Final Week Post #3

• Pick one other concept in the book that you feel needs further discussion? (You can choose from ANY chapter in the book).

I think that Speech Anxiety (page 288), may need a little more discussion. I perform in musicals and have been onstage in front of hundreds of people, but I'm still terrified of public speaking. I know so many other performers that feel the same way, and also many kids that have a fear. I think it is important to note that there are many ways to relieve many of the stresses of speech anxiety. As the text says, breathing deeply or trying to relax muscles is one way you can try to relax. Also, substituting your negative thoughts with positive ones is a way to build confidence. Public speaking is an important tool to make great communication, so hopefully people can feel comfortable with their speaking! :)

Have a GREAT winter break! :)

Final Week Post #2

• What concept/s in this class have you found most interesting? What was it about that concept/s that you found interesting?

This semester was extremely fruitful. I think the chapter on Group Communication was very interesting to me. I liked the idea of shared behavioral standards and the fact that a group can function as a whole unit and feel a sense of identity or shared beliefs. It seems like a group’s norms and values mesh together to be collective. I thought that the characteristics of groups was interesting because I think about companies or organizations and forget to realize many days groups spend together. Members of each group are interconnected and work and interact with each other, learn about the nuances of their functions, and together progress and evolve.

Final Week Post #1

• (Regarding Chapter 13) Which of the research methods listed in Table 13.3 seem the most interesting? Assume you want to study some aspect of deception. Frame a research question. Which method would you choose to answer the question. Why?

Performance research seems the most interesting to me. I love the idea of observing a work of performance art, oral communication, or artistic components of everyday life and being able to deduce from there. I also think it is by our own performances that we can make conclusions about our behavior, thoughts, and feelings. If I were to form a research question about deception, it would be something like “How can you tell if someone is lying”. I would probably use Experimental Research or Conversation Analysis. That way, I could either conduct research based on the way people talk or formulate various scenarios between people in an experimental setting.

Week 13 Discussion Post #3

Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

I mostly agree with what McLuhan is saying. I do think that the way a message is transmitted is very important. The environment as well as the mode of the message affect us differently and make us experience the world differently.

McLuhan’s opinion regarding television as a cool medium is quite true, at least from my perspective. I think that we have to use our minds to interpret information and make assumptions for whatever holes there are in the transmission. When I think about looking at imagery on television, I am usually taken back to a memory or something from my lifetime that gives me an opinion. We all interpret things differently, and because television is diverse and selective, we must base our opinions off of whatever it offers us.

Although this doesn’t relate to specifically television, I am reminded of political cartoons. A single image the ability to influence our opinion greatly.

Have a great Sunday! ☺

Week 13 Discussion Post #2

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.



I found Functions of the Media to be interesting concepts in Chapter 11. All functions (surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission, and entertainment) all serve a purpose in informing its audiences and producing communication.

Surveillance is “the gathering and disseminating of information” (Trenholm 301). The media informs us throughout the day of information, breaking news, and anything we would need to know. Our local television stations provide weather reports and traffic updates.

Correlation is taking the information at hand and interpreting it for the audience. This can be making a news story or writing an article in a newspaper. Media professionals must understand events and social programs and help translate them for audiences.

Cultural transmission is defined as “the education and socialization of receivers” (Trenholm 301). I really like this concept because I think books, magazines, and movies heavily influence most people. Books and movies provide insight into our own cultural and the behaviors within it. We can also learn about history and fact-based information from these forms of media.

Entertainment is the last form of function that many people in America enjoy. This function serves as a pleasurable and enjoyable form of communication that is usually a leisurely activity for most. For myself, I usually read fashion or home decoration magazines when I want to unwind and relax.

All functions of media have negative effects, but can also be a great tool in helping the media communicate to us in our everyday lives.

Enjoy the weekend! ☺

Week 13 Discussion Post #1

Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from face to face relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?


Lately I have been connecting with others through food review and food blogs. I have commented on blogs and shared recipes with others over the internet. While I have made “friends” with these people, I do not I truly know them. (I don’t know everything about them, and I do not witness their nonverbal behavior). All I know is that we share common interests.

I wholeheartedly prefer face-to-face relationships. For my friends and I, having face-to-face interactions is necessary in order to trust and get to know one another. Online, people can be deceiving, and I feel like I would not be able to pick up any cues or signals if a person was dangerous. When people are lying, we might be able to pick up cues from their body language or eye contact. When people talk online, they may read or interpret/assume information, and be totally wrong if they met the person face-to-face.

I think technology is amazing in that we are able to connect globally with others. And for various blogs or websites, meeting others is great to share information or gain a new perspective. For me personally, I would just want to be cautious!

Have a good week! ☺

Week 12 Post #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

As a senior approaching graduation at SJSU, I found the textbook section of Increasing Organizational Skills to be very interesting.

Upon graduation, I will be interviewing with prospective employers, and it is really important to prepare for an interview. Trenholm writes, “before the interview, prospective employees need to review skills gained through coursework, personal experience, or previous employment” (Trenholm 234). I think this is really important because during an interview, future employers will ask many surprising questions, but the one way in which a prospective employee can be prepared is by knowing their own skills and background information.

The resume and cover letter are two important elements that factor into an employer’s decision to hire someone. For myself, my resume is written out but I have been trying to improve my cover letter, which should “highlight one’s ability to do the job and motivates the employer to examine the resume” (Trenholm 235).

I definitely think being prepared for an interview is the most important step to a successful communicative interaction!

Week 12 Post #2

Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

I marvel at our country’s increasing advances in technology, but sometimes wonder if things would be simpler without certain modes of communication.

When I study for this class, I go to the local library. If I am not in the quiet room, cell phones are still allowed. I still think it is rude, however, when people are talking in the library at full voice on their cell phone. The library is a place where people should be quiet!

Answering machines and voice mails can be funny but not always professional. I have not been too bothered by anyone’s funny answering machine, but often wonder “what if a future employer calls”, wouldn’t that be slightly embarrassing?

I have had little experience with conference calls, but my roommate works from home and often has them each morning. She never acts silly or funny because she knows that many people are on the end of the phone call. I definitely agree with the etiquette listed in the textbook for this one. ☺

I have faxed my resume to certain employers but always warn them before I am sending. I know at my mom’s office she gets random faxes and it can be confusing if she doesn’t know when they are coming.

Screen names and Ring Tones. When I was thirteen I had a goofy screen name, but now I just list my first name. It’s definitely more professional and beneficial to peers and coworkers than cutiepie13. ☺

I have very mixed feelings for call waiting. I do believe that if I am on the phone with someone I will devote my listening ears to the person. I hate putting people on hold, but also hate knowing that if I get a call waiting, she person on the end of the lines knows I am on the phone and am not picking up their call. I feel guilty no matter what I do! ☺

Overall, technology is great and is helping us reach out to others on a global level. I do believe, however, that we should use the Etiquette for an Information Age as much as possible!

Have a splendid weekend!

Week 12 Post #1

How are organizations tied to the environment? What is the relationship between the school you attend and the city or town in which it is situated? What, if any, ethical obligations does an organization like a college or university have to the local community?

Organizations are tied to their environment because they depend on each other in order to be healthy and make progress. I participate in community musicals, and if the economy is slowing and people cannot afford to buy theatre tickets, we have to accommodate that by using fewer resources and having a smaller budget. The environment directly affects organizations.

The city of San Jose is extremely large and busy. I immediately think of the lack of parking at SJSU, and that is directly influenced by the environment and the lack of space to build more parking lots. The environment in San Jose can be noisy (with many fraternity and sorority houses nearby), and this can directly affect people who live nearby campus.

I think that San Jose State has many ethical obligations to make the city aware of. If there are changes or additions to the campus, it is the University’s responsibility to clear it with the city. I also think it would be important for students or graduates to participate in local internships or volunteer opportunities within the community.

Week 11 Post #2

*Think about the filters you use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners. What characteristics or behaviors lead you to judge others as unattractive? Does Duck's theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues?

After reading this section of the chapter, I realized I have used all the filters to eliminate potential romantic partners. Physical proximity is a huge one for me, I have not had success in long distance relationships and it seems more realistic to be with someone who lives in the same area. I have also used the incidental cues (environment, work/life style), preinteraction cues (nonverbal impressions), interactions (lack of eye contact, facial expressions), and cognitive cues (shared values and attitudes).

For me, the cognitive cues are the most important filter. If I meet someone whose values are in opposition of mine, or negative in some way, I am simply not attracted to the person. I think differences are good, but for instance, if I met someone who had a positive attitude toward smoking, I wouldn’t be with the person! ☺ Other characteristics that lead me to judge others as unattractive are no sense of humor, awkward conversations or nonverbal behavior, and little confidence.

I think as we date more, or experience people more, we kind of figure out what we are attracted to and what “works” for us. Duck’s theory makes a lot of sense to me- the reasons he lists are very true aspects in which we filter when looking for potential partners. I think there must have been a time when I reconsidered a person based on their interaction or cognitive cues. Sometimes I’ll gain a first impression, and be completely blown away by a person’s ideas, values, or attitude.

Have a great weekend! ☺

Week 11 Post #1

*Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

It was refreshing and useful to go over dyads in this chapter. I liked learning about the various rules we subconsciously use when with certain people. For instance, my girlfriends and I exhibit psychological-level rules. We seem to have our own language when we are together, and “make” our rules based on what we know about each other.

When I am at a job interview, however, I use cultural-level rules. One would almost always formally greet a future employer with a hand shake rather than a hug or kiss.

I participate in local musical theatre productions, and here the sociological-level rules are exhibited. People in this group know to be quiet when a director talks, or to use quiet voices when backstage during a performance. Interpersonal communication depends on a particular group's rules.

I liked when Trenholm writes "As we become more familiar, however, we can understand our partners better because we know about their backgrounds and about their attitudes and values" (Trenholm 143). This relates to many other sections we've read this chapter, but I like the idea that we tend to use our intuition depending on who we talk to in order to make communication successful. I liked reading this section of the chapter because these rules are so subconscious, yet we use them every day. Talking to a best friend or family member is so casual, but really, we are subconsciously following rules of communication.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Week 9 Post #3

Do you believe in the rationality, perfectability, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?

I don’t really know if I wholeheartedly believe in all of these concepts. I think that in terms of rationality, people do have the ability to discover the truth. I do think, however, that life, selfishness, and differing beliefs can get in the way. Based on differing beliefs, one person’s “truth” may be different than another person’s idea of truth. In terms of the perfectability premise, I think that life is one opportunity. Mistakes are made, and we have the choice as to whether or not we want to commit crimes against the rules of our society. People in jail, or people who commit crimes are actively not being good citizens in a particular community.

Mutability premise believes that “human behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that the way to improve humans is to improve their physical and psychological circumstances” (Trenholm 353). I really agree with this last concept, because our environment truly shapes our ideas and beliefs. School/education is a social institution that models the mutability premise. Our surrounding give us a place to progress and grow, or can affect us in negative ways that influence our mental and physical health. All three of these premises are factors into our well beings as individuals.

Week 9 Discussion Post #2

*Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our culture?

Generally, I agree with Ruth Benedict’s statement. We are born into communities of society that have various beliefs, customs, and rules. Whether we know it or not, we act as creatures of cultures on a daily basis, in our daily lives. Religion, ethnic background, and various activities are a few of the ways we engage in being a “creature of culture”.

We are apart of culture whether we like it or not. Our age and gender categorize us in ways that separate us from others. In order to break the stereotypes that come with cultures, we should seek out other cultures and actively participate in new ways. This type of intercultural communication truly connects us to others.

Participating/living in only one culture certainly limits our communication and most importantly, our progression as a human being. By actively learning about other cultures, and experiencing new cultures, we are not only broadening our knowledge but we are also expanding means of communication. Living outside one’s culture can be difficult, but extremely beneficial. I think it can be difficult to break the habits of one culture, but the sacrifice comes with so many benefits. We not limiting ourselves to one culture, we are enabling ourselves to learn and experience new ways of living. (Not to mention new beliefs, new outlooks, new ideas).

Have a great weekend! ☺

Week 9 Post #1

Pick one concept from the assigned readings that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

A concept I always find interesting (an especially so in this chapter), is the concept that cultures are learned. I work with children, and it's always amazing to see similarities between children and their parents. From the moment we are born we are aware of the cultural patterns that take place, and the according consequences and privileges received by choosing to abide by these patterns. I don't know how many classmates this holds true for, but in kindergarten we truly had "gender appropriate" toys. It was very rare for the girls to be playing with blocks and the boys to be playing with Barbies. It seems like we are taught from a young age what is "right" in our culture.

Growing up, my family had a rule that after dinner, each member of the family had to put their own dish in the dishwasher. If one of us didn't do this, we would have to go back and fix the mistake or they may have been a consequence. In other households, many dishes are left untouched in the sink until the next day. This little act between my family is a way that we express our culture, even among a small group It's funny how little cultural patterns can seem. We learn through accepted behaviors. I truly agree with Trenholm when she writes "We are so well programmed that we seldom stop to think that culture is learned." (Trenholm 344). It was my trip to Scotland this past summer that I truly thought about how different various communities or cultures can be. I think by traveling, constantly visiting other places and different cultures, we slowly can break the barrier that limits connection between cultures.

Week 7 Discussion Post #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.


In chapter five, I found paralinguistics, or vocal behavior, really interesting. In a past anthropology course I took, I learned that various animals depend on noises or sounds for food and safety. Although we use verbal language, we also rely on noises and varieties within the voice to pick up nonverbal cues. As Trenholm says, "A lot of meaning in everyday talk lies not in our words but in how we say those words" (Trenholm 120). I really agree with this, because in everyday conversation we can pick up many cues based on various vocal qualities that people have. Our pitch and tone can lead people to make various assumptions about our personality or mood. Vocalizations, like yawning or moaning, also give variety and meaning when accompanied by words. If a person speaking says "um" or pauses a lot, I usually think they are not prepared or nervous about something. These pauses also make me think the person doesn't know what they are talking about. And if a person talks using a nasal voice, I connect that with boring or unhappy. I also know many people connect long, one-toned pitches with boring professors. When I hear big brassy voices I sometimes believe the people to be extremely outgoing and confident. Crying is commonly connected to being sad and moaning can be connected to pain or sorrow.

I think that I make a lot of false assumptions when it comes to vocal behavior. Often times I pause when I am really tired or having a long day. I think it is easy to think we know what people mean when really, we have no idea! :)

Week 7 Discussion Post #2

Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?

When I traveled to Scotland this past summer, I noticed a few differences in nonverbal cues, especially when it came to body language. Here in the Silicon Valley life is very fast paced, and it seems like our gestures are very sharp and uptight. In Scotland, however, I found that many people were very relaxed in their movements, and generally easy going with their body movements. Here we might believe these relaxed movements as laziness or indifference.

A good childhood friend of mine (who is from India) once told me that if a guest leaves something on their plate or there is water leftover, it is a sign of disrespect to the host.

I have also read in various courses that in some Asian cultures, it is rude to look someone in the eye for a long period of time. In our culture, however, looking someone in the eye seems like it symbolizes kindness and confidence.

Week 7 Discussion Post #1

Nonverbal messages can be ambiguous, they are open to misinterpretation. Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someone's nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal messages.


A situation that could lead to misinterpretation would be an interview. I have interviewed for various jobs and even if I have been offered the job, I can interpret the interviewer’s nonverbal cues in a negative way. When the interviewer seems serious, with hands tightly clasped upon a desk, it sometimes gives me the impression that he or she is uptight, disapproving, or in a bad mood. However, in this type of situation, I think to increase the accuracy of nonverbal messages we must check the context of the situation. In an interview, I have to remember that I am not the only person applying for a position. Interviewers will hide their happiness or approval because it could end up being favoritism, or maybe the interviewer has other people left to interview. I could also ask the interviewer for verbal feedback, and clarification regarding the situation or environment. Lastly, I could compare current behavior to baseline behavior. It is very unusual for interviewer and interviewee to sit side by side- usually the interviewer sits at the main desk and the interviewee sits across the room. I think it is easy to misinterpret nonverbal cues on a daily basis. But by checking out the environment and breaking down the facts, it should become easier!

Have a great week! ☺

Week 6 Discussion Post #3

1). Is it possible to perceive others without in some way judging or categorizing them? If so, how? If not, how can we make the judgments we do make more fair?

I think that it can be very difficult to perceive others without judging them. We use our values and experiences when we meet a person, and sometimes it leads to pre-conceived judgments of feelings deeply rooted within ourselves. As Trenholm explains, “person prototypes are idealized representations of a certain kind of person” (Trenholm 51). I definitely think I subconsciously use person prototypes when I meet someone. I think if a person embodies a few qualities that mold a stereotype, it can be easy to put them into that stereotype altogether. If I meet an athlete, I will sometimes assume the person is a very hardworking and driven individual. Or, if I meet someone works in advertising, I might automatically assume they are untrustworthy or suspicious.

By using person prototypes, we are choosing not to learn about other significant facts that define who people are. It can be easy to make assumptions and compartmentalize what someone is like into a category. I think being open minded and aware is one way to limit judgments. If we try to realize that every person is an individual and unique self, we can avoid separating people into generalized categories. Acknowledging the issue of judging others is one effective step to progress.

Week 6 Discussion Post #2

2). Do you agree that men and women use language differently? In what areas?


I wholeheartedly agree that men and woman use language differently. From the time we played with "gender appropriate" toys in kindergarten, our social interactions tend to depict our use of language. I agree with Trenholm's example on page 89. When I am lost, I immediately want to call up a friend and ask for directions. Most male friends I know seem more embarrassed or uncomfortable when they do not know where they are going. Generally and subconsciously, girls and boys are taught to express themselves differently. I am a nanny for 3 children, two girls and one boy. Without a doubt, their genders play a huge role in the way they handle situations. Both girls cry freely if they had a bad day, whereas the boy tends to "suck it up" and hold back his tears. I find that girls tend to ask more questions, analyze situations, focus on details, and the boy is more direct and to the point. I find that girls use language if they need reassurance, by saying little things like "Do you know what I mean?", or "Does that make sense?". Boys are interested in working out a specific problem in a direct manner, using their language as a way to explain a situation or experience. I find they spend less time talking about the details and more time talking about the facts at hand.

I think that for the most part, men and women can use language differently, but I know men and women that do not fall specifically into one category. I have met men that are very free to express themselves and women that rarely cry. I think it really does depend on the individual. :)

Week 6 Discussion Post #1

3). Pick one concept from the assigned readings that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

I found the concept of listening to be instructive in Chapter three. It’s funny, when I think about the word “communication”, I mostly think about the speaker. But communicating in any way is a two-way act involving the giver and the receiver. Our listening skills determine how we interpret and understand each spoken or nonverbal message.

“When we listen, we are not passive receivers but active creators of meaning “(Trenholm 45). I like this quotation because many times we use our own life experiences in order to formulate an opinion or belief about what someone else says. And I firmly agree that listening and hearing are such different things. Even now, when I am writing this post at the library, there are voices of children doing homework and sounds of cars outside that I can hear, but I have not attached a meaning to what I have heard. It is interesting to learn that listening, on the other hand, involves all of the senses. If someone says “It is really hot today”, and emphasizes the word “really” in a complained or exaggerated town, I would listen to both the actual sentence as well as how the sentence was spoken.

Generally, I think listening is a very active process that can take a lot of energy. It is an important act in my personal and professional relationships and at school and at home. By listening to another person, I am trying to show the person that I am there for them and interested in his or her life. And if I am either complaining about a rough day or feeling excited about a job promotion, I value my friends and family who actively listen and care about my well-being. I think listening is a key component for healthy relationships.

Week 4 Discussion Post #3

Consider a well-known speaker, for example, the current President of the United States (or Presidential candidate). What is this speaker's strongest characteristics as a speaker? Is it credibility, attractiveness, power, or all three? In what ways could the speaker build ethos in these areas?

Many of the students have mentioned it, and I too feel that Barack Obama is a person who encompasses all three characteristics in a positive way, which make him a memorable speaker. I think he is emotionally attractive- he appeals to a wide audience and most people can relate to what he speaks about.

Obama is very articulate, well read, and educated, and he knows what he is talking without being condescending. It seems like he really cares about his cause, and this in itself, gives him power. His words are his power, and he is able to connect with the audience through his ideas and goals.

Obama is credible by connecting with his audience and giving them reasons to trust and believe in him. He doesn’t seem like a salesman trying to sell something to the audience. He is very endearing, and his promises and hopes are toward a positive common goal for the country.

Obama’s ethos could be built in these areas by him continuing to share his ideas and hopes for this future and continuing to be articulate in his concepts and goals. I think as long as he stays true to himself and the needs of the audience (ie the country), his speeches will be effective.

Week 4 Discussion Post #2

Have you ever been influenced by a speaker? Think of the best speaker you've ever heard. What was it about that speaker that made his or her communication memorable? Think of the worst speaker you've ever heard. What do you remember about his or her message?

The best speaker I have ever heard is the pastor at the church I grew up in. His communication was memorable because of his attractiveness to the audience and his personal character. It didn't feel like he was "preaching" or telling his audience what to do in life. He gave eloquent information and universal ideas that anyone could relate to. For me, I am very skeptic of churches that force their opinions on you and tell you "you are going to hell if you are this or that", etc. But this particular speaker emphasized global awareness, and caring for the less fortunate, which are ideas and concepts that are hopeful for positive change. His sermons do involve God, but they also focus on living a healthy life, being kind to others, and feeling connected in some way to the world. His communication has always been memorable because the ideas and concepts he uses are very relative to many parts of my life.

The worst speaker I have ever heard is my high school drama teacher. She was very eccentric and always came off as condescending, even before she started her lectures or speeches. Many of her students were scared of her (including me!), and she usually instilled fear when she was speaking about an assignment or project. She didn't seem very inspiring, and her messages and ways of communications did not seem very effective.

Week 4 Discussion Post #1

Pick one concept from the assigned reading (Chapter 9) that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One concept I find very interesting is the Audience-Speaker relationship. Not only do audience members have their own life experiences and beliefs when they listen to a speech, but "speakers must take into account what audience members may already be thinking" (Trenholm 257). In the chapter we've already learned that public speakers tend to reach out to larger audiences and their speeches are longer in time. This means that the relationship between the audience member and speaker must be strong from the beginning. Within this concept, I think it would be very difficult to be the speaker, because they have to use various techniques in order to reach and positively affect an audience of various beliefs, attitudes, and values. I know that if a speaker doesn't catch my attention from the start of the speech, I tend to lose interest. As an audience member, I love when speakers are passionate about their cause, instead of feeling like they are trying to "sell me" on something or persuade me. There are so many factors that affect the audience-speaker relationship, and I think having an open mind is key in order to make public communication effective.

Week 3 Discussion Post #3

Consider the social constructionist perspective. How do we “build worlds” through communication? Think of some ideas we talk about in our culture that may not exist in other cultures. How do these concepts contribute to our happiness or success (of the lack of these) in our culture?


“If everyone around us talks about the world in a certain way, we are likely to think of the world in that way and fail to question whether we are seeing things accurately” (Trenholm 30). When you grow up in a family, you learn morals and guidelines that you abide by. We constantly surround ourselves with people who tend to share similar values and opinions. When our opinions or beliefs are questioned, sometimes it is difficult to realize that another person has a much different view of the world that has shaped their opinions greatly. Our worlds are constantly being “built” by various forms of media- television, magazines, and cinema. American television may give off the idea that people in California are all rich snobs who hate working and love swimming at the beach. Every society or culture creates rules and norms that shape the way that particularly society functions.

Week 3 Discussion Post #2

Consider the pragmatic perspective. Does it make sense to think of communication as patterned interaction? How is communication like a game? How is it different from a game?

I agree that communication can be like a patterned interaction. When we get to know certain people, we communicate with them in different ways depending on our relationship with them. When children want something from their parents (ie candy or sweets), they play a sort of game depending on how their parents react. First they may ask kindly, then they may try to persuade, and they creative various tactics depending on the mom or dad’s reactions.

We live in a society that has created various norms and rules that we subconsciously abide by. In Trenholm’s comparison between the pragmatic model of communication and chess, she writes “To understand chess, you need to understand the present state of the board and the series of moves that produced it” (Trenholm 33). If I were the boss of a company and my employer became seriously ill when a deadline was approaching, I would definitely act a different way toward he/she if he/she was not sick. An altered situation/environment affects the way of communication.

Week 3 Discussion Post #1

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.


After reading the chapter, one little concept stuck out in my mind. I love that communication can be open ended and philosophical. “Even an everyday object such as a telephone can be defined in many ways” (Trenholm 19). Trenholm goes on to explain that a teenager and an engineer could describe a telephone in extremely different ways. With the Internet being so prevalent and people constantly instant messaging and emailing, we practically rely on interpreting definitions on a daily basis. Also, it’s funny how the tone of one’s voice can determine the way we interpret another person’s emotions or intentions. I don’t really like the idea of having a strict definition for every thing, because environments are always different and each defined thing will be shifted depending on the scenario.


:)
Anna

Week 2 Discussion Post #3

A concept I found interesting in this chapter was Francis Bacon’s ideas during the Moderrn Period. It’s funny how themes of human thought during 1561 are universal and still hold true today. Bacon believed that there were four reasons why clear thinking is distorted. He believes “that most of us, are, by nature, careless thinkers overruled by emotion” (Trenholm 10). I really agree with this. Our emotions directly influence our choices and thoughts. One huge example I can think of is love. Two people can be in love, and the relationship may not necessarily be healthy or right. But emotions are high, and people cannot always be in the right state of mind. Bacon also thought that in order to keep clear thoughts and not be as careless, we must “be as scientific as possible, grounding knowledge in empirical observation and rational thought” (Trenholm 11). I agree with this statement as well. In a previous public speaking course, we had debates frequently. Sometimes people were asked to speak on behalf of something they didn’t agree with. In this case, it is necessary to set aside emotions and just deliver a thoughtful speech. However, I do believe that sometimes emotions can enhance a speech and clear thinking. When I am passionate about my topic, I want to obtain as much knowledge and information as possible in order to have a great speech. In this case my emotions have helped my presentation.

Have a good weekend, everyone! ☺

Week 2 Discussion Post #2

The Greeks believed that to be an orator, an individual had to be morally good. Comment on whether you agree or disagree. What, if any, is the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication?


I am so conflicted with this question! I would love to say yes, to be an orator, one should be morally good and speak the truth. In a speech, it would help to have good morals and a clear and accurate goal when presenting an idea. However, in politics, we hear so many versions of what the “truth” may be, we have to consider that some speakers aren’t presenting accurate information. This information can directly be tied to having poor morals. In example, Adolf Hitler was one of the most influential and powerful speakers in the world. His communication techniques were direct, firm, and confident. But who is to say he wasn’t morally good? I do not think he was, but the definition of “morally good” is up to the person defining it. Clearly the Nazis believed in the “truth” that Hiter was providing. I believe that the goodness, truth, and public communication all connect deeply. If the intention is good and the speaker is clear and confident, it is up to the audience to decide for themselves if the speaker is trustworthy. Some former politicians have great ideas and promises they make for a country, but they neglect certain truths that could trouble a society.

Lots of random thoughts, but hopefully you get my idea! ☺

Week 2 Discussion Post #1

Think of a speaker you admire. Does his or her power to persuade come from ethos, pathos, or logos? Think about your own ability to persuade others. What personal qualities do you have that make you persuasive? Does Aristotle’s classification scheme work for them, or do they fit into another category?



Oprah is a speaker whom I greatly admire. In her television show she uses pathos and ethos to convey a message to the audience. Topics on her show can range from racism to emotional abuse, and emotions run high as she speaks about real world problems. Her manner of speaking arouses the audience. She is very honest and open about a wide range of topics that people may not normally speak of, and I think she is able to convey every message in a knowledgeable and meaningful way. I also think her ethos, or personal character, shines through on each show. She is an extremely smart and articulate woman, and her own experiences and personality traits affect the way she speaks to her audience.

I truly believe that knowledge is power. The more I know about a subject, the better I can express and illustrate the message to my audience. I also believe that confidence is a key factor in being able to persuade others. Speaking with a manner of confidence and feeling good in yourself definitely affects the way you come across to your audience.

Communication 105

Hi there,

I am very excited for this course. I hope it will serve as a place to continue learning and exploring various aspects of communication and society!