My motivation for studying
communication comes from a heart which desires understanding, as well as to be
understood. As a child, and the youngest of nine, I was not in a position
physically to enforce my opinions, nor was I loud and brazen enough to win a
battle of words in volume (both number of words and decibel level). As a
voracious reader, I developed a strong vocabulary and wide base of knowledge,
which enabled me to develop my oratory skills in school. This skill was
utilized beyond speech and debate classes, as my field(s) of employment
required giving presentations, meeting sales goals, crafting persuasive
proposals, and creating a growing eco-tourism business from the ground up.
Knowing the value of effective communication in both my personal and professional
life, and wishing my communication to reflect good character, are my main
motivations to further my studies of this subject.
The benefits that come from
understanding communication in my personal and professional life are numerous.
I believe that developing effective communication skills (far beyond stating my
own needs or opinions) has strengthened my relationships, and widened my view
and understanding of the world in which I live (socially, culturally, and politically). There are fewer opportunities for
misunderstandings, and many opportunities to learn and grow. Professionally, developing relationships with
my clients and community partners, as well as co-workers, is very important in
my line of work as an Outreach Coordinator, if I am to be successful and see
our company’s goals met (and to assist our veteran clients reach
self-sustainability in their case plan execution). All of this requires a good understanding of
communication.
The definition of in Table 2.1 in Thinking
Through Communication that comes closest to my own personal definition of
communication is Definition 7: “Communication is ‘the transmission of
information, ideas, emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols – words,
pictures, figures, graphs, etc.’” (Berelson/Bernard/Steiner, 1964). In my
opinion, this definition is the most complete, as it does not specify spoken or
non-verbal interaction, and therefore is open to encompass both. It is general
enough to include a variety of media as well, without assuming intent. Perhaps
this definition appeals to me as it is very broad, and not restricted to being
“a uniquely human process” (Trenholm, 2008).
I believe communication, as defined here, however, is not limited only
to being “sender oriented.” Transmission is, in my mind, “between” both the
sender and the receiver, and thus communication is as well.
References
Trenholm,
S. (2008). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of
human communication. (6th). (P. Education, Ed.) Boston.
Berelson,
Bernard, & Steiner, Gary. (1964). Human behavior. New York: Harcourt,
Brace, & World, 254. (Trenholm 19-20)
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