Barriers To Communication: Semantics

LP 5A: communication barriers 101/31/11Barriers to communication: SemanticsSemantics is the study of meaning and changes ofmeanings in words. I’ll be back in a little while I’ll be back in a few minutes I’ll be back around 5:00People have different meanings and without knowing theperson, “a little while” “a few minutes”, “around 5:00” canmean different things.In addition, poor communicators may intentionally usemore benign descriptions to avoid situations they thinkmay be troublesome. For example, if you expect that anappointment will take a quite a bit of time, “a little while”might be used to make a bad situation not look as bad.

LP 5A: communication barriers 201/31/11Relating back to chapter 3, we may become negativelyreinforced for being imprecise.Positive ReinforcementBehaviorConsequence EffectEarning anReceivingIncreases“A” 10likelihood ofearning an“A”Negative ReinforcementBehaviorConsequence EffectTakingHeadacheIncreasesAspirinends (istheremoved)likelihood oftakingaspirinI am notI immediateprecise inavoid anwhen I plan unpleasantto meet forconversationdinnerandimmediatedisapprovalof othersTherefore, we are more likely to be imprecise in ourestimates of time.

LP 5A: communication barriers 301/31/11Barriers to Communication: AssumptionsTo assume is to accept as fact without evidence of proof.We often make the mistake of assuming that others willunderstand ore than we actually say to them. “If it is clearto me, it must be clear to you as well.” In personalrelationships, we expect our relatives, friends and partnersto know us so well. You tell yourself “She/he ought toknow how I feel”, even though you have said nothingabout your feelings (page 216).In your textbook, you have the example of the father whotold his son to get a longer board. The son got a board 3feet too short and the father got angry and accused theson of being stupid and not listening. When there is amiscommunication, that ought to be a clue that a messagewas not properly received.If you have a particular belief (your son is stupid and notlistening), then your beliefs influence what you see anddon’t see (chapter 1) and get angry.If you believe that the message was not precise, you maychange your behavior and become more precise.

LP 5A: communication barriers 401/31/11Relating back to chapter 3, we may become punished forbeing imprecise.Positive PunishmentBehaviorConsequence EffectTouching aGettingLess likelyhot stoveburnedto touch ahot stoveBeing moreprecise inourexpectationsNegative PunishmentBehaviorConsequence EffectPulling onSitting in theLess likelyyour sister’s corner awayto pull hishairfromsister’s haireveryoneThey get madat us fortelling whatwe think isthe truthTherefore, we are less likely to be precise in our estimatesof time.

LP 5A: communication barriers 501/31/11Barriers to Communication: Emotion Packed PhrasesSome emotional packed phrases can make it difficult forpeople to talk to one another. It can make them feel guilty,lower their self-esteem, and make people not express theirfeelings and thoughts. After al I’ve done for you I wish you would say what you mean After you have been here as long as I have When I was your age Do you know what you are doing?.You aren’t upset, are you?.Talk to me later Do you understand me?.I wouldn’t do that You wouldn’t understand Are you sure that’s right?.Any very opinionated statement (page 217)

LP 5A: communication barriers 601/31/11Improving Verbal Communication (page 216) Speak with enthusiasmEnunciate (to distinctly pronounce)Use inflection (modulation of voice)Avoid antagonistic wordsUse short, simple sentencesAdjust your volume of your voice to the situationAdjust your speaking rate to the situationKeep the door open for feedback

LP 5A: communication barriers 1 01/31/11 Barriers to communication: Semantics Semantics is the study of meaning and changes of meanings in words. I’ll be back in a little while I’ll be back in a few minutes I’ll be back around 5: