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COM102 DISCUSSION POSTS WEEK 4 & 5
1
COM102 Discussion Posts Week 4 & 5
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COM102 DISCUSSION POSTS WEEK 4 & 5
2
COM102 Discussion Posts Week 4 & 5
Topic 1
I have on different occasions been in situations where the verbal communication by an
individual did not match their non-verbal communication. According to Anonymous (2019),
communication is the process of generating meaning by sending and receiving verbal and
nonverbal signs and symbols that are influenced by multiple contexts. Therefore, for effective
communication to occur, the speaker needs to align their verbal with the non-verbal cues.
The experience which I had involved a class project. We met up with a classmate seeking
collaboration to complete a certain class project. I also found it easier working in groups since
the project was involving and needed multiple perspectives. When we met, and my peer started
discussing the potential project collaboration, she appeared enthusiastic and open. Verbally, she
used positive language about how the collaboration would benefit each of us and expressed her
eagerness to cooperate. However, the non-verbal cues depicted during our interaction suggested
contrary thoughts. Although the course mate was verbally enthusiastic about working together,
she never maintained eye contact during the conversation. Also, he occasionally sighed and
fidgeted all through the conversation.
After our interaction, I felt unease and unsure about collaborating on the class project. I
was also confused as to why my course mate suggested the idea, yet his nonverbal cues told a
different story. I was uncertain about working with him since his words were in contrast with his
words. However, I decided to directly address the problem by asking if anything was bothering
him and whether he had any reservations about the collaboration. His response was as I thought
that he was worried about the short time left and the workload that we would have to complete.
However, he did not appear worried and wanted to remain optimistic about completing the
project.
I learned that non-verbal communication carried more weight in assessing the situation in
this situation. Klawans (2013 mentions that nonverbal communication operates side by side with
verbal communication. It is, therefore, imperative to observe one’s non-verbal cues to determine
people’s feelings and whether they are entirely honest in the conversation.
References
Anonymous. (2019, June 27).
Communication in the Real World - An Introduction to
Communication Studies.
Social Sci LibreTexts.
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Introduction_to_Communica
%20tion/Communication_in_the_Real_World_-
%20_An_Introduction_to_Communication_Studies
Klawans, K. (2013). The Importance of Nonverbal Cues as told by “Friends.” In
YouTube
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvEci5Bjgd4
Topic 2
According to Anonymous (2019), proxemics is the study of how distance and space affect
communication. When one is communicating with others, there is that distance that they
appreciate maintaining. When a breach of this personal space occurs, one is expected to make
nonverbal adjustments, such as changing one’s body orientation or utilizing objects to separate
COM102 DISCUSSION POSTS WEEK 4 & 5
3
oneself from others. The immediacy can also be reduced through other acts, such as lessening the
amount of eye contact and engaging in civil inattention. When individuals stand too close during
conversations, I feel invaded and uncomfortable. The physical proximity can hinder my ability to
communicate effectively and engage in non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye
contact. I also tend to be anxious and more conscious about what I speak when individuals stand
too close to me during a conversation. However, when individuals stand too far away when I
speak, I infer that my audience may not be interested in my communication. Also, it showcases
that the listeners are not engaged in what I am communicating, which may force me to go closer
to my audience or speak more to fill the distance. I may also change my communication style to
see if the audience will be more interested in what I am communicating.
My natural proclivity during communication and interactions is to maintain a moderate
distance. I am more comfortable when my audience or listeners are not too far or too near. Also,
this is the same case when I am the listener, as I tend not to be too far or close to the speaker.
Moderate distance is vital in ensuring open interactions without any feelings of awkwardness.
Individual preferences for proxemics significantly differ, with some preferring the listeners to be
very close while others prefer when they are at a distance.
References
Anonymous. (2019, June 27).
Communication in the Real World - An Introduction to
Communication Studies.
Social Sci LibreTexts.
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Introduction_to_Communica
%20tion/Communication_in_the_Real_World_-
%20_An_Introduction_to_Communication_Studies
Topic 3
In Chapter 5, Anonymous (2019), denotes that effective listening is not easy, and most
individuals do not make a concerted effort to overcome common barriers to listening. I am a
decent listener, but there is a lot that I can do to improve my listening skills
.
In his TED talk,
Treasure (2011) asserts that individuals spend most of their time listening, but they only retain
25% of what they hear.
One of the aspects that I can address to improve my listening is focusing on what the
speaker is saying and being fully present without being distracted by other things. At most times,
I am often distracted by the response that I will give or which or which I hold whenever a
speaker is speaking. This is an aspect that I can improve on. Also, I hope to be more empathetic
in my listening to ascertain its effectiveness. I have always been very critical of what I hear,
making most individuals refrain from sharing their thoughts. To be a better listener, I should
work on not being too critical of what the speaker says but emphasizing what is said, even if I
hold a different perspective. Lastly, disrupting the speaker by asking questions and interjecting
my opinions has often distracted my effectiveness in listening. This is something that I hope to
work on by practicing patience. I need to allow the speaker to express themselves fully before
asking any questions or contributing my opinions on the subject matter. The minor adjustments
will go a long way in ensuring that I am an effective listener.
References
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COM102 DISCUSSION POSTS WEEK 4 & 5
4
Anonymous. (2019, June 27).
Communication in the Real World - An Introduction to
Communication Studies.
Social Sci LibreTexts.
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Introduction_to_Communica
%20tion/Communication_in_the_Real_World_-
%20_An_Introduction_to_Communication_Studies
Treasure, J. (2011). 5 ways to listen better | Julian Treasure [YouTube Video]. In
YouTube
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSohjlYQI2A
Topic 4
According to Anonymous (2019), listenable messages are orally delivered messages that
are fashioned to be understood by the listener. At times, messages that are unnecessarily complex
in ways that impede understanding can be created. I am keen on ensuring that any oral messages
I send are listenable, as this defines the effectiveness of my communication. When I think back
at the times when I have experienced communication issues and frustrations, I recognize that
many issues stem from my failure to design a message that is not only clear but also sensitive to
the culture, gender, and ethnicity of the listeners.
Most of my miscommunication issues arise from the assumption that other individuals
share the same perspectives as me. I believe we look at some things from the same frame of
reference. This has barred me from underrating that individuals can have differing interpretations
of words or nonverbal cues I use in communication. For instance, misunderstanding can result
due to cultural differences. The words I use in my culture can have differing meanings in other
cultures, leading to miscommunication. Also, I have sometimes failed to consider that
communication styles might differ among individuals, which can result in communication
breakdown. Some individuals do not prefer holding long conversations or detailed explanations.
Such individuals may prefer the use of concise words and direct messages. Conversely others
appreciate the long explanations to enhance their understanding.
I have learned that it is imperative to first indulge in active listening to deliver listenable
messages. There are many strategies for becoming an active listener, such as avoiding
distractions and being more empathetic, that I can adopt. Also, it is vital to consider the listener’s
preferences, background, and sensitivities.
References
Anonymous. (2019, June 27).
Communication in the Real World - An Introduction to
Communication Studies.
Social Sci LibreTexts.
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Introduction_to_Communica
%20tion/Communication_in_the_Real_World_-
%20_An_Introduction_to_Communication_Studies