10/29-11/4 Post 1: CMC and F2F

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) differs from Face-to-Face communication in many ways. Think outside the box may be difficult because the typical reasons come to mind first. The main reason being that CMC takes away from in-person social skills that are needed in the business world. I definitely see this with my niece and nephew. But there are some positives when it comes to small group communication. One thing that groups can benefit that is different than F2F is that there aren't as many distractions. Groups can focus solely on the content of the task instead of the social surroundings. Personal interests are also left out. Another concept that is different is that there is more time to respond (Unless of course it is live chat such as video or group chat room). People have the opportunity to take time and thoroughly think about their response. It can create better outcomes and conversations but also puts more responsibility on people since they are given more time to produce better results. More time can also be a bad thing in the way that time can leave room for error, distractions and not getting the job done. We are moving into an age where media is shaping the way people do things, from communicating and producing to traveling and working. It may or may not be a good thing but it's the way it is. We just have to adapt.

10/15-10/21Post 3: Personal Choice

One concept from the assigned ready this week, not already discussed, that I found useful was Using Nonverbal Communication from Active Listening section. As I was reading this chapter I was trying to see what thing I do and don't do when listening to others. One concept that stuck out to me even before I got to this section was nonverbal communication. Overall I think that I'm a good active listener. The book indicates that eye contact, head nodding, sitting in attentive manner all indicate interest when listening. Fidgeting, frowning, looking away, reading notes are indications of not listening. I've done both, and simultaneously. For instance, saying "Yeah I understand," and looking at my phone. When talking about making first impressions, I nod my head, make eye contact and sit attentively to make sure the person know I'm 110% paying attention to them. Reading this section reasserted myself about active listening and nonverbal communication. It reminded me about how I act, what I do and what I don't do.

10/15-10/21 Post 2: Personal Experience

After reading this chapter, I realize that I have selection attention a lot. One example, different from my previous post, is when I'm with my mom I have selective attention. The definition in the book states, "Choosing one message over another is called selective attention," (115). It has become habit that with my mom I tend to only tune in when the conversation involves me. Other than that I just nod my head and agree. I've noticed that this really hurts my mom and that it isn't good, especially when family coming first is one of my more prominent values. I think that I do this because I'm so focused on my world and everything that is going on in it. I get to see my mom every weekend and talk to her on the phone everyday, but I take her for granted. A way that I can overcome this is by really setting aside everything else when I see or talk to my mom. Making the time and effort to be with her and make her a priority when I'm with her. By acknowledging her in my life will show her that I do appreciate and respect her and it'll give her the time she deserves from me.

10/15-10/21 Post 1: Four phases of Listening

A good example of which I found listening to be difficult happened last night when I was skyping my friend. Out of the four components there were two that I've recognized to be the most difficult at that time. They were sensing, in terms of selective attention, and memory. Though I was distracted (which has to do with active listening) from my phone and my own issues going on at the time, my ear picked up on things that I found most appealing or important to me in the conversation. I also had to keep asking my friend to repeat herself because I was using short-term memory. Within the first sixty seconds, only a few things got through to me. This made it difficult for the both of us because she was frustrated that I wasn't completely listening. I could have overcome these issues if I had completely listened to her and fully engaged in the conversation. Instead I was too consumed by my own world and surroundings.

10/1-10/7 Post 3: My Choice

The one concept from this weeks assigned reading, chapter 6, that I found useful/interesting which wasn't discussed was group talk. This section of the chapter discusses all the different kinds of talk groups have. For instance there are problem-solving talks, role-assumption talks, consciousness-raising talks and encounter talks. The book talks about successful groups defining their goals and objectives using task-oriented language. Every time of conversation in a group, whether about the weather outside or the task at hand has some relevance to the growth of the group. Every person in a group goes through different experiences, emotions, weaknesses, etc that affect they way a group interacts. The group has to go through a process that involves all of the different types of group talks to ultimately reach their goal and to grow as a group. Through group talk, each individual member builds their relationships with one another and as a group. I think this is one of the most important aspects of groups, relationship building.

10/1-10/7 Post 2: P's and C's

Proxemics and chronemics both have to do with communication. Proxemics is the study of how we use space to communicate. Chronemics on the other hand is the study of the use of time. Both are used in everyday life and I believe that there are universal rules for all cultures regarding these concepts. For example when talking to people face to face, there is the universal rule of personal bubbles. Another example of time and space is that certain times mean certain actions are done. For instance, nighttime is meant for resting and sleeping and daytime is meant for productivity. A personal example I have of proxemics is that in gymnastics classes certain areas of the gym are used for certain levels. The preschool area is used for toddlers and preschoolers where as the bigger equipment is used for the bigger kids. A personal example of chronemics is that in gymnastics class the first ten minutes are used to warm up and stretch the students and the last ten minutes are meant to condition, cool down and have fun with the students.

10/1-10/7 Post 1: Two Principals

The two principles I pick are number two and five. They are: (2) Our nonverbal communication is likely to be believed more than our verbal communication. (5) Cultural norms and expectations guide our interpretation. For number two the expression, "Actions speak louder than words" fit perfectly with this principle. A new example of how this operates in a group or team would be this: Laura and her group have to plan an event. Laura says she will be in charge of decorations but doesn't get any of the supplies. Now her team doesn't believe she will thoroughly do her job because she didn't do what she said she would. For principle number five here is a new example: in gymnastics class if the teacher walks to another place, the students are expected to follow. If the teacher says let's go and doesn't move, then the students won't go. But if the teacher moves then the students tend to move as well.