Final Discussion- Post 3

Of all the concepts we learned over the course of the semester,  nonverbal communication is my favorite. The text defines nonverbal communication as the subtle and multidimensional use of language in the form of body or facial gestures, tone of voice, turn taking, use of time, or habits or dress or hairstyle (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 78). The concept of nonverbal communication stands out to me because I feel it is a vital component of most conversations. I personally favor face-to-face communication and over the phone conversation due to this aspect alone. It is easy for messages sent via text to be lost in translation since there are very little nonverbal indicators to be recognized. However, in-person and over the phone messages are much more easy to interpret through reading ones facial expression or tone of voice. Overall, the section on nonverbal communication just reinforced its significance of its role in conversation and communication in general.

Final Discussion- Post 2

Overall, this class has taught me how to work effectively in a group environment. Everything I have learned through the course of the semester is valuable information that will be of use to me throughout my life. Furthermore, the skills I picked up in this class will be extremely useful for my future career since I will most likely be interacting with a group on a daily basis. My favorite thing about the class was the way it was setup. The format was very easy to follow and I liked that each week the agenda was for the most part routine. I guess my least favorite aspect would be the 12 hours that are required between each discussion post; however, I do understand the purpose. In terms of improvement, I can’t think of any area in particular that I would adjust or change. I have taken several online classes and the ones I have taken with professor Perez have been my favorite.

Final Discussion- Post 1

Looking back, I do think that the Group Observation Project was a useful project. This term I was also enrolled in Comm 156i- Qualitative Communication in which the main assignment for the class was a semester-long research project. This project was similar to the Group Observation in that they both required the use of observations; however, Comm 156 required interviews and surveys in addition to the observations. Though the content of the assignments were different, I feel both projects helped me greatly in terms of identifying and interpreting group behaviors. In regards to this class, the Group Observation Project was very beneficial as it allowed us a chance to apply what we had learned through the course of the semester. I also feel that the Movie Review/Analysis Paper was a good introduction to the Group Observation Project since it prepared us on how to observe a group before we had to do so first hand. Overall I thought the Group Observation Project was structured well and can’t think of anything in particular I would change.

Chapter 11/12- Post 3

Chapter 12 describes avoidance as a conflict resolution strategy that is generally ineffective. This strategy entails withdrawing from the conflict completely as a way to avoid addressing the issue at hand. Though I am not proud of it, I am someone who typically deals with conflict by avoiding it. Even if I am really upset, I am likely to conceal my true emotions in an effort to avoid confrontation. This is something I am trying to work on since I am starting to realize how destructive this style can be. Harris & Sherblom (2011) state that conflict is healthiest when group members face it head on since conflict is usually resolved only by working through it, rather than suppressing or avoiding it (p. 213). Without addressing the issue, the matter will never be resolved effectively and therefore; by doing this, I am only creating more conflict for the future. These behaviors take time to adjust; however, I am trying to practice conflict resolution strategies that produce a more effective result.

Chapter 11/12- Post 2

Chapter 12 lists several styles for small group resolution styles. One of these is collaboration which is considered the ideal conflict-resolution strategy for any group. Reaching a consensus requires carefully defining the issues, discussing group-process strategies for communication; agreeing on the paramaters of a good solution; being open, careful, and considerate; listening to all perspectives; and being willing to take the time and energy needed to forge solutions from the best parts of the perspective offered (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 208). On the other hand, competitive resolution has a win-lose orientation. This style is marked by self-interest, rather than mutual interest, and by an assumption of a limited resource and limited possibilities (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p.211).

As a member of a group, I have experienced both styles of conflict-resolution styles in the past and have found that collaboration always produces the most satisfying result. This is the most rewarding for me since the result is achieved through both parties agreeing mutually. Choosing a competitive style usually leaves one partied dissatisfied and therefore, the issue can never be fully resolved. Both of these resolution styles have also been relevant in my friendships as with most my friends I am able to resolve conflict by collaborating; however, one of my friends always has to be right which causes our arguments to be resolved more competitively.

Chapter 11/12- Post 1

Chapter 11 discusses the various group process and presentation techniques. These techniques can prevent the accumulation of errors leading to a poor conclusion, enhance your group’s creativity, facilitate its problem-solving process and provide a method by which the group can present that information to a larger audience in a persuasive matter (Harris & Sherblom, 2011, p. 181). A forum provides a format for speaking and listening to a larger audience; a panel is a public format in which a group of four to eight experts discuss a problem or decision in front of an audience; a colloquium is a form of public discussion in which a small group of experts discusses a problem in front of an audience with the help from a moderator; and a symposium is a series of two to six brief speeches made on different aspects of a difficult problem. Of these techniques, I would probably follow the format of the forum as it seems the most similar to the discussion style I am used to in class.

Chapter 10- Post 3

Another concept discussed in Chapter 10 is Superiority Versus Equality. The text states that though there are bound to be discrepancies amongst a group, the contribution of each member is necessary for a group to work effectively. This means that while some members may be more experienced, powerful, or knowledgeable than others, they must put their egos in check and not view the other members as being inferior. In other words, establishing a sense of equality sets the stage for an effective group process. Equal participation from each of the members places everyone at the same level, which allows everyone to develop a mutual respect for one another. If a member has an attitude that they are superior, the other members are likely to become offended and view this member as arrogant which will therefore develop a degree of resentment and cause a divide amongst the members of the group.