W17_B3

Regarding Chapter 13: Which of the research models 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?

I think the research method of Ethnography is the most interesting, due to the fact that when one goes undercover, the conclusions will evolve around what s/he observes naturally. As Sarah Trenholm argued, “The researcher observes behavior in its natural setting…the researcher may ‘go undercover’…avoids imposing his/her own values and assumptions on the data…Instead of testing an existing hypothesis, s/he allows conclusions to emerge from observations” [Trenholm 2008, pg. 374]. If I were to study some aspect of deception, the research question I would ask would be, “What percentage of men vs. women engages in extramarital relationships?” I would use the “Content Analysis” method to answer this question, because I feel the results would give me the content and relating frequencies of variable outside the text. Finally, this would allow me to receive the most accurate outcome.

W17_B2

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

The one concept I found interesting was “New Media.” Sarah Trenholm argues, “ New media employ digital technology…it means it is now relatively easy to combine words, images, and sound in a single format…digitization messages are converted into computer-readable electrical signals (or bits) that can be quickly, processed, efficiently stored, and cheaply transmitted” (Trenholm 2008. pg. 322). I am known at work, as the most “high tech person.” I have the latest and the greatest…from a Blackberry, to iPhone, to iPod Touch, etc. These “stuff” make my life easier. For example, I am amazed how I can communicate via my Blackberry with someone in Paris or Hong Kong or even Dubai. Now, it may not be in real time, but I can receive an answer by the next morning. In addition, I love my iPhone as I can make a phone call, listen to my music while I am at the airport waiting for a flight, or use the GPS system when I am in need of directions all from one piece of equipment.

W17_B1

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

I found the “Agenda Setting” concept most interesting, because of how the media is in control over what they want us to know about the news around us. According to Sarah Trenholm, “Media ‘gatekeepers’ select the issues they feel are most worthy coverage and give those issues wide attention. Receivers accept the ‘gatekeepers’ agenda without realizing that, somewhere along the line, an editor or producer is making choices about what to cover and what to ignore” (Trenholm 2008. pg. 304). After reading about this, I feel like the receivers have to scrutinize everything they hear on the news, read in the newspapers, and everything they see in the entertainment world. I know I for one, will make sure I am receiving my information from credible sources, by researching the names of the sources and what they are trying to promote, whether it is about such topics as health issues, finances, fashion, or news. Nothing can be taken for granted we are being exposed to the truth.

W15_B3

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.

First of all, I agree with Marshall McLuhan when he states, “the medium is the message.” According to Sarah Trenholm, “he was expressing the beliefs that the channel through which a message is transmitted is as important as the message itself and that the channel, in fact often determines which messages will be transmitted and which will be ignored” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 307). Today, we have so many different types of mediums such as: linear or print media (i.e. - email, text messaging, blackberry, computers, etc.) and mosaic (i.e. - TV, video, CD, DVD, etc.) A good example is trying to reach my son who is away at college. I used to send him emails, but I got no answer. So then, I called him on his cell phone and left a voicemail, but still no answer. So, finally I decided to use text messaging. Ah hah! I finally got a text message back from him or he called me. It is the same at work, if I need to reach someone urgently, I will call their office number. If no answer, I send an email and I call them on their cell phone.

In addition, I agree with McLuhan’s ideas that television is a cool medium. Sarah Trenholm argues, “Because television is what McLuhan refers to as a cool medium, it demands that viewers fill in detail…Exposure to a constant barrage of highly arousing and rapidly changing images (such as those found on TV) changes the way we think” (Trenholm 2008. pg. 307-308). Due to all that we view on the television, the American people are said to have the microwave attitude, “We want things in an instant!” Instead of watching all the commercials in between my NCIS or CSI-NY, I would prefer to record it and then watch it later as I fast forward during the commercials.

W15_B2

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

The one concept I find useful or interesting to discuss is “Mobile Telephony.”
Trenholm argues, “Cell phones can be used to send and retrieve network information…Now access to the Internet is available anytime, anywhere” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 330).

Steve Jobs has taken the iPhone to the next level. With it I am able to use it not only as a phone, but for text messaging, as a Blackberry I can retrieve my emails when I travel, I can listen to my music while on a flight, I can surf the web for the weather in the city I will be traveling to, etc. I love all the high technology. It not only makes my life easier, but what I love about it is the iPhone is so compact. Believe me, when you have to travel, it is nice to be able to pack as efficient as one can.

W15_B1

Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? I have not. If so, how are they different fro f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

I have to say my friendships that are exclusively in cyberspace is due to my friends who have moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba; Fresno, California; or Sacramento, California; etc. Otherwise, I have never made any friends through the internet. The reason for it is that I do not have the spare time to carry on anymore cyber friendships, nor am I interested in having a friendship with someone I have not met face to face, or even know if they are telling me the truth about themselves. Besides, there are too many crazy people out there. I prefer to keep a simple life. I prefer to initiate relationships face to face. This way I can see who they are. I can sense whether they are sincere. I can judge whether this is someone I choose to have as a friend, as I am very picky who I call “a Friend.”

W14_B3

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 obligation does an organization like a college or universities have to the local community?

According to Sarah Trenholm, “Organizations are linked to their environments. Organizations depend on their surroundings for resources and energy. Just like creatures, organizations change (and sometimes destroy) their environments” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 215).

My office is situated in Santa Clara. Therefore, we support a lot of organizations such as the American Heart Association, the Next Door (Domestic Violence shelter), Career Closet (Women getting back in the workforce who require mentoring), and The Giving Tree (men, women and children in need of food and clothing). We have an obligation to give back to our community.

Additionally, because I attend San Jose State University, its relationship to the city of San Jose is it’s obligation to positively support the welfare of the city by contributing back on a social, community service and economic level.

Moreover, the ethical obligation that San Jose State University has to the local community consists of being aware of not destroying our environment by the reduction of litter around campus and beyond the borders of the campus, reduction of vandalism, elimination of loitering, and investing time and energy to clean up around the campus

W14_B2

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

The concept I find interesting is reflected in Table 8.3 “Some rules for Professional Behavior.” According to Sarah Trenholm, “Some of the rules are: remember that you’re there to work…manage time and responsibilities effectively…and remember that you share public space with others and must therefore take their comfort and concerns into account” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 228).

It just amazes me how some people’s work ethics can survive in a work environment. For example, in our department, we had three administrative assistants. Two of us were hard workers; we did our work and rarely complained. However, one woman in particular, punched in and then went to breakfast for about 30 minutes every day, and then she visited for an hour or so in the morning and in the afternoon, and still complained she had too much work. Needless to say, admin #2 and #3 would get upset with her as we considered her to be a slacker. Yet, she got away with it. The good news, she got laid off.

In addition, I worked under several doctors as I began working, so I was mentored by two doctors in particular who taught me how to work smart. Therefore, I believe I manage my time and work in a very organized and efficient manner. However, I see other co-workers who just spin their wheels and yet are not producing as much as I do.

Finally, it really upsets me when a co-worker in the next cubicle is in a conference call and instead of going into a conference room and conducting his/her meeting; the people around them have to put up with their conversations. An example, I sit next to a conference room, so people come into the room and start their meeting without closing the door. So, I decided to be proactive and I put a sign on the outside of the door that reads, “Please close this door when meeting is in session. Thank you.” It sure helps.

W14_B1

Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one.

First, have you ever been bothered by cell phone? Yes, I have been bothered by a cell phone once. I went out to lunch and sat down in a restaurant (it is always quiet in the back room) and began studying for one of my classes. When a gentleman sat down on the table next to me and off went his cell phone. Now it would not have really bothered me if what he was talking about was work related. However, he spoke in a very loud voice (to me he sounded like he wanted to brag, so the whole world could hear) and he was bragging about his portfolio. I then, turned to him and said, “Excuse me, but will you take your conversation outside. Thank you.” On the other hand, I am not too bothered by people’s answering machines or beepers.

Next, what do you feel about call waiting? I can’t stand this feature. My mom puts me on hold every time I am talking to her, as she takes a call from my sisters.

Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call? Yes, I definitely think it is absolutely rude for someone to put you on hold only to take another call. Whenever someone does this to me, I tell them to call me back when they are finished with their call. I will not hang on while they talk to someone else, as I called or they called me first.

W13_B3

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

In the corporate world, “giving effective feedback” in an appropriate manner is essential in order to maintain business relationships and work effectively with your associates. According to Sarah Trenholm,
“Feedback is information that helps individuals to control and adjust their behavior. It is also information that tells people how they are doing and what they may need to change to be more effective” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 167). However, it amazes me each year when our reviews come up, to find people who will actually give feedback that state, “Well, I really have not interacted with Wanda, but I really do not care for the way she…and they give some negative feedback instead of keeping quiet.” This of course lowers my rating. In addition, their feedback does not even fall under any of my core competencies. Needless to say, I get very upset with people who do this for any motive.

W13_B2

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? I have very high standards for myself, so of course I am very judgmental about my partner’s characteristics and behaviors. However, over the years I’ve had to adjust my standards a little. I said, a little. LOL. Steve Duck identifies four filters: “sociological or incidental, preinteraction, interaction, and cognitive cues” (pg. 158). For me I use filters such as interaction and cognitive cues to eliminate anyone as a potential romantic partner. The reason being, I want a gentleman who is intelligent enough to hold an intellectual conversation. I want a gentleman who is able to communicate his inner most feelings, share his beliefs and values.

Does Duck’s theory make sense to you? Of course it makes sense to me. These filters are commonly used by the majority of the people who are searching for a partner.

Have you ever eliminated someone by using sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues? Yes. I have eliminated someone by using sociological and pre-interaction cue only to discover that the bottom line or what really counts is to base your consideration for a potential romantic partner using sociological or pre-interaction cues.

W13_B1

Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? I believe the rigid complementarity pattern in a relationship would be the most challenging to change. Sarah Trenholm argues, “When the submissive partner begins to resent always giving in or when the dominant partner begins to tire of being in charge, dissatisfaction can result” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). Sooner or later, the partner who takes the one-down position (submissive role) will no longer accepts his/her situation. A very dear friend of mine whose husband dominated her throughout their 17 years of marriage, has said, “Enough is enough,” and has filed for a divorce.

In addition, the most damaging to a relationship is the competitive symmetry. As Trenholm states, “Both members fight for the one-up position. Although there are times when competition can encourage both members to do their best, in typical relationships this pattern can be stressful and frustrating and can take its toll on the patience of the partners” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). A great example is two male workers in the same department competing for a promotion to the next level. Both of these gentlemen are highly educated and experienced. Both would make be an asset to the department as a manager. However, only one could hold the title. After months of competing with one another, one of the guys left the company and is now a Director, while the person who has remain with us has not been promoted.

I believe the submissive symmetry pattern would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved. According to Trenholm, “Both parties struggle to relinquish control…this is an especially interesting pattern, because it is paradoxical. Although both partners ostensibly avoid control, each does his or her best to control the other by forcing the other to make the decision” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 148). With this pattern, it seems to me that nothing would get accomplished and it would be frustrating. I work with people like this and to me; it is difficult to get a decision out of them. It is as if they are afraid to make any decisions on their own. I end up leaving the decision up to them and I will wait until they come up with an answer (if the situation is not critical) or I end up making a decision for them.

Ciao,
Paris

W11_B3

Q1. Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises?

First of all, I do believe in the rationality premise only. According to Larry Samovar, Richard Porter, and Nemi Jain who argues,“That most Americans hold basic beliefs about human nature that humans are at heart, rational. The rationality premise – the belief that most people are capable of discovering the truth through logical analysis-underlies many American institutions, including democracy, trial by jury, and free enterprise, all of which are based on the idea that the average person can be trusted to make good decisions” [pg. 353].

An example is someone taking a driver’s permit test. It is a multiple choice test. A person would have to have read and understood the question, then read through the four possible answers to be able to pick the correct answer through a process of elimination (logical analysis). It doesn’t matter how long it will take a person to complete the test. Any average person will be able to discover the answers and pass the test.

Q2. What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs? Large corporations, Medical/Dental fields, the Court Systems, Colleges and Universities, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Professional Golf Association, Stock Market, etc.

W11_B2

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

The one concept I found interesting is according to Young Yun Kim, “She believes that sojourners interested in acculturation (i.e., becoming part of a new culture) should expose themselves as much as possible to host social communication. They should make interpersonal contacts and familiarize themselves with mass communication within the host culture. They should also avoid depending too heavily on ethnic communication networks” [p. 363]. The past year, our unit was fortunate enough to host five interns from Singapore to work on several projects. However, one of the gentlemen for whatever reason had a difficult time acclimating himself to the culture in California. For example, he basically kept to himself, he did not really socialize or did not know how to socialize with groups of people during or after work, and he really seemed to want to be an outcast. He definitely did not have any proper mannerisms according to the American standards. It is sad to say, but he was labeled the “contaminator.” The reason for that is everyday, we would have a table with goodies such as bottles of beef jerky, cashews, chocolate raisins, etc. with scoopers to use. Instead, he was always blowing his nose due to allergies and sticking his hand in the bottles. Needless to say, we had to throw the entire bottles away. It got so bad; we discontinued putting out goodies until after he left in December 2008.

One the other hand, the other four interns who were two females and two males were able to adjust very quickly with their new surroundings and made friends with everyone in the unit of about a hundred people. They were very open to venture out to new areas like eating at different ethnic restaurants; they visited different tourist attractions every week and they would join us for happy hour after work. These four Singapore students were sad to have to go back home.

W11_B1

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 cultures?

Yes, I agree with Ruth Benedict when she states we are “creatures of our culture” and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our cultures.

According to Sarah Trenholm, in order to “become a more open communicator and break thorough the limits of our cultures we need to: open yourself to new contacts, learn about the history and experiences of people from diverse cultures, examine yourself for possible stereotypes, responsible and open communicators are willing and able to role-take, and work on becoming more self-confident” [Trenholm 2008, p. 364]. A great example is my work environment. Within the four departments that I support, there are people that represent cultures from Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Since each project consists of teams made up of about 50 cross-functional people, everyone must be able to work together in order to meet their bonus able milestones. Each member of the team must be open and respect other people’s (cultural) perspective. Each team member must be knowledgeable of their team’s diverse cultures and have a tolerance for the differences. Finally, each team member must challenge themselves to see if they have any prejudices with their thinking and be understanding, patient and accommodating with each other.

W8_B3

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

Sarah Trenholm argues, “The way we arrange home and public territories affect our lives. Architects and interior designers know how important spatial arrangement can be. The way walls and furniture are arranged within structures affects the amount, flow, kind of interaction in them. Seating choice in classrooms, for example, often predicts which students are likely to talk and which are not…most participation comes from the so-called action zone, a roughly triangle area beginning with the seats immediately in front of the teacher and diminishing as it approaches the back of the room” (Trenholm 2008, p. 126). To me, spatial arrangement is especially crucial in a professional atmosphere. For example, whenever I sit down in my boss’s office for a meeting, I make sure never to sit in the 11 o’clock seat, but across from him. In addition, I will not sit at the head of the table in his office. Furthermore, I will not sit at the head of the table when I go into a meeting. I try to remain neutral as possible. It is similar when you go in for an interview to be aware of where you are sitting which will indicate something about your choice.

W8_B2

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?

According to Sarah Trenholm, “Each one of us varies in how close we prefer to be to other people. This preference, called personal space, acts as a kind of portable territory that we carry with us wherever we go…Factors that affect personal closeness include liking, status, gender, and the way we define the interact” (Trenholm 2008, p. 128). While in Paris, I ate at many sidewalk Cafés. On several occasions and at some upscale Cafés, I sat next door to another couple almost shoulder to shoulder. This is absolutely normal in Paris to be sitting and your next table is on your right or left side. Another example was one morning while I was eating my breakfast in my hotel, there was a couple that arrived late and so the only table where they could sit and share was my table. This couple happened to be from Hawaii and of course, since I was born and raised in Hawaii, we immediately became good friends and two years later, we still keep in contact via email. Again, it is usual and customary to share a table while eating in Paris. How else are you going to meet some of the neatest people in the world?

W8_B1

Because 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?

Sarah Trenholm argues, “Responsiveness, the degree to which we are psychologically involved in an interaction, is shown by such cues as rate and volume of speech, amount of gesture, and variability of facial display. Someone who responds to us in a monotone, staring straight ahead with a dull, expressionless look, is indicating low involvement and low responsiveness…Nonverbal communication gives us a clear picture where we stand” (Trenholm 2008, p. 112).

Yes, I was wrong about the meaning of a gentlemen’s nonverbal message, I sat next to on the Eurostar (Chunnel) from Waterloo, London to Gare du Nord, Paris. I took a one day trip from Paris to London. On my way home, I found my cabin, and proceeded to look for my seat. When I got to my seat number, I noticed a gentleman taking off his coat, putting away his briefcase, so I asked him if his seat was the window or the aisle. He looked at me and just grunted and pointed the window with a expressionless look. So I said to myself, “Boy this is going to be 4 long hours back to Paris.” Once the train started, I put on my iPod nano and took out my Blackberry and began answering and cleaning up my emails. Within a few seconds, Francois (not his real name), leaned over and said to me, “Excuse moi, is that for your business?” I said, yes and the rest was history. We chatted for four hours. Francois is a Physicist who lives in Paris and works in London at an Aerospace company. I asked him about his favorite restaurants (I ate at 3 of them----delicious), music shop to buy French music, places to see, and tips and tricks. He was headed to Nice for the holidays (our Memorial Day weekend) to swim in the ocean.

How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal messages? The multiple codes must work together to get an accurate outcome or confusion will occur.

W7_P3

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

Sarah Trenholm argues, “The concept of ‘Linguistic relativity,’ theorizes that people from different language communities perceive the world differently…If you have ever studied a foreign language, you may know that some concepts and ideas that are easily expressed in one language are difficult to translate into another…we are told that Arabic has many words for horses and that the Eskimos have many ways to talk about snow…French speakers have two ways to say ‘you’: a polite and a familiar form” (Trenolm 2008, p. 75).

I love the different language communities represented in the work place. I especially love the French and Arabic languages. I have studied both languages and have found Trenholm’s argument precisely true. First of all, both languages have a polite (Formal) and a familiar (Informal) version of words. It depends upon who you are speaking to which will determine the version used. For example, if you are speaking to a friend you would address him or her using the familiar version of the word within a phrase. However, if you are speaking to a stranger, you would use the polite version.

W7_P2

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

I agree men and women use language differently in the following areas: self-disclosure, quantity of talk, topics of talk and vocabulary. According to Laurie Arliss, her “Conclusions Drawn from Research on Gender Differences in Communication revealed that women tend both to self-disclose more and to receive more disclosures from others more then men do. The quality of talk: who talks the most? In friendly same-gender dyads, women prefer to spend time talking; men prefer to share activities such as sports or hobbies. Topics of talk: What do Men and Women talk about? Men talk more about public matters (sports, money, and news) than do women. Women talk more about private matters (family, relational problems, other women, men, and clothing) than men do. Vocabulary: Do Women and Men Use Different Words? Women more often use weaker expletives (‘Oh dear’), whereas men more often use stronger expletives including obscenities. Women use certain evaluative adjectives (adorable, cute, and fabulous) that men do not use” [Arliss 1991, p. 93].

I have a hilarious example about men who will not stop and ask for directions when they are lost. My husband and I had to be in San Francisco on a Friday night by 6:30 p.m. to board a Dinner Cruise with all his co-workers. It was raining very hard. My husband forgot to bring the invitation with the map, so since he lived in San Francisco, he said I know how to get there. I just kept quite. Well, to make a long story short, he didn’t stop to ask for directions, instead he went around in circles and we ended up missing the boarding time. We missed out on one heck of a company party. LOL.

Week7_P1

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

For me, the answer is no. At times, I have a hard time not judging or categorizing a person. Sarah Trenholm argues, “Constructs that are important to us and that we frequently use, regardless of circumstances are called chronically accessible constructs, and the constructs are likely to color and bias our interpretation of others and their messages. Psychologist John Bargh tells us that there are wide personal differences in construct accessibility and that this accessibility does not often overlap between individuals. Thus two people may ‘pick up very different information about the third person, and interpret the same information in very different ways” (Trenholm 2008, p. 52). For instance, I worked in a department with two other ladies, Mary and Jill (not there real names). Mary and Jill both White and I am Asian. Mary got along with both Jill and I. Her personality was friendly, bubbly and a real people person. Consequently, Jill was an angry person and would fly off the handle in a split second. People stayed away from her because she would actually yell and scream at them. Therefore, my first impression of Jill was she has some major psychological/neurological issues. Furthermore, I did not want to be around someone who was a walking time bomb who could explode anytime. Since she born and raised in Chicago, I also thought to myself, she may be prejudice. I just kept to myself and my friends where all the 125 engineers, technicians, and the 10 managers/advisors that I supported for two years. The ironic thing was, when I transferred to another department, Jill gave a present. I was shocked and nearly fell on the floor.

Further, in my case, in order for me to make fair judgment(s) about a person, I like what Trenholm states, “Cognitive complexity occurs when an individual has a large, rich, and varied set of personal constructs. The
cognitive complexity person is willing to combine seemingly contradictory characteristics in creative ways, realizing that people are not all good or all bad” (Trenholm 2008, pp. 52-53). Thus, in order for me to make a fair judgment about people, I will require deep understanding and patience with every individual I interact with, since I really do not have
any idea what is going on in their life at this specific time.

W5_P3

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

In my opinion, the one concept I find most interesting is the “Power to Influence.” I have worked in the corporate world for the past 11 years as well as for a Vice-President. During which time I have seen mostly men play the game of “Power to Influence” their bosses. By this I mean, they are constantly asking me to schedule a meeting with the VP. My response to them is I will check with the VP and schedule a meeting accordingly. If the VP allows me to schedule a meeting with them, I have seen these men come in to the VP’s office and simply just brag about all their accomplishments and try to get the VP’s buy-in for what they would like to move forward in their career development.

According to John French and Bertram Raven analysis, “Sources can achieve power in five ways: by occupying an important position in society, by offering material rewards in exchange for compliance, by threatening to punish disobedience, by gaining access to scarce information, and by exhibiting personal characteristics that others admire” (pg. 261). In my example, these gentlemen gained power by gaining access to scarce information which they exposed to the VP, thinking what they shared were valuable information.

W5_P2

Consider a well-known speaker, for example, the current President of the Unites States. What is this speaker’s strongest characteristic as a speaker? Is it credibility, attractiveness, power, or all three? In what ways could the speaker build ethos in these areas?

For me, the most well-known speaker is Zig Ziglar. His strongest characteristics as a speaker are his credibility, his attractiveness and his power of influencing and motivating people. In regards to his credibility, he is one of the most sought after motivational speaker at any conference. In addition, he is very charismatic as I for one was very attracted to his personality and his humbleness. Finally, he is very powerful in motivating people to believe his tactics are believable and attainable.

For example, I went to see one of his motivational conferences here in San Jose. I was in awe of how he related to his audience so quickly by his humor. Since he is a professional motivation speaker, he captured my attention by his charisma and his power to influence anyone.

According to Herbert Kelmann, audiences are influenced by sources in three ways: through internalization, identification, or compliance. This is exactly what happened to me when I saw Zig Ziglar. By the time I left his seminar, I was on cloud nine believing I could BE, DO, and HAVE anything I set my mind to accomplish.

W5_P1

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?

Sarah Trenholm argues, “The study of rhetoric, the art of designing public messages that can change the way in which audiences think and feel about public issues…communication in which a single speaker addresses an audience to inform, persuade, or entertain” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 249).

I think we can all say we have been influenced by a speaker at least once. I think one of the best speakers I have heard, is my girlfriend Tiffany (not her real name). She has her MBA, owns her own business, has published a book and is on to writing another book. What makes Tiffany a great speaker is she is very soft spoken, she is brilliant with her choice of words, and she is excellent in articulating what she would like her audiences to retain. A great example is when Tiffany and I were co-chairs for our church’s Women’s Retreat. On the first night, when Tiffany delivered the opening portion of the agenda; I said, to myself, “I wish I could be as calm, cool and collected in front of about 75 women.” She informed the women of the agenda using very clear words describing the events that would take place throughout the weekend; and she encouraged everyone to take part in some of the special treats that we had planned especially for them.

In contrast, the worst speaker I have ever heard was my 7th grade Science teacher. When he spoke, every other word was “ah,” In fact, one day I counted over a hundred “ahs,” in his lecture. Needless, to say, the class was so boring, students would fall asleep in his class and he would not even say anything. I don’t think he even realized they were asleep in his class. Nevertheless, as part of my membership with my Toastmasters club, one of the first areas that we all work on is the “ah” counter. A person in charge for that meeting keeps a record of how many “ah” each person uses. In order to minimize the use of “ah,” we are told, to stop and pause before we speak. This trick has helped me with becoming very aware of using another word instead of “ah.”

W4_P3

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

The one concept I find fascinating and would like to discuss is the “Social Constructive Model.” Sarah Trenholm argues, “According to the social constructive model, communication is a process whereby people in groups, using the tools provided by their culture, create collective representations of reality. The model specifies four of these cultural tools: languages, or symbolic codes; the ways we’ve been taught to process information, or cognitive customs, the beliefs, attitudes, and values that make up our cultural tradition; and the sets of roles and rules that guide our actions…according to this perspective, we construct our world through communication” (Trenholm 2008 pg. 30).

I have worked in the Research & Development department for the past 10 years with my company. During which time, I have observed different teams working together to reach their aggressive milestones. Within each of these teams, I have observed the team members that are successful in all four cultural tools are the very teams that are successful in completing their goals before or on target. This is due to their ability to communicate in their own languages (verbal, nonverbal, etc.) that are understood by every member on the team. In addition, the team members believe, accept their team member’s cultural traditions and trust each others roles and abide by the rules. The teams that are successful in meeting their milestones are the ones that each member knows and understands their roles within this project and communicates their progress each step of the way. If there are issues along the way, the successful team works out their differences in a civil manner.

W4_P2

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?

According to Sarah Trenholm, “In a pragmatic model, communication is seen as a game of sequential, interlocking moves between interdependent partners. Each player responds to the partner’s moves in light of his or her own strategy and in anticipation of future action. Some moves are specific to this game, and others are common gambits or strategies. All moves make sense only in the context of the game. Outcomes, or payoffs, are a result of patterned “play” between partners” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 33).

In one sense, I believe communication is like a game of patterned interaction. I love the game of backgammon. When I first learned the game, I was told the four and six points were the first areas to setup to secure your position in winning the game. In the same way, I think communication is a like a game. When you first meet someone at a party, you have to establish the foundation whether you want to speak with him or her. In your mind, you may go through your criteria of whether s/he is worth having a conversation. If so, the exchange of ideas goes back and forth. Like in tennis you rally back and forth until someone may say something that is not appropriate or just says the wrong thing. Then, either one of one of you will move on to someone else at the party.

In contrast, communication is different from a game when a student attends a class and the professor gives a lecture for an hour. In this case, the student is on the receiving end. S/he may be able to ask questions at the end of the lecture or through the teacher’s aide.

Week 4_P1

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 (or the lack of these) in our culture?

Sarah Trenholm argues, “According to the social constructionist model, communication is a process whereby people in groups, using tools provided by their culture, create collective representations of reality. The model specifies four of these cultural tools: languages, or symbolic codes; the ways we’ve been taught to process information, or cognitive customs; the beliefs, attitudes, and the values that make up our cultural traditions; and the sets of roles and rules that guide our actions. These tools shape the ways we experience and talk about our worlds” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 30).

A great example about symbolic codes and cultural traditions is during my travel to Paris. At the end of my day and as I traveled back from the Metro stop to my hotel room; I stopped at a produce market on the Rue du Cler (open market). One day, I wanted to get some Bing Cherries. I noticed they were all boxed and weighing about two to three pounds. Now, I only wanted a handful, so I began to pick them one by one into a plastic bag. The owner began yelling in French to me. He then began showing me how to do it his way and then threw the little scooper at me. He then continued talking in French to his customer and watching me with is other eye. It was obvious, our symbolic codes or our lack of the knowledge of each others languages hindered our communication. It is also obvious; our cultural traditions including our beliefs, attitudes and our values were different. In this incident, Monsieur and I did not build worlds.

Week 3_P3

The one concept I found useful or interesting in Chapter one, is the “Five Canons of Rhetoric.” According to Sarah Trenholm, “Cicero was considered to be Rome’s finest orator…By the time his works were published, the study of rhetoric had stabilized into five major topic areas, the famous canons of rhetoric...the canon divided communication into five parts: invention, style, arrangement, memory, and delivery” (Trenholm 2008, pg. 6). I believe if one can master these five basic principles when preparing a speech, one will not only be successful in life, but s/he will also be able to persuade their audience in whatever s/he may be proposing in all facets of their life (i.e. personal or business).

Week 3_P2

The Greeks believed that to be an orator, an individual had to be morally good. I agree with this statement. The reason for that is a person will not be able to influence anyone if you do not have integrity. An example of this is during the recent Presidential campaign. A Republican who works with me said, “How could he vote for John McCain with a running mate like Sarah Palin?” I asked what he meant by that statement. He went on to say, “If something happened to John McCain, then, Sarah Palin would be next in command.” He further mentioned, “How could someone who just came out of nowhere have the experience and integrity of what the American people need right now?” Since he perceived Sarah Palin as a candidate who did not have the moral good he was looking for in a Republican team, I wonder if he voted Republican.”

What, if any, is the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication? Cicero believed, “One of the three styles of speaking was ‘the plain style’ which built ethos by convincing the audience of the speaker’s good character, good sense, and trustworthiness; it was logical, clear, and restrained” [Trenholm 2008, pg. 7]. I believe the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication is that all are interrelated. Without one part of the tri-pod, you will not receive the powerful outcome from your speech. By this I mean if you do not have integrity, then your audience will not respect/trust whatever you have to say. For example, I have no respect for ex-President Nixon who was impeached due to his involvement with the Watergate scandal. If I see clips of him speaking I wonder what part of it was true…I simply flip the channel.

Week 3_Post 1

One of my all time favorite speaker whom I admire is my ex-boss, Joe (not his real name). I worked with him as his Executive Assistant for four years. During which time I came to admire the way he communicated with all levels of the organization. He definitely is one of the most powerful speakers I know.

According to Sarah Trenholm, “Aristotle believed that a speaker could sway an audience in three ways: through personal character, or ethos; through the ability to arouse emotions, or pathos; and through the wording and logic of the message, or logos” (Trenholm 2008, p. 4).

Additionally, Joe definitely uses ethos, pathos and logos in all presentations. Whenever, Joe, the Divisional Vice-President of R&D was asked to speak at a meeting, he would always inquire about his audience. He then customized his presentations to meet the caliber of his audience. In addition, he knew exactly how to capture his audience with his choice of words as well as his interjection of some kind of humor whenever he felt compelled.

On another note, I believe my personal qualities that allow me to persuade my audience is the use of pathos and logos. I used to belong to a Toastmasters Club. I once gave a speech about my trip on a cruise to Alaska. I won the “Best Speaker” award that day for my use of excellent descriptive words, humor and organization of my speech.

Finally, I think Aristotle’s classification scheme works even in our world today.

Week 2_Post

Bonjour!

My alias name is PARIS, due to the fact that I love Paris and the Parisian culture. I am a part-time student and a senior at SJSU majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Business. I work full-time as a Senior Administrative Assistant in R&D with a medical device technology company. I am married and have two sons, and three granddaughters.

I moved to San Jose, CA in 1983 from Honolulu, Hawaii. In my spare time (which is rare), I love to golf, exercise, “Shop till I drop,” and travel to Paris and Manhattan.

My communication story goes something like this. I would like to communicate more clearly and concisely on a personal and business level. Thus, I am very interested in Interpersonal and Intercultural Communications, Communication and Human Relationships and finally, I am fascinated with the communication dynamics within a Small Group.

My experience in Communication Studies includes such classes as public speaking, rhetoric and public life, communication and culture, multicultural communications, persuasion, interpersonal organizational communications, critical decision making, communication and human relationships, public speaking, argumentation and debate and intercultural communications.

My goals for this class include the effective use of the Canons of Rhetoric model of invention, style, arrangement, memory and delivery in class, in my work environment and for my personal use.

By taking this class, I hope to understand how my role as an individual in this society with my biases can still bring peace and unity as I communicate and interact with others.