Communication Theories
Communication is a vast area to study and talk about. Communication is a science within itself. There are no specific reasons people or things communicate the way they do it’s just something that is. Since Aristotle many communication theories have developed to explain why things are the way they are. Take for example the universal sign in the American world for happy, a simple smile. Throughout our culture if people show their teeth it is a sign of happiness or enjoyment. But in the animal world a smile is a threatening action that tends to lead to violence. Even within specific cultures there are ways that we communicate and act that are different. Such as having a conversation with your family differs drastically than having a conversation with your friends. And having a business conversation differs drastically than that of having a conversation with your friends and your family. Here is a website that outlines a lot of different communication theories.:
http://www.peoi.org/Courses/Coursesen/mass/mass2.html
We cannot explain why there are differences between animals, people or cultures but we can study each of these are learn why things are they way they are.
Why Theories?
The Study of communication has been a long draw out process. As stated before it can be traced back a long time into the past. As societies and countries changed so did the way people communicate. It’s interesting to see that even people in different social classes now communicate in different ways. People communicate in ways in which to separate themselves from the norm and make their kind of communication “unique.” This can be explained with an example as easy as saying “Its so last year to say that.” Some like to describe the change in communication because of the mass media and the role models that are seen on TV. But the Two Step Flow of communication theory begs to differ. http://www.ciadvertising.org/studies/student/99_spring/theory/griswold/twostep.html
This theory states that people change their communication through face to face interaction with other rather than adopting things through mass media. I totally agree with this theory because there is a lot in our communication that we communicate subconsciously through our nonverbal communication. Either way its still a theory and there is no way to prove it……
Theories are just that....theories
ReplyDeleteCommunication theories are just that -- theories. Educated guesses based on lots of observations and research. There are many communication theories because communication is an extremely broad area. There are interpersonal theories, nonverbal theories, rhetorical theories, theories about the process of communication, theories that are basic, and theories that are extremely detailed. Whether or not we know it (or realize it), when we communicate we are likely fitting into one of the many theories that exist. http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/westturner/student_resources/theories.htm
Communication is Everywhere
Communication theories can be used to examine nearly every aspect of life. Narrative and rhetorical theories can be used to examine movies and television programs. A politician's speech can be analyzed by examining his language use, mannerisms, and other aspects. Different types of analyses yield different results, so it is possible to find a plethora of varied outcomes in research. In my undergraduate career, I performed analyses on speeches, a classic television show, and an ESPN miniseries. It was truly interesting to see how different outcomes are achieved when a triangulation of theories and methods is applied to a single artifact.
Communication Theory in the Workplace
I think applying communication theories can be very beneficial in the workplace. http://www.stc.org/confproceed/2001/PDFs/STC48-000184.PDF. Hiring someone to analyze your communication methods using one of the many theories can determine exactly how effective you are in your methods. In an era where communication with your constituents is one of the most important aspects of business, being an effective communicator is paramount.
Communication is everywhere; work place, social life, and even everyday life. There are many signs in communicating and this is studied on a regular basis. Each verbal and non verbal way of communicating differs in each setting. There are many theories and the differences cannot be explained.
ReplyDeleteCommunicating for each person in unique; as far as corporations, they all seem to communicate very similar. Verbal and non-verbal communication norms and how they translate into the business world is what is very important. On many occasions businesses are studied before any communication is done between the two.
These studies explain the way each company interacts and their social norms. This allows these social norms to be understood before any further interaction.
All facial expressions, gestures, comments, and phrases are understood so companies do not have to guess what the other means. This stops all of the theories, collecting concrete background is what I feel is the most important in communication.
Effective Communication is the key to success. Of course theories are just theories... But understanding the theories of communication helps one to succeed in any aspect of business.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm probably far from the norm based on any theory. As a toddler I was a "grunter". Basically, I did not speak only grunted. I had to take speech lessons at school through the sixth grade. Yes, I was teased because I would mispronounce words or use the incorrect word. All of which caused me to avoid situations where I would have to speak. I learned other methods to communicate in getting my point across. Because I am aware of my own personal limits, it forces me to work harder in order to succeed.