INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION WEEK 17 EXPRESS OWN IDEAS AND BELIEFS

Hi Gang

Delivering thoughts and feelings towards other people effectively is an important part of communicating. Yet, it seems much verbal expression of ideas, thoughts and emotions do not come easy to many people. Expressing your ideas, thoughts and emotions (emotions may not necessary be that simple), involves putting them into words. You need to verbally communicate your thoughts for your ideas/thoughts to be understood by your listeners. The expressions of your thoughts take into account various factors which are considered effective when conveying your message.

Your thoughts and feelings are generally in unison, which means that whatever you think is likely to manifest in your emotions. Along with good verbalization of ideas a proper display of emotions is required.

Not everyone has the ability to effectively express thoughts and feelings. Have encountered people who get tongue-tied when asked about their opinions? Some are comfortable with silence, and while others struggle to release their emotions. This is actually considered a barrier in communication. It must be resolved in order to start building effective communication skills.

Communicate Clearly and Openly

Misunderstandings and misinterpretations are frequently ingrained from lack of clear and open communication. If you choose to stay silent instead of speaking out and say to a person what you feel or think, do not be surprised if your relationship is based on incessant arguments and disagreements. Do not expect the person to read your mind when you keep things to yourself.

A few tips on how to communicate clearly and openly:

1.   Do not hesitate to open up and talk. You will never learn to express your thoughts if you allow fear of talking or speaking to overpower you.

2.   Learn from the people around you who are confident and comfortable enough in expressing what they think and feel.

3.   Avoid being vague in your statements. If you wish to be understood easily, use simple and direct statements.

4.   Tell the person what you feel as of the moment. If the conversation relies heavily on emotions, communicate as well your feelings so that you will be better understood.

Emotions

It is difficult to fake emotions and let it contradict what your mind senses. For example, if you think of a bad situation such as the loss of someone, your emotions track your thoughts. To accurately express your feelings, make clear what is truly felt. The other person will have an enhanced view of how to communicate with you and avoid misinterpretations of thoughts and feelings.

Displaced emotions such as displaced anger are expressed emotions not suitable for the situation or circumstance. It could the reason why friends, family and people avoid talking to you. Be true to what you feel and let it be known in an appropriate manner.

An issue we all tend to struggle with at times some when expressing our thoughts is not being direct. We beat around the bush and talk about unnecessary details before getting to our main point. This makes us ineffective when delivering our thoughts and feelings.

                     

         How can we cut the chase and go straight to the point?

1. Have a clear understanding of what you wish to convey. Express the main point first then give them the explanation and offer your reasons for your point.
2. Convey your point in the right tone for the context of the conversation because it makes it easier to express the meaning of what you are saying.
3. Keep it simple, but not ‘dumb and dumber’. It can be argued that the more you talk, the more mistakes you make. However, by being too simple such as giving a one lined statement may leave your listener confused, find the balance.
4. Make it a point to ask if your listener understood, to check comprehension and active listening. Never assume that the other person fully understands you.

DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS - Week 16 - EXPRESS OWN IDEAS AS APPROPRIATE

IT - SWAT

WEEK 16

TUESDAY 7^th June 2011

DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

EXPRESS OWN IDEAS AS APPROPRIATE

Most of us were taught when we were young to not ask so many questions and do what you’re told. Don’t stick out and people won’t notice you, keep quiet and you won’t get in trouble. Let go of those bad habits and learn to become a person who believes in what they think and has the confidence to speak up.

People can rant as much as they want, but they cannot refute logical comebacks with clear solutions. Whenever someone choosing to yell on or rant, listen to what they have to say and think carefully about what they are saying before you respond. When you respond, look them directly in the eye and speak in a clear and calm voice.

Humans exchange feelings, thoughts, ideas, opinions, and information in many different ways using a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior

          Example of using inappropriate expression of own ideas and beliefs

During a job interview Mr. Blabber began discussing his political opinions. While the interviewer disagreed with his opinion she was startled by the impropriety of his political discussion in a work setting.

Especially in an interview, Mr. Blabber’s lack of judgment sent a clear message to the interviewer about his level of common sense and his ability to represent the organization.

Not satisfied with his initial remarks, Mr. Blabber went on to tell the interviewer how he voted and also past comments about the political bumper stickers he had seen in the company parking lot. At this point, the interview fell apart and became nothing more than a time wasting chat that lasted until Mr. Blabber was politely informed the interview was over.

Ideally an employer doesn’t care about an applicant’s beliefs and/or politics. Therefore, political discussion is normally unwise in any work setting. Mr. Bladder failed to demonstrate good judgment as he voiced his political views during an interview.

In a workplace that honours diversity, issues of political leanings, religious beliefs, sexual activities, and opinions about non-work issues, should, for the most part be kept private. Unless you work in a setting that is dependent on a particular set of beliefs, such as a Political Party office, a lobby group or a religious group. You risk conflict with supervisors and colleagues when you raise sensitive subjects at work.

Freedom of expression is great in the workplace, especially if you want an environment that respects diversity, encourages alternative ideas, and allows room for respectful disagreement.

Factors that will help you to voice your opinions and ideas:

Know what you want

Make sure that before attempting to open your mouth that your 100% clear on the ideas that you want to express because it will give you the confidence to stand by your words. When your audience can see that you are confident then they will more alert and want to listen.

Keep it basic

Think why you switch off when someone is voicing their opinion. Remember school with teachers lecturing in front of the class. Being lectured to is boring! There really is no need to use big words. The simple facts will be more than enough to keep the audience engaged. It's extremely annoying to have someone lecturing you for 30 minutes, when the information could have been kept basic and short.

Pretend that you are alone

One of the fears of having to express your opinion in front of a crowd is how you will be perceived by the audience. Can you really afford to let anxiety get in the way? Picture yourself alone and voicing your opinion to yourself! Your nerves will remain calm and allow you to remain focused on the topic.

Revise before you talk

Yes revision of your conversation will help you take it to the next level. The very fact that you are confident and know what you are talking about will help significantly. When people realize that you are confident in your ideas they will trust you. Learning to voice your thoughts and opinions really is a simple process. We are all human and each of us has worries and fears.

SWAT IT DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS WEEK 15 BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS & REFLECT EMPATHY

                        BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS & REFLECT EMPATHY

                                                 Relationships

Having positive relationships with others nourishes your personal growth and enhances your mental wellbeing. In relationship building, the ability to ‘read’ others’ body language would also improve your communication skills and enable greater understanding.

The following tips will help you build positive relationships with parents, friends, colleagues, supervisors and anyone you communicate with in your community. In the space provided please write what you think each of the seven terms mean in a relationship of your choice (i.e. parents, friends, partner etc).

1.    Seek mutual respect

2.    Understand and appreciate each other’s perspective

3.    Use two-way communication

4.    Set common goals

5.    Have realistic expectations

6.    Clarify responsibilities

7.    Be positive

 

                           

                                                                      Remember!

1.   Positive relationships result in important physiological, emotional, and social consequences.

2.    Positive relationships help people perform better in tasks and learn more effectively.

3.    Positive relationships demonstrate a commitment to your relationships, with friends and family, work and study environments and consequently promote groovy vibes in the wider community.

4.    The key to building positive relationships is working at relationships in situations involving negative communications. 

       Non-verbal language and building positive relationships.

Non-verbal communication is a constant back-and-forth process. Effective non-verbal communication can depend on self-awareness and an understanding of the cues you’re communicating. Significantly the ability to accurately pick up on the cues others are sending you ‘clears the interference’ between you.

Meaningful communication and translation requires your full concentration and attention. If you are considering your response before the end of the incoming message, not actively listening/observing, or thinking about something else, you will overlook key nonverbal cues in the conversation. Tune into the moment-to-moment experience in order to understand the message is.

It takes more than words to create fulfilling, strong relationships. Nonverbal communication has a huge impact on the quality of our relationships. Nonverbal communication skills improve relationships by helping you read other people, including the emotions they’re feeling and the unspoken messages they’re sending. It fosters trust in relationships by sending nonverbal signals that match your words and responding with nonverbal cues illustrates to others that you understand.

Non-verbal cues

1.    Eye contact:

2.    Facial expression

3.    Tone of voice

4.    Posture and gesture

5.    Touch

6.    Voice (Yes). We communicate with our voices, even when we are not using words (tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm, and rate).

                                           

Non-verbal cues in action

1. Hand mannerisms when talking such as making circular movements reinforces a person’s thought or idea.

2. An individual can show disagreement or opposition to what is being said through their glances, movement of the head from left to right, or even rolling of the eyes.

3. When complimenting someone nonverbal gestures add to the words of gratitude like a pat on the back for a job well done or a handshake.

4. Nonverbal communication can also emphasize ideas by using forceful gestures like pounding a fist on a table or voice tone because an assertive voice tone helps to convey pertinent points.

         Building positive relationships creates richer communities!

Demonstrate Interpersonal Communication Skills - Assessment 3 - Due June 21ST 2011

TUESDAY 17^TH May 2011

Demonstrate Interpersonal Communication Skills

SWAT IT: Tuesday 12:30-15:30 Class

CLASS ID: 10622799

Assessment 3

Due Tuesday JUNE 21^st 2011

Task: Demonstrate Interpersonal Communication skills by writing a one page professional letter of complaint about a product or service at work or in your daily social activities. Upload letter on your blog as a post. I have included a sample letter template to help construct your letter.

Example Template Letter of Complaint

Your address

Your telephone   

Date

Name (if available, of person/company you are writing to)

Title (if no specific name, use Customer Service Manager or General Manager)

Address of person/company you are writing to

Dear (as appropriate)

State what you bought, when and where (including serial numbers

where appropriate). Or, what work you had done, when, where

and by whom.

State the problem you have with the product, the work or the

service and why you have this problem. Give as many relevant

details as you can. If it is a long story, it is a good idea to attach a

separate schedule of what happened in time order.

State what action you want taken to resolve your complaint.

Give a precise but reasonable timeframe for that action to be

taken, e.g. 10 working days.

State that if you do not hear from them, you will be taking your

complaint to …. (the relevant complaints agency).

Include details of when and how you may be contacted.

Yours sincerely

Your signature

Your name (printed)

WEEK 13 - TUESDAY MAY 17th - BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

TUESDAY MAY 17^th 2011

WEEK 13

SWAT IT: DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

POSITIVE: indicating, relating to, or characterized by affirmation, addition, inclusion, or presence rather than negation, withholding, or absence <took the positive approach and struck a new deal rather than canceling the contract.

NEGATIVE: lacking positive qualities; marked by features of hostility, withdrawal, or pessimism that hinder or oppose constructive treatment or development <a negative outlook> <negative criticism

Responses That Build Positive Relationships

Unfortunately, lack of respect in the workplace can lead to an unhealthy work environment. When people at work offend or humiliate us, it hurts our dignity and sense of self. It also affects our ability to work well. Our ability to perform at our best is dependent upon our physical, psychological and social well-being.  We have to rely on and work with others in order to be productive and achieve positive outcomes.

Another key to forming effective working relationships is to deal with differences directly. In a conversation where each person listens to the other, discovering more about the other’s values and opinions can be meaningful. One may, for example, discover a new perspective. While confronting differences face to face can be uncomfortable, attempting to understand them is a good step in building a positive relationship. This is more encouraging than withdrawing, blaming and fighting. Treating people unfairly because of differences only contributes to a hostile work environment.

The problem is that many work environments do not encourage positive relationships. Instead many of us have worked in environments where the supervisor and/or a colleague wait for an employee to make a mistake.  This is an environment where the focus is on ‘mistakes’ and this can lead to an unproductive and negative relationship responses. There are many ways to build positive relationships at work.

Respectful relationships at work also come from the cooperation and collaboration required to instigate solutions. When all workers are included in meetings, discussions, training and events, the opportunity for people to participate in quality improvement is created. While not every person can participate in every activity, it is important not to leave any one person out. Use people’s ideas to change or improve work, and praise much more rather than criticize. This attitude and environment can build satisfying and empathetic relationships.

                            Building Positive Relationships: Some Helpful Responses

1. Respect your colleagues and supervisor’s their point of view

2. Appreciate your time spent with them at work

3. Recognise their individuality

4. Accept differences of opinion

5. Know you can ask them for advice as you work through an issue

6 Being more than willing to offer your time and advice to them as well. The foundation of any healthy relationship,

                   Respect can be demonstrated by

1. Treating others with courtesy, kindness and consideration, regardless of their race, religion, gender, size, ability, age or country of origin.

2. Encouraging co-workers to express opinions and ideas. Listen to what they have to say before expressing your own viewpoint. Never interrupt or cut off another person.

3. Never insulting people, blaming, threatening or calling people names, even if you are angry or hurt.

4. Addressing conflict in a positive and respectful manner and reporting abuse, discrimination or harassment. Remember that constant criticism, belittling, judging, or demeaning behavior added up over time, constitutes bullying.

                      Reflecting Empathy

Empathy inspires one to be kind and sympathetic toward others. Developing the ability to respond empathetically to people at work requires a different way of thinking. First, it involves a commitment to suspending judgment while taking the time to truly understand another’s behavior. Understanding the needs, values and beliefs that influence an individual’s behavior can change one’s attitude toward this person. When you truly listen to them, you are able to develop empathy for their position or situation.

Secondly, an empathetic response involves acceptance of the facts. This does not mean that you agree with or approve of another’s choices. It simply means an acknowledgment of the facts without any value judgment. Understanding and accepting another’s behaviour can lead to forgiveness. Once again, forgiveness does not mean approval or agreement but simply a letting go of the past and looking toward a better future. When you forgive another, you have given up on revenge or retaliation. The accounts are balanced and nothing is owed for the mistake.

WEEK 12 - DEMONSTRATE INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

WEEK 18

TUESDAY 10^th MAY 2011

SWAT IT COMMS.

12:30-15:30

Welcome to Week  11 gang. Good to see some of you are still hanging in there.  Today we are continuing on with Identify attitudes, values and beliefs of others as well as: Identify appropriate behavioural conventions and communication situations.

Inappropriate work related behaviours can include

•being aggressive when communicating with co-workers

•self-centred behaviour such as not considering other co-workers

•inappropriate touching in the workplace

•criticism of co-workers

•showing disrespect towards supervisors or managers

•refusing to participate in work activities

•being rude or abrupt to customers.

Interacting according to social rules

•the concept of personal space such as, how close is appropriate to stand next to others at work

•when and how to show emotions with potential to become frustrated and aggressive easily

•how to interpret and respond to nonverbal communication such as facial expressions and body language

•what is appropriate physical contact with other employees within the workplace

•the type or amount of personal information which should be disclosed to the general public or co-workers.

•the concept of personal space such as, how close is appropriate to stand next to others at work

•when and how to show emotions with potential to become frustrated and aggressive easily

•how to interpret and respond to nonverbal communication such as facial expressions and body language

•what is appropriate physical contact with other employees within the workplace

•the type or amount of personal information which should be disclosed to the general public or co-workers.

Social values and behavioural conventions

Watch out when offering a banana to a Russian woman it can create problems!

In Russia, I was led to believe that the polite thing for a man to do when offering a banana is to peel it for the lady. Sometime during my third trip to St. Petersburg I was politely disabused of my notion.

"Oh no, Harry," my Russian friend graciously corrected me. "In Russia, when a man peels a banana for a lady it means he has a romantic interest in her." How embarrassed I felt. And here I had been proudly telling everyone about this titbit of cultural understanding.

Online

People from different cultures have their own rules and conventions when addressing and greeting each other or when meeting new people. Not knowing how to address someone properly can create an embarrassing situation for both parties. This can be a problem when dealing with a multitude of cultures and people online. Online networking is an important feature most workplaces and business have. It’s very common to complete an application or form online, to subscribe to some services, newsletters, etc.

So when  creating an online form, it’s important to remember that some names might need more space for example Spanish people usually have two surnames; Chinese names are listed in a different order; the forms should be set up to allow unicode characters as some languages have accents.

There are types of behaviour that are always inappropriate in your workplace. However, you may ask yourself, how can I identify this behaviour?  In some cases you may be to report them. Keeping inappropriate behaviour out of the workplace will raise employee morale and create a positive working environment.

1.    Know that jokes about someone's gender, race, cultural background, religion or other personal characteristics are very inappropriate.

2.    Remember that touching someone else's body or making comments that are sexual in any way are always inappropriate behaviours.

3.    Understand that dating among colleagues is usually inappropriate. However, this often depends on the company. In most cases though, relationships between a manager and an employee are inappropriate because they can cause problems in the workplace.  

4.    Consider possible instances of discrimination. Discrimination based on age, gender, disability, national origin, race and religion is always inappropriate in the workplace.

Sometimes people just don't take inappropriate workplace behaviour seriously, and the only way to get them to stop is to report them to a supervisor. If someone's behaviour hurts your feelings or makes you uncomfortable, you don't have to put up with it in the workplace. There are laws regulating workplace behaviour to protect workers.

Social norms are the accepted behaviours within a society or group. This sociological term has been defined as "the rules that a group uses for appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours.. They have also been described as the "customary rules of behaviour that coordinate our interactions with others. Respect for the social norms maintains one's acceptance and popularity within a particular group.

By ignoring the social norms risks one becoming unacceptable, unpopular or even an outcast from a group. Many social norms are established and maintained through body language and non-verbal communication between people in their normal social discourse.