Decoding

I enjoyed learning about decoding messages, listening and perception.
Each of these terms posses a great amount of information and relate to each other on many levels. I think it would be fun to explore it a little more. There is so much information we take in on a daily and even hourly basis. Which means we must listen to ourselves, others and our surroundings to decode the messages being absorbed in order to create a perception. I love this concept and requirement for us to listen. So many people forget to do really this and I think it's important. Also the way we listen and reasons why we interpret things different is fascinating to learn about. It ties in to our culture and upbringing, our likes and dislikes and why we get along so well with some and not at all with others.
I think it's definitely a strength to be able to understand any individual on some level with respect and openness. Therefore, I would have enjoyed exploring more into decoding messages, listening and perception! But I had a great time and learn a lot about Communication with myself and the society and culture I am apart of!

Thank you for that!

Thank YOU!

I have learned so much from this class from how to engage in effective group communication to persuasive speaking and evaluating research methods and credibility. I am enjoying being a communications major and feel every class truly helps create and maintain new concepts and ideas. One of my favorite things about this class was blogging. I have never blogged before and really enjoyed it. I hate writing essays, they stress me out and I always feel like I never express what I actually want to say. Blogging however, I feel is more relaxed and easier for me to express myself. I also really like being connected to my classmates through Blogger, there are too many professors that rely on their students just emailing each other to communicate and review each other. I don't learn that way. I enjoyed writing comments on others blogs and reading the comments they wrote on mine. I feel it's much more effective than a discussion board or email.
I honestly have no complaints about this class at all. I feel at ease with the ability to communicate with my fellow classmates and professor. I never felt lost or unaware of the requirements for any assignment and believed the quizzes and exams accurately challenged me.

Thank you for making this such a wonderful learning experience and opportunity to explore Communication methods. I would 100% recommend this course as well as you, Mrs. Perez!! Thank you for everything!

Favorite Concepts!

There are so many concepts and theories I have enjoyed learning about this summer that it's hard to pick just a few. Although the concepts that first come to mind are nonverbal communication, the social constructionist model and the way men and women use different language. 
I found nonverbal communication to be extremely useful and diverse. I find myself interpreting and noticing others body language and positions just as much as their words. Big Brother on CBS is one of my favorite shows and I constantly critique their nonverbal communication because while their lips moves and lies pour out, their facial expressions and body language give them away. 
The other concept, social constructionist model I enjoyed learning about as well. The ability to create worlds within worlds within the entire world is humorous and clever of ourselves. We have a world in our home, with our friends, at our jobs, school, community, etc. we literally live in a world made up of worlds we create and maintain. And to think something so important in my world could mean nothing to someone else's.
Lastly, the way men and women communicate with different language is also interesting and very true. It's funny because it seems girls are always the one's gossiping and dissecting the verbal dialog while the men just hang out and watch sports. I think this concepts ties in to the nonverbal communication theories because while women express with so many words I think men give away a lot of clues to their feelings through nonverbal cues. While men could careless who wore what to some party women enjoy critiquing and commenting. I don't think the conversations are useless they are just different. It's fun to compare and I feel important to have some kind of understanding of both types of language.

That's the Key!

One of the terms that caught my attention from Chapter two was: key

Key when communicating relates to the tone or spirit in which a given activity is undertaken, for example: joking, being aggressive, or excited. I chose this term because I thought of the sarcastic humor my family shares. Being sarcastic is sometimes dangerous because not everyone understands that humor and are often times offended or think I'm a total idiot. There are numerous ways to be sarcastic and it can be very entertaining but again it's also lost on some.
My sisters and I are all very different and at the same time exactly the same. My younger sister is hilarious and filled with dark humor; she wants to be an actress and her creative mind always provides a good ab and facial workout. My youngest sister is witty and also quick with her one-liner insults or ridiculously obvious observations. She is about seven years younger than me and watching her grow up has been a trip.
Not everyone thinks or talks the same and the key to conversations can be difficult to interpret but they are always there. It's important to pick up on the key even if it isn't in the words, it can be a facial expression or body position. We give away clues to how we are feeling and they run parallel to the key in conversation.

Let the Games Begin

The pragmatic perspective relates to a system of intertwined and interdependent variables which create a communication pattern over time. Meaning, this pattern and perspective is really a game people play when communicating with others. I think to an extent it makes sense that the pragmatic perspective displays communication as a pattern due to the fact that in order to communicate we need to send, receive and interpret messages and then respond to them over and over again. But I believe there is more to it than that. 

If communication is a game it must be a team sport because you cannot communicate by yourself. We could think of the words, body language and facial expressions as a ball being passed back and forth between ourselves and whoever else we choose to talk to. But this game is never ending because to be successful in life communication skills are vital. But the break down of acts, interacts, playoffs... seems robotic. We are not chess pieces, there are too many variables in life and wildcards to strategically play with another partner.  

I feel communication is different from a game because not everyone will play by the same rules and not everyone can openly communication properly with just anyone. We decide who and when we want to communicate with someone, if that other person does not communicate with you, there is no game to play because their action was to ignore you. Resulting in no interacting and no playoffs. 

Social Constructionist Perspective

An individual participating in the social constructionist perspective, collects communication tools given to them by their culture and creates a reality of it. In this perspective communication and culture are linked together. Therefore, without either of the two reality to some wouldn't exist. The world we live in we see through our eyes and our mind interprets what we are seeing and categorizes it based on the culture we are apart of. Each culture has different beliefs and values which makes happiness and success available to anyone. However, what one culture might consider successful another may deem dishonorable. I think that being apart of a culture is important but I think it's critical to remember what you as a person want for yourself and what you consider true happiness and success; because truthfully it doesn't matter what your culture thinks of you if you aren't happy with yourself. Life is all about perspective and the great thing about that is, it can change every day.

Open Minded

I liked the term triangulation.
It means to approach a research question from multiple perspectives. Which I think is a great way to approach any question or situation in life. It's called being open minded. Challenging your brain to think from another perspective and plan ahead or predict the outcomes. I know too many people who are closed minded and can only see things from where they are seated. I pity them because there is more to life than thinking only for yourself. On a communication level it is really difficult to carry on a conversation with someone only interested in their side. Throughout high school I made a lot of friends and the friendships I found challenge to keep were with those who had narrow thoughts. It's more fun to be open and almost free spirited about everything in life. Those who execute triangulation I feel are better off in life. They can anticipate behavior and have a better understanding for those in life. I want to be a person of triangular thoughts and approaches.

Ethnograherssss

Ethnographers have multiple moral dilemmas to face when embarking on research journeys. The definition alone says their observations are scientific not personal. As an ethnographer you must observe people in their own territory, therefore befriending or dating a person in that territory is their way in. The only reason they are establishing a relationship with that person is to discover or uncover the facts and information hidden within the people that make up a certain territory. We've seen this many times in movies and books but that's fantasy and usually always ends up okay in the end. But this is real life, real peoples lives that these ethnographers are intruding on. Most of the time an ethnographer will have a buddy, or informant to help answer questions and set up personal interviews. I think being an ethnographer who is preforming an overt roll as opposed to covert is more beneficial for making real friends and avoiding hurting people. But I do understand the covert role as well to truly observe others in a natural state. When people know they are being watched they act and say different things. In order to resolve some of these issues on a moral level, I would put others before me. Let them know I am observing and become apart of their territory in a positive and aware manner, instead of sneaking in and possibly hurting others around me.

Research Methods

 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?

Ethnography would be my top choice for a research method. I think the idea of going undercover would be exciting. Fully experiencing the events and taking in others (you are observing) in a natural state in my opinion would be a great way to discover deception, create new hypothesis and see the raw emotions from people.

How is it that some long distance relationships are successful and others are not, and what is the secret to making the relationship work.

I research method I would use to answer this question would be Mixed Methods. I didn't choose Ethnography because that wouldn't be right to just have a long distance relationship to see if it worked. But, mixed methods I can take a survey, dig deeper into people thoughts with the conversation analysis method or subjective performance methods and visually digest the relationships of others. All research methods are very helpful I think it's important to choose the right one that runs parallel to the topic of your research question. There are no limits to the amount of information available to use and it's important to utilize all of our resources.

Earned not Given

Trust is an expectation that others will act in consistent and dependable ways.  Trust is synonymous to certainty, belief and confidence.  When communicating, it is imperative to have trust.  Whether it is trust in an employee, peer, friend, partner effective communication can only exist if there is mutual trust.  Many studies have shown that trust in association with group or organizational performances is enhanced and effective when attempting to achieve an overall satisfaction or a group of individuals.  In my personal opinion trust has many levels and holds higher meaning in different situations.  For example, in a group project I am counting on my peers (trusting them) to complete their part of the assignment-small amount of trust because it is required not by me but the professor to complete the assignment.  An example where trust is much more valuable would be between me and my boyfriend or my sisters.  There are certain people you will meet in life that are worth trusting and then there are those that will betray you.  It's important to learn who you can trust and then to think about yourself, what makes you a trustworthy human and why others should put trust in you.  I think there are too many people who forget simple values and get lost along their way through life.  Like respect, trust is earned not given.  Once that trust is broken, it's almost impossible to gain it back.

E.T. Phone Home

Yes, to an extent I feel that Marshall McLuhan does a detailed job of stating television is a cool medium because it demands full attention to detail by the viewers.  Also the person on TV delivering the message represents the cool factor engaging the audience holding the medium.  To be on TV in our society means to be very successful, outrageously sexy and talented.  People who watch TV hold on to these values and want to watch these people's lives and follow them through the cameras.  McLuhan compares TV and radio in a cool-hot distinction.  Meaning, radio personalities are people undesirable for television.  Their voice is more appealing than their physical appearance.  Which is harsh, but the media and television interest is in the best of the best.  We watch, admire, look up to idols with flawless skin, a tight physic and unique talents.  We don't want to watch average people doing day-to-day busy work.  The medium of television holds excitement and a reality we want to believe is real.
The way viewers interpret the messages from TV vary drastically.  Depending on what shows and programs you are fascinated by depicts the type of cool medium you absorb.  I do enjoy watching TV: The Discovery Channel, A&E, FOX, etc and I will indulge in some reality TV like Big Brother and Survivor.  However, I do not find The Jersey Shore or Real World to be entertaining at all.  Those messages are lost on me.  But I know hundreds of people love that type of TV so they are reached through their own medium.  I don't think it really matters what message is being transmitted, it matters who is absorbing it and what is actually meant to be absorbed.

Friendship

Yes, I have made a friendship the existed exclusively online until last September when we actually met in person. Both my parents got in to online poker a while ago and at one table my Mom kept playing with the same guy. They ended up talking and then playing together for a very long time.
His name is Mike and he lives in Chicago, a film student, twenty-four years old and wants to come to Southern California to start a career. I became very sick my senior year of high school and was in the hospital for a little and to keep me distracted my Mom got me playing poker too. So Mike and I would play together and he would teach me strategy and then we just became friends. Started talking about our lives and what's going on day-to-day stuff, what we want to be when we grow up, etc.
It's different from a face-to-face relationship in the sense that your friendship consists of only communication. There is no physical response or feeling because when you do talk- you talk to a computer screen. Until Skype was invented; but even then you see the person on a screen, you cannot touch them, smell them or connect on a physical level. Not that I wanted that with him. I actually had a boyfriend a the time and for the next five years.
I never developed romantic feelings for Mike, he is an attractive young man and I do know a lot about him. We still talk to this day and I care about him very much, I wish him nothing but the best! But I prefer face-to-face relationships instead of a computer relationship.
I think depending on the person, a lot of people like cyber relationships because it is easier for them to express themselves online than it is in person. It's not like that for me. But I'm not against it, Mike is a great person and I never would have met or became friends with him if it wasn't for technology and cyberspace! Haha

Me, Myself & I

Hidden Agenda
A personal goal that lies below the surface and that can get in the way of group performance.
An unfortunate element I'm assuming amidst any group that is formed. I believe we join or create groups in order to feel apart of something. While apart of that something we decide to set personal goals and then use this group to accomplish our own goals. I don't believe it's fair to short side the group and only work for yourself. But I do believe it's important to set goals for yourself and associate yourself with others that want the same thing.
My entire life I have played sports, I have learned how to be a team player and put others before myself but I have definitely experienced others who only put themselves first. Those people are usually the ones that don't make it. You can't forget those who helped you accomplish a goal because a lot of the time you need support from others.
Having or maintaining a hidden agenda is sneaky, unfair and almost malicious in my opinion. I love to help people, it makes me feel good and it makes them feel good too. I don't help people to feel better about myself, it just happens when you work together with others and achieve a goal together. I feel having a hidden agenda would hinder your chances of becoming who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.

Sweet You Rock & Sweet You Roll

While I contemplated my own filters for eliminating potential romantic partners I realized that it's initial attraction that gets me intrigued. But it's also the way I'm feeling about myself and my surroundings. Duck's theory does make sense, when it comes to using the sociological incidental cues because given my environment, it will play a role in choosing a potential partner. If I'm positively responding to my surroundings and I'm comfortable in my element I'm more inclined to entertain a conversation and engage with another person.

I mentioned an initial attraction will capture my attention and I think that's important, if I find you attractive I will invest more into the conversation or be more open to even have a conversation. I think the same goes for a lot of people. If we find someone attractive we will walk up to them and begin a conversation, within that conversation we learn a little bit about that person and make a more educated assessment of the potential partnership we may or may not start together.
The pre interaction characteristics I use to eliminate potential partners is their nonverbal behavior along with their look(s) and the way they carry themselves. If you are sitting alone with a crappy look on your face, dressed down and lazy... I'm probably not going to engage in a conversation with you. One because you are probably having a bad day, two the look on your face is making you appear unapproachable and three, if you look lazy... You probably are. But realistically, that person could be incredibly interesting and a lot of fun to be around... they may just be having a really, really bad day. But my first impression of you wasn't the best, therefore before we even interact I've already made a decision.
Moving forward if I am already participating in a conversation with you the cognitive cues are critical. Does the conversation matter? Yes and no, depending once again (in my opinion) on our environment. In a bar, probably not haha it's hard to have a meaningful conversation in a bar the first time you're meeting someone. I don't feel it's appropriate to have a deep conversation or to disclose specific information to someone you have just met. But I don't think that's a bad thing, it's light-hearted and fun, flirty and endearing. Flirting is important, it shows interest and complements each partner equally. If you are having a good time, and the other person is making you feel good then it's a good thing! Haha Enjoy it, if the romantic relationship doesn't spark then it doesn't matter because you could have made a new friend and I don't think a person can have too many friends.

Pattern Play

I believe that the symmetrical pattern would be one of the most difficult patterns the change given the fact that neither partner continuously makes the decision. The symmetrical pattern seems the most common, and I believe the one I would prefer. Equally deciding what to do and how to do it seems more natural to me. Yes, it can get tricky when neither person gives a definite answer but I would rather participate in that than always making the decisions or never being able to. I think in order for relationships to be successful each partner needs to put in the same amount of effort.

The competitive symmetry I feel would be the most damaging to a relationship. The description alone states one-up and one-down, meaning one partner will always make the decisions while the other just follows along. This can be very detrimental to a relationship if the partner in the one-down position argues or goes against what the other has chosen. This can lead to fights, hurt feelings and other complications within the relationship. Both positions are equally challenging because the one-up is required to make the decision, which some decisions can be very difficult to make. While the one-down has to stand by their partners decision even if it is the wrong one or one they don't agree with. Both roles seem very tiring.


The submissive symmetry pattern I think would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individual who is chosen to be the one-down partner. Always having a dominant and submissive role sounds exhausting. However, always being on the bottom without making a single decision can be very harmful. If you cannot make decisions in your relationship how can you make other decisions about your life? Pretty soon you will have to ask your significant other what you can and can't have for dinner or what shoes to wear. I think that in becoming a submissive you could lose the gift of thinking for yourself. It doesn't matter if the man or woman is in the dominant/submissive position, because I think in order to have a successful relationship each partner needs to hold a piece of their own in both positions.

For Goodness Sake

Rationality Premise: meaning the belief that the majority of people are adept to discovering the truth through logical analysis based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions.
Perfectibility Premise: based on the old Puritan platform, humans are born in sin but are capable of attaining goodness through effort and control.
Mutability Premise: assumes that human behavior is molded by environmental elements and the way to enhance humans is to improve their physical and psychological conditions (a belief in universal education follows this assumption).
We use the rationality premise to live out democracy, trial by jury or free enterprise; entrusting ourselves to make the right decision when called upon. The perfectibility premise is practiced by believers, religious humans who hold truth to purging their sins through life make them good. The practice of the mutability premise means our education and environment define us as the humans we become. These three premises are just the foundation to the way our minds see truth, meaning, good and bad. I do believe to an extent that we use these techniques to guide us through life's events and feel that understanding them is important to good decision making.

Not the Exception & Not the Rule

Stereotypes are a love-hate relationship, in my opinion.

Defined, they are generalized biases we create based on what we can make sense of, in our given surroundings. This generalization eases feelings of uncertainty regarding the unknown and help make predictions about people, places or objects. However, stereotypes can be broken, they aren't always correct and it's important to remember they are a generalization- not the exception or rule.
I believe that when we are younger we feel more entitled to pass judgment and act on decisions. Middle School would be the peak of these years: discovering your adolescents and changing your image. Becoming a joke, cheerleader, gothic, preppy, punk, emo, etc. are all examples of stereotypes in the school distract, every class has them and every stereotype has people to keep it alive. I feel like we partially learn these stereotypes based on our own assumptions as well as learning them from movies, siblings and TV series. The former list relates to our surroundings, what we take in and how we translate it.
Stereotypes can me very hurtful and demeaning, but then they can also be humorous and truthful. Hence my love-hate relationship idea. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and loved to be outside, being a young girl only interested in sports I was considered a tomboy. But I didn't 100% fit that stereotype because even in a summer dress and flip flops (looking all girly with my hair curled and nails painted) I would still kick a ball and run around.
But as we grow up our stereotypes change like our image, but I think stereotypes help us animate our image. We know what we like from what we have seen and experienced, and we know what we don't. We associate ourselves with others like us and in some cases avoid those who fit a different stereotype. But like I stated before, I think it's important when categorizing stereotypes to remember it's a generalization (second-hand foundation) not the except and not the rule.

Creature of Culture

Yes, I fully agree that our habits, beliefs and impossibilities are shaped by our culture. Culture defined is that part of the environment made by humans, including material objects or possessions that a social group invents or acquires; alongside items intangible like customs, values and beliefs that give them a sense of commonality. Materials and possessions made important to us are done so through culture. Maintaining good grades, being a talented athlete, going to college, having a lot of friends; all ideal values created through the culture I grew up in. Granted these are good values to be apart of and not necessarily something to break through.

But an individual living in a culture they don't fit in to or no longer want to be apart of are faced with a difficult task of breaking through the limits. I think many students accomplish this break through with academic scholarships or through their athletic talents. Opportunities arise every day for many people, it's having the courage and determination to discover and commit to them. We watch so many inspirational movies and read books about a person starting with nothing and creating something. Becoming who you want to be instead of being molded into a creature made by the culture your society practices. The answer will always be no if you never ask the question. We are told to think outside the box, push ourselves, and I think that's is best way to break free. Another break through source could be imagination: believing and wanting something greater for yourself. The power of imagination can take us anywhere.

I feel that culture is something you make for yourself. I don't believe in order to be successful you must adopt someone else's culture and values, instead I think we take parts for all types of cultures and build on our own. It's more fun that way :) and the possibilities are limitless!

Too Close for Comfort

Personal Space.
Acts as a kind of portable enclave we carry with us wherever we go. I feel like personal space only exists in America. We Americans like our personal space, it's something we try to control and manipulate and when we don't have it, we have an issue. I used to get so annoyed waiting in line somewhere and the person behind me would be inch closer and closer to me. It's uncomfortable and makes me almost anxious. We are so fast paced in America and can't get something quick enough. In line while the person behind me got closer and closer I would think "just because you stand closer to me doesn't mean you're going to get there any faster." I like to be intimate with the people I like and know well, not the guy standing behind me in line to get a smoothie.
I traveled to Europe a few years ago and realized personal space doesn't really exist there. Taking public transportation or waiting in line at a café, you are close to everyone around you it's unavoidable. But there you can embrace the culture and soak it all in. In America you could start a fight if you bump in to the wrong person at the wrong place.
We establish these barriers but not everyone respects them or notices them. When you first meet someone you shake their hand. After you have spent some time together a hug may be the next step. But the key is to be able to recognize someone's personal space and interpret their behavior towards you as well as others. We give off nonverbal clues all the time, our body language, facial expressions etc. and granted some people are oblivious to these clues which is why we set up our own personal bubble.
You don't want your space invaded so don't invade someone else's. I went to my first yoga class a few weeks ago and didn't really know what to expect, the class was filling up but we all had enough room to engage in the posses. About ten minutes after the class started a woman came in late, couldn't find a space so we wedged herself between me and another woman. I was completely turned off because not only was my space being invaded but at one point her bare foot, un-manicured toes pressed up against my leg. I was thinking "seriously...gross." She didn't apologize and left the class early disrupting all those she hustled passed. To me personal space falls under the same category as respect. Establish your own boundaries and personal space but don't forget that others do the same.

Venus & Mars

On the subject of language I believe men and women use it differently. We do by our choice of words and the message we are trying to convey. In my opinion women tend to sugarcoat certain subjects while men just lay it all on you. I'm not saying that this is always true because as we all know each individual uses language differently. Studies have shown that women tend to be more compassionate and good listeners while men find it difficult to express themselves emotionally, but in the workforce they follow directions very well (also a listening skill, just a different subject). I think men like to keep it simple and women like to upscale words and relate them directly to emotion. On a personal level, I have an inclination to over analyze just about everything. It can be a blessing and a curse, haha but I try very hard not to over analyze because keeping thing simple is much easier.
In my Interpersonal Communication class we discussed the different ways men and women communicate and one lecture I remember was why women would get frustrated with their men because they would never have anything to say, even on the simplest subjects like: how was work? My professor explained a theory that if nothing significant happened to them (men) personally, nothing really happened that day. This makes sense but can also be frustrating when you're just trying to have a conversation.
Language is playful, it can be manipulated and used differently by every individual regardless of their gender. And just because people state some women talk to much and some men don't talk at all doesn't mean they aren't communicating. They can be using body language and using facial expressions which are just as significant as using words. The key is to use language to connect with others, find people using the same type of language you find yourself using.

Judgement Day

I don't believe it's possible to not judge or categorize someone. At least when you first meet them. It's a first impression and your first reaction to the way another human being presents themselves to you and the world. We make these judgements and create categories or stereotypes based on our up-bringing, culture, values, etc. We are taught at a young age to treat people the way we want to be treated and live with an open mind. To be accepting of all types of people, yet we make these judgements anyway. I don't think we can control these judgements but we can control our actions and even though someone is different from us, we can still treat them with respect. 
In order to make our judgements more fair we must engage with or try to connect on some level with the individual(s) we are judging, and they must do the same for me. This is difficult because some people don't want to make the effort or they make their judgement and can't move past it. I have a friend with numerous tattoos. He has full sleeves, his back, neck and chest all bare tattoos. He recently told me that when he meets new people; especially someone's family he will hear long-sleeve shirts at least for the first couple of meetings. I asked why and he said because first impressions are important and he believed when he met people for the first time they made unfair and false judgements and opinions about him because of the tattoos. He said they assumed he was in to drugs or partying etc. and didn't take life serious. He was hurt by these judgements, especially since he chose his tattoos for personal reasons and wanted to create art. 
It's unfair to make assumptions or discredit others when you know nothing about them. But that's what we often find ourselves doing. We each create an image in life and get along better with those with the same image in mind; with that said it doesn't mean one image is above another or we cannot get along with those who hold a different image. Life is full of people who come and go, and remembering that I feel it's more beneficial to to set aside judgements and get to know someone!

Something Useful

Chapter ten already has a bunch of useful information but what stood out the most to me was the Action Step of the speech. We write speeches to connect with people, teach them something we believe in or just want to share. Every speech should summon some type of action from the audience or at least make their topic stick with them. 
The Action Step involves the speaker to call upon the audience to personally get involved with their subject that was previously discussed in the need and satisfactory steps. In my first public speech class I gave a persuasive speech on why we should floss our teeth. I made it funny, informative and ended with asking my audience to make the effort to always floss their teeth. I made it to the finals in a speech tournament and was actually having a conversation with a friend from that class who laughed and actually quoted a line from my speech. I was shocked but they told me it stuck out because the humor I used mixed with facts. He also said he flossed for a little and then forgets to, haha. But, the action step does exactly this; it sends a message that gets received by the individuals in the audience and they act in accordance to your message. It's a pretty cool concept and I feel it's one of the most important when delivering a speech. Calling attention to something, expressing a need and then producing satisfying result all depend on the action step. We can talk and talk and talk but nothing will get done unless we act on it. It's an important step and not something to be overlooked in my opinion.

Check 1, 2, 3

Becoming an influential speaker is incredibly difficult. The ability to touch, inspire or connect with people from a range of backgrounds is an extraordinary talent. When thinking about influential speakers that I've experienced I kept coming back to those in the Entertainment Industry or Politics. Watching interviews, presentations or performances those in the public eye have to be on point and effectively communicating their thoughts and ideas. 

The person I initially thought of was Dave Matthews. He's a musician, actor, father, husband among other things and he's absolutely my favorite! He's involved with about twelve charities, supports many causes and hosts fundraising and benefit concerts often. He is hilarious, unique, quirky and captivating. I think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself, and he does it well. What I love about Dave Matthews is that he can connect with people on multiple levels. His music possesses so much emotion and evokes emotion from you, the same lyrics have the power to mean so many different things; it just depends on the person listening to them. One of his lyrics that comes to mind is from a song Funny the Way It Is "Someone's broken heart becomes your favorite song." 

Dave Matthews' songs mean a lot to me! I've been a fan for years and see him in concert almost twice a year with my Mom and sisters! He has many sides and I appreciate the person he is and remain intrigued by him.

Continuing on the subject of those involved with the Entertainment Industry, I feel that many of them tend to put their foot in their mouth. Like Donald Trump, Charlie Sheen, Snooki, Paris Hilton etc. Is it an act? Does the media catch them on bad days? Are they really ignorant? I think it's a combination of a lot of things, but one of the things that bothers me most is when people, regardless in the public eye or not don't show respect for others; along with acting completely stupid and thinking it's cute. I think that those individuals who don't think before they speak are the worst kind of speakers and do the most damage.

Alternate Reality?

In order to effectively communicate within the Social Constructionist Model individuals use four specific tools: language or symbolic codes, cognitive customs like beliefs and values, cultural traditions and sets of roles and rules to direct personal actions. This model suggests that we never experience the world directly but choose parts of it that fall within our culture that we recognize as significant. At first glance, this sounds incredibly ignorant. But actually makes sense. We cannot experience the entire world all the time, and depending on our environment or beliefs; only specific aspects of the world truly apply to us. Therefore, we "build worlds" with these four tools using communication. Given that we all don't live in the same house, city or country for that matter; we "build worlds" within the world. Meaning what is important to me may not even be on someone else's radar.


An example that I thought of was women and their hair. In India many practice Hinduism, both men and women, will sacrifice their hair in the name of God. Where I come from... women will literally pay thousands of dollars for hair extensions. In California especially, long beautiful, healthy-looking hair is desired by almost all women. And yet in India it is more desirable to cut off all of your hair to show loyalty to the God you believe in. The American woman gets her new long hair extensions and the Indian woman feels happy pleasing her God; everyone is happy!


I believe we sometimes communicate in a social constructionist way but not to the full extent. We all play a part in life but that part changes when we change. And like us; change is constant. Everything always comes back to good, effective communication. No matter what setting you're in, adopting new culture or having the ability to relate to another culture is necessary. Even though we live in the real world, we can make it our own!

Introductory Post

Hiii!


I have been communicating since about 1989, haha. But really, I just recently transferred to SJSU! My major is Communications, which is kind of perfect because I definitely enjoy talking to people. I grew up playing sports, quoting movies and hanging out with friends! I like to read, play games and love to laugh. I have two younger sisters: who are absolutely hilarious! I live at home with both my parents, sisters, dogs, fish, etc! I've never blogged before but it's something I've been interested in.
That's all I've got for now!


Have a great day :)
-Phoenix