Arguably one of the most effective skill sets one could possibly possess (some might even consider it a super power) is effective communication. In this Capstone course, we will invest a considerable amount of time and effort honing your communication skills to increase your post-collegiate effectiveness in your respective fields of endeavor.
The following is an excerpt from a press release by ca.news.yahoo.com describing the origin of the short film, Historia de un Letrero (2007), that was honored at the Cannes Film Festival 2008.
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MONTREAL - A short film about a stranger who uses a pen to help a homeless blind man has won an online contest organized by the National Film Board of Canada at the Cannes Film Festival.
"Historia de un Letrero" ("The Story of a Sign"), a heartwarming story produced in Mexico and the U.S. by Alonso Alvarez Barreda, won the contest in which online viewers could vote for their favourite film.
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Watch the video. What message(s) does the film convey?
Incidentally, the score for this short film was borrowed from Il Postino (1994).
Post a comment reflecting on the value of effective communication and suggestions for how to improve verbal and non-verbal communication. What would you describe as your strengths and deficits in communication? What are ways in which you would like to improve your skills?
Effective communication is a very important thing in life that many people lack from time to time. A person’s tone can reflect the outcome of a sentence. For example, “I’m doing very well today thank you” in a cheerful voice, sounds difference then in a low tone sarcastic voice. A smile or a frown are more examples of communication. The video with the blind man is an example of non-verbal communication. People didn’t seem to have much sympathy for the man when he wrote about being blind on his sign. This has a negative tone inflicted in it. The businessman wrote, “today is a beautiful day and I can see nothing” creating a whole new feel of communication. Which in turn lead to people contributing to his money jar.
ReplyDeleteMy deficits when it comes to communication are that I might not always speak as clear as I would like to with others. I often find myself summarizing a story and not including all the details. I assume that by me summarizing the story that the other person automatically knows the back round or can fill in the wholes. I later realize that I left out important information in order to get my point across. I would like to improve my skills by thinking before I communicate with others to make sure that I get the point across that I am trying to reach. My strength when it comes to communication is that I’m not scared to talk to a group of people. I am also not afraid to tell some one how I really feel, which is very important for maintaining relationships with other. I can communicate truthfully and confidently.
-Mike Grasso
The short film tells and shows how when words are used in ways they can affect people differently, with the original sign people know he is blind but have no reason to stop or feel bad for him. When the young man changed it to "Today is a Beautiful day and I can not enjoy it", people can see how great a day it is and feel sorry for him.
ReplyDeleteEffective Communication is important to get anything done. If someone tells you hey can you get that for me, It brings about a bad tone, but hey, can you please get that for me? some one is more likely to get it for them. So the value of word choice and tone is the key for Verbal communication. A smile is more approachable then a frown or snarl. And people respond better to an up right smiling person then a hunch over frowning person.
My strength is word choice, I like to think what to say, so when I say it there is no other way to understand it then the way I want it done or for it to come out. Also to make use of all the words and for it not to seem like a demand but asking for it to be done. I like to come off as friendly and not mean or over bearing, I will not give people the Johnson Treatment.
My weakness is I do not smile a lot and I look mad almost all the time when in fact I am not. I want to improve on smiling more often and having the appearance of being friendly and a great guy. I would also like to improve on my mumbling that happens from time to time, which confuses a lot of people because they can not hear me properly.
Brian Villar
When communicating, many people come off as being demanding or uncaring. Wording what is being said differently or changing the tone of voice can be very simple to do and make communicating with other more pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI have strength in conveying emotion. When listening to people's problems I show that I care with the things I say, the tone of voice I use, or even just my facial expressions.
My emotions can also be my weakness. Sometimes when trying to communicate things seem a little jumbled up when they come out of my mouth, especially when I'm nervous or upset. Almost as though I think about what I want to say a little too much before I say them so that I confuse myself and even leave out important things. Here is where my deficit lies.
I would love to be able to express what I'm thinking in my head more clearly when I turn them into words.
Shellee King
Communication at its most primitive point is a necessity for our survival. If we could not convey our ideas and thoughts to one another be it verbal or nonverbal working together would be impossible. It would also likely leave us feeling very alone and since survival is heavily based not only on your physical needs but also your mental condition, a sense of solitude would decrease your will to survive. Since communication is so important everyone should work to increases their communication skills. Here at UCF students are required to take a public speaking class. Direct instruction is a great way to enhance a persons communication skills. One could also read to build a larger vocabulary. To me one of the most important aspects is practice. Its just like the old saying practice makes perfect. Personally I tend to be quiet and shy around groups of people I do not know and have a hard time getting up in front of large groups to speak. If I could improve my communication it would be in these two areas. I want to be more comfortable speaking with others and voicing my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCommunication has and always will be very important and highly valued. I especially believe that nonverbal communication has a very high value of importance and can sometime be overlooked. I think to effectively communicate verbally you have to first be able to effectively communicate in a nonverbal manner, as far as the way your body language comes off and your facial expressions, because I think that if someone has the wrong idea about the way you come off nonverbally they are most likely not going to listen to what you have to say.
ReplyDeleteMy weaknesses in communication are really only in big groups because I do not like to talk in front of crowds, I don’t have a problem getting my point across when I am in small groups but when I get in front of big crowds I tend to forget what I was going to say and talk way to fast. I have learned that the best way to improve on this is to not use note cards when I am public speaking but to rehearse and actually think while I am speaking because it helps clam my nerves.
Effective communication in my opinion is invaluable. I believe that there is a wide array of problems that could occur as the result of poor communication. I can only speak from personal experience about the times that I have suffered as a result of poor communication. Early on in my academic career while working on a group project I failed to communicate properly with my group and the result was a poop grade on the assignment. While each of the group members contributed valued work, the whole thing wasn't orchestrated well enough to recieve a better grade. If I could go back and do it over I think I would like to do some things a little differently, and as a result I think everyone involved would have benefited. I don't believe that I was the only person at fault in that situation; after all, the other group members didn't try to contact me either. That's not the important part, what is imprtant about that circumstance is that I didn't take the first step in trying to initiate the communication. Often all it takes is one person to take that first step to break the ice and things will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteOther frequent problems with communication are that people don't thik before they speak, and that they think things but never say what they are thinking. I know that there were times when I have spoken without thinking about what I was going to say first, and I found myself offending people. That problem could have been solved by simply thinking about what I was going to say to see if it could have been perceived as offensive to anyone. On the other hand I can also recall times when I was thinking something nice about someone, but I never told them. I don't know about you, but generally when someone compliments me it makes me feel good. I can only assume that the same goes for everyone else as well.
I suppose what I have written above describes what my deficits might be with communication. I think I will try to practice what I preach, next time I'm thinking something nice about someone I will tell them. As hard as it might be sometimes I will also work at filtering what I say when there is a petential for my message to be misinterpreted. I believe that I encompass fairly good communication skills; however, there is always room for inprovement. I always try to upfront and honest with people; after all I guess Mom's are correct, you should treat people how you would like to be treated.
Post a comment reflecting on the value of effective communication and suggestions for how to improve verbal and non-verbal communication. What would you describe as your strengths and deficits in communication? What are ways in which you would like to improve your skills?
ReplyDeleteI do agree that effective communication is a super power! Effective communication can ultimately get you anything and everywhere you want to be. It can affect every area of your life from romance to finance to your future! The best way to improve improve your communcation skills is by using them. Join a social club or attend social events that require you to mix and mingle. When you receive positive feedback and possible friendships that's when you know you're headed in the right direction. I believe that I am an effective communicator people understand me because I try to make myself open and relatable. My weakness sometimes is not speaking up, I may get nervous or scared to say something, but it's always best to say what needs to be said.
Effective communication skills can make, save or ruin relationships in both employment and your personal life. It can save a life, help a friend, or break one's heart. Knowing how to communicate effectively is an art and a skill. I am constantly reminding my children to remember that what they say is reflective of more than themselves!
ReplyDeleteThe best way to improve verbal communication is to listen! I don't think it has as much to do with speaking as people think. Most communication problems are based on listening and attention discrepancies. Non-verbal communication can be so automatic. A person really has to pay attention to where they place their hands, where they look and the volume of their voice.
My strengths with communicating lay in written communication and one-on-one conversations. Maybe even in small groups. I really enjoy finding a common ground with someone and helping them work out a solution to a problem. Minute or large. I need to listen better. My mind is reeling with thoughts and responses to what someone said and I get so excited to understand what they are talking about that I want to share to let them know I "get it." However, you cannot be listening very well to what else they are saying if you are thinking of other things. I actively try to work on that.
I would like to pay more attention to context clues when people are speaking. I don't always know what people are trying to express to me because so many options pop up into my mind as to what they are referring to that I seem to not understand. I would like to work on that. Again, I would like to become a better listener in general, too. I want to really have a conversation with someone, not try to just share my opinion. It's a tall order and takes a lot of work sometimes. I get very excited easily and enjoy people, so it might take time!
I really enjoyed the video and the message that was portrayed. I think the main message was that no matter what the message, positive thinking will always win over negativity. The sign was basically saying the same thing, but the words the businessman used were much more powerful. I think the word choice and even tone can make or break verbal communication. The old saying “think before you talk” hasn’t stuck around for this long for no reason. Non verbal cues are equally important. A smile or alert eyes can a person know you are interested. Slumped shoulders or not making eye contact can be very crucial.
ReplyDeleteI think I am an ok communicator. I listen very well and will tell my opinion if asked. I think too often people talk when they don’t need to. Saying too much can be just as bad as not saying anything at all. I would love to work on my debating skills. I get a little too into discussions and need to learn to chill out.
The value of effective communication is beyond measurement. Communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is the very foundation on which all progress is built. Whether it be social, technological or personal advancement communication of ideas to others is key.
ReplyDeleteIf I were forced to illustrate a deficit of communication it would be humans can never not communicate. Take for example a phone call from a friend you choose to ignore. By not picking up the phone you are still sending your friend a message which could be interpreted as, "my friend doesn't want to see me, he might be busy, he is rude etc". The point being even though no verbal communication took place messages were sent none the less.
I believe the best way to improve verbal and non verbal communication skills is to be aware of cues sent by those you are communicating with, such as boredom, happiness, anger, and develop the ability to respond accordingly. This is something I feel I could improve on with some practice as I tend to ignore vital context clues during conversations and presentations.
Communication is the core skill required to complete almost any task successfully. Without adequate communication even a simple task such as driving becomes virtually impossible. Imagine driving on the crowded roads today without break lights, turn signals or even a friendly hand gesture to inform a fellow commuter that it is ok to pull in front of you. These are all non-verbal forms of communication that would be very difficult to live without. The value of verbal communication is equally important to our overall successful functionality in our daily interactions with each other.
ReplyDeleteImproving our communication skills should be a never ending task. I've found that I personally communicate with others better if I keep it simple. I find that using fifty-cent words and over complicating a conversation usually leads to repetition and wasted time. Using respectful terms such as "Sir" and "Ma'am" always seem to get the person you are communicating with to respond in a similarly respectful manner.
I believe my biggest strength relating to communication is the implementation of a respectful dialog. My weakness would probably be that I try to adapt to the level of communication at which the person I'm conversing with is at. This adaptation usually consists of trying to dumb my conversation down to accommodate the other person intellect or vice versa, trying to catch up to the other persons intellect.
Have you ever come across a person who is incredibly smooth when it comes to communication. They never stutter, lose their train of thought, or are at a loss for words. You never know if this is an everyday occurrence for them or if they are just having an "ON" day that day. These people seemed to have successfully mastered the art of communication. This is the kind of communicator I long to be. whether it is achievable or not is yet to be seen.
The film conveyed a message that effective communication can really help you reach the goal you’re going for. The man that put the blind man’s message into different words gave people an example of what it’s like being blind (rather than just asking them to try, and put themselves in his shoes and “have compassion”).
ReplyDeleteThe value of communication was exemplified in the film when the blind man started receiving tons of donations after his sign displayed a new phrase; the value: satisfaction and a cup full of money.
Suggestions to improve verbal and non-verbal communication: ask for feedback on your communication to find out if the target audience is getting your point. I happen to use a lot of analogies and examples when I’m trying to get people to understand my point of view, etc. I believe that is one of my communication strengths.
A communication deficit: I have a problem with interrupting people before they’re finished with what they’re saying because I want to get out an idea before forgetting. I need to work on listening to people when they’re talking, instead of thinking about what I will say when they stop talking…
The video was quite moving, and definitely demonstrates the difference of saying something that is supposed to be moving versus getting an effective, passionate message across to others. Isn’t it funny and wonderful at the same time that communication is the most important aspect of any relationship, whether it be with friends, family, animals, or even complete strangers? I think one thing people could do to improve verbal communication is to listen, not only to who is speaking to them, but also listen to how what they are about to say is going to come across to the other person. Just because something is truthful does not mean it is helpful. This is definitely one of my shortcomings, because I seem to not have much tact, but I honestly do not realize what I have said is hurtful or awkward, or something to that effect. I am just unaware. One thing that I believe would help most to communicate non-verbally is to look people in the eyes when talking to them and lean into them. This is not necessarily a physical act but take interest in their lives is what I mean by lean into them. Care about people and it makes a difference. I feel this is definitely a strength of mine, but I am not satisfied with where I am about caring about and for others. Ultimately, I am trying to listen twice as much as I talk, which is quite hard for me, and to consider whether what I am about to say is helpful or not. Also, hopefully, I am demonstrating more sympathy and empathy towards people by volunteering more and leaning into others to show that everyone matters.
ReplyDeleteEffective communication, from what I have learned, is about making the person understand and feel what you are saying in a rational manner. Communication can be the difference in getting what you want or blowing a great opportunity. From commercials to job interviews, how you express yourself can effect your succcess.
ReplyDeleteI would say that my streghths in communication are being able to convey what I am feeling while still being able to understand other perspectives. The problem I have at times is that emotions can hinder effective communication and body language can send unintentional signs.
I think that I would like to improve my skills in higher pressure situations. Such as job interviews or presentations. I feel that no matter how unsure you may be about what you are saying, the way you say it can make you all around more effective. In these kind of situation my nerves can get the best of me, and at times effect my ability to communicate my points.
From Lisa Beni: I also posted this Blog in 'student debt' blog last night, sorry.
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"Historia de un Letrero", 2007, ("The Story of a Sign")
Reflect the value of effective communication and suggestions how to improve verbal and non-verbal communication. What would you describe as your strengths and deficits in communication? What are ways in which you would like to improve your skills?
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This short film said a lot in five minutes. It was interesting that a stranger ended up being a good Samaritan by adding a few words of clarity to the blind man’s sign—validating the reason why the blind man needed money (couldn’t see)—people became more willing to help the blind man rather than judge him as a panhandler living off hard-working people.
Non-verbal communication is important and could be overlooked. For example, demeanor, eye contact, showing interest are some important qualities that contribute or take away from successful communication.
One of my strengths would be that I feel comfortable communicating with people, but it depends on the reason (mediation?) for the communication.
A deficit is that I would want to make sure I listen/understand all points of view, understand the common ground and stakeholders’ concerns—respond and make eye contact.
In verbal communication it is good to ask a question or restate a concept to give assurance that you are listening and have concern for the value of the conversation and mutual respect for a reasonable outcome.
Peter Leiner
ReplyDeleteEffective communication in my opinnion is one of the single most important skills an individual could have. This skill is something that is very hard to improve but if the opprtunity presents itself i suggest that you utilize it. A way I really improved both my verbal and non-verbal communication was by visiting a country that English was not the first language. In doing this I was forced to use non-verbal communicatiomn and really sound out and think of the simplest ways to ask questions in an attempt to communicate.
With commmunication I believe I have both strengts and weakness like everyone. A strength would be how well i articulate the eye contact I am able to make and keep while speaking. A weakness would be that even among friends I still use a more formal language that depicts me sometimes as cold and unfriendly.
These skills could always improve. I hope to continue extending my vocabulary as well as learn how to better utilize the changing of tones to show my emotions.
Danielle Dennison.
ReplyDeleteCommunication skills are the end all, be all of a person's success or lack thereof. A great example of this is this very assignment. If I do not communicate my critical thinking abilities or my knowledge of the subject matter, then my grade will suffer. I may have an extremely high IQ or an extremely low one, but that matters not if I am not able to show proof one way or the other based on my ability to communicate.
It has been said many times in many ways that communication is only 10% of what you say, the rest is how you say it. Something that may need more focus is the ability to communicate with the proper tone through e-mail or text. I am not sure if people but enough thought into how different it is to communicate digitally. The enhancement of non verbal communication is slightly lost, or rather misplaced when using e-mail, blogs, etc. We lose body language, facial expressions, and other non verbal enhancements. These are then replaced with non verbal clues such as mispellings, length of the content, when it was posted, etc. These items communicate messages beyond the actual words that are written.
Everyday, I try to be mindful of how I am communicating both verbally and non verbally and how others do the same.
After watching this video on verbal communication I learned that being positive while communicating will help you out allot in which what you are trying to say will be more effective. It is allot easier to communicate with someone when you feel like you know what you are trying to say and that just requires a positive attitude. Communication is one of the most important skills that we use in our everyday lives. Taking SPC 1600 as well as a few other communication classes have really helped me with my verbal communication. I think that these speech classes are very effective for students and should be required for all majors. Taking these classes can only help you in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am communicating with others I feel like my strength is looking them into the eye rather then just dozing off and twittling my thumbs. It is very important to keep your eyes on the people that you are talking to for them to be interested in the point that you are trying to get across.
I would say that my weakness in communication is that I tend to forget some of the things that I am trying to say even though I know what it is that I want to say and the point that I am trying to get across. Overall, I feel like I am a great communicator.
If I can improve anything with my communication skills it would be to make sure I stay on topic at all times and do everything that I possibly can to get my pint across. Everyday that I wake up I think about how important it is to use my communication skills.
Effective communication can be one of the most universal forms of communicating requiring no verbal exchange. No matter what dialect a person speaks it is easy to read a person’s body language just by observation. In instances that do incorporate a language, tone can be a sure sign of a person’s mood. It’s not what you say it’s how you say it.
ReplyDeleteOne of my weaknesses in verbal communication is that I can’t always get out exactly what I want to say but am good about addressing the issue and eventually getting my point across.
I’ve learned that carrying yourself positive and poised improves effective communication by giving off a good vide to other people without saying a word and also can make you more aware and in the moment when conversing with others.
To me, it screams about context being a two way street, the perspective of the viewer being malleable simply by the choice of words, and snap judgments being made with little of interrogatories from the people targeted. It's a parallel to the hour long presentation I prepared last weekend to give Wednesday night critiquing Raymond Carver's Night School and William Trevor's Ballroom of Romance specifically out of the four reviewed by my partner and I.
ReplyDeleteMany misconceptions can be drawn solely by the absence of information both verbal and non-verbal. Men and women both find it easy to vilify a man for any insinuation be it choice of words, or mere appearance, but drag their feet with hesitation considering a woman. Local media spectacles aside, objectivity is very much lost through failures in both verbal and non-verbal communications by both the viewer and the viewed.
For me, honing such skills is a double-edged sword, when you consider the follies that could be contrived with next to no substance at all. Hence, I seek dialogue, when appropriate, to get an interaction for two practical reasons. First, the willingness to conjecture or express themselves gives a measure of how staunch their non-verbal messages are. To with, the cause may be revealed determining if it's just them or a recent situation that I have no control of. Second, as the conversation progresses, I can decide if I can help or make a positive suggestion to guide the person to a source of reliable help, if such exists.
In the course of a day, there are more situations going on than you might wish to become involved in, and you probably don't want the stress of environments which may intersect in conflict with you at the center.
To properly relay a message you have to consider the audience, the setting and the context of the situation, timing is everything. Verbal communications needs to play off the mind of the audience who are receiving the message. Non verbal communication such as presentation and appearance is important because you have to consider the source as a recipient, we have to be mindful of our surroundings and our communicators.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to communication I pride myself in being sincere. I believe sincerity goes a long way. Sometimes being much too bold and frank is based solely on diction and delivery so it is important to use effective communication practices. An area in which I am lacking I believe would be confidence. Sometimes I am unprepared or uneducated on a subject and unless I feel completely able to properly add my input, I won't. I feel that this has impeded me from a few opportunities.
I think it is important to at least share with others the little bit of information you may have on a certain issue even if just to reassure the view points of others. This is so you advance as a synergy of communication and arrive at a common conclusion.
In my opinion, the value of communication is just as significant as being able to have successful listening skills. Listening well diminishes what can possibly turn into a conflict and help with understanding the speaker. My suggestion on being able to listen to someone, and when to and not to give verbal feedback will allow yourself and the other person to feel understood. I feel it would be able to open doors on trusting one another.
ReplyDeleteMy strengths in communication: I feel that I’m very open-minded to opinions, and point of views that I don’t always agree with but willing to hear out what the other has to say. I do try to make a conscious effort to make the other person feel comfortable to where they feel I trust them to communicate with them and vice versa. I do lack on trying to stay focus on what the “main” issue is and have the habit on getting off topic… Also, ways in which I would like to improve my skills is not always feeling the need I have to compare their situation with a situation of mine. I should try harder to know to just listen at times and not always having an answer is sometimes better than always having a response for someone.
Effective communication is more than the ability to express oneself through verbal cues. It is the ability to also use your body, tonal clues, and eyes to express what you are feeling. One of my best communication skills I think is that I feel like there are no taboo topics. It makes it much easier for me to discuss things in a more rounded way because I'm not worrying how I'm going to dance around a topic that may be directly connected to the conversation. I also think that although I tend to shy away from conversations with people I don't know I warm up pretty quickly, so most people don't notice how terrified I am in a group of strangers. Something I would consider a weakness is my penchant for going off topic. I easily get pulled of topic by some tangent I think is relevant, that isn't so bad. My inability to make my way back to the main topic is what really hinders me in most discussions. I also have a hard time voicing the connections I make between topics in my head. This usually ends up with me on a topic I find relevant and most people thinking I've gone off on a completely random story.
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