The World of Communication

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Chapter 1

• The World of Communication

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Defining Communication

• Communication is a systemic process in which
  people interact with and through symbols to
  create and interpret meanings

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Features of Communication

• Process
• ongoing and always in motion
• Systemic
• occurs in a system of interrelated parts that
  affect one another
• Symbols
• abstract, arbitrary, and ambiguous
  representations of other things

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Features (contd)

• Meanings
• content level of meaning
• relationship level of meaning

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Values of Communication

• Personal
• Relationship
• Professional
• Cultural

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Personal Values

• We gain personal identity as we communicate with
  others
• Communication directly influences our physical
  and emotional well-being

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Relationship Values

• We build connections with others by
• disclosing our private identities
• listening to learn about them
• working out problems
• remembering shared history
• planning a future

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Professional Values

• Communication skills are closely linked to
  professional success
• In professional life, the costs of poor
  communication are great. Executives in large
  companies report that 14 of each work week is
  wasted because of poor communication (Thomas,
  1999).

Thomas, J. (1999). Do you hear what I hear? Women
in Business, 51, 1-14.
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Cultural Values

• To be effective citizens in a democracy, we must
  be able to express and evaluate ideas
• Effective participation in social life requires
  good communication skills

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Models of Communication

• Linear
• Interactive
• Transactional

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Linear Models
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Interactive Model
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Transactional Model
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Breadth of the Field

• Intrapersonal Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Group Communication

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Breadth of the Field (contd)

• Organizational Communication
• Mass and Social Media
• Public Communication
• Intercultural Communication

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Unifying Themes

• Symbolic Activities
• Meaning
• Critical Thinking
• Ethics and Communication

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Careers in Communication

• Research
• Education
• Media Production, Analysis, and Criticism
• Training and Consulting
• Human Relations and Management

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Websites

• National Communication Association
• American Communication Journal
• CengageNow
• Careers in Communication
• List compiled by Olivet College Career Dev.
• Looking for a Job www.monster.com

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More Websites

• ONET OnLine
• Developed by the U.S. Department of Labor
• This site provides information on key attributes
  and characteristics of workers and occupations

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Video
Speech of Self-Introduction by Mona Bradsher
PLAY VIDEO