Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Week 14--Question #3

3). Pick one other concept in the book that you feel needs further discussion?



One concept in the book that I feel needs further discussion is becoming a responsible communicator. The reason I feel this needs more discussion is because there are so many ways in teaching how someone can communicate but telling someone how to become a better “communicator” in my opinion is difficult. They need to want to be a better communicator themselves. I have dealt with situations where my parents tell me that I have to do things all the time such as cleaning my room. However, I will not clean my room with them yelling at me all the time. I have to want to clean my room in order for it to be clean. I think this needs more discussion because instead of having ways to be a responsible communicator, there should be discussion on why being a responsible communicator is good and we should be able to decide from that point.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Week 14--Question #2

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

Nonverbal communication really amazed me because I never realized how deep it could be. There are so many different human behaviors that convey messages that we are not aware of but this part of the book helped me understand the different concepts nonverbal communication has. I now watch movies and interactions with my friends differently because of the concepts I now grasp with nonverbal communications. Being able to communicate with people without actually physically communicating amazes me. Emotions and other codes are the messages that are conveyed between two people communicating non-verbally. It amazes me that I can communicate with my boyfriend across the room with my eyes and he automatically knows what message I am giving him. Just a certain look can simply mean, “I love you.” I love nonverbal communication!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Week 14--Question #1

1.)(Regarding Chapter 13) 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?

The research method listed in Table 13.3 that seems most interesting to me in the Ethnography method. The ethnography method is stated as “The researcher observes behavior in its natural setting. To describe the communication practices of a group of people, the researcher may actually “go undercover” as a participant. The researcher avoids imposing his or her own values and assumptions on the data. Instead of testing an existing hypothesis, he or she allows conclusions to emerge from observations” (Trenholm 374).
A research question I would form using the ethnography method is, “How has television viewing affected your romantic relationships?” I would choose the ethnography method to answer it because I can use my own examples and my own personal choices in answering this question. In my opinion, when using your own examples in answering questions, it strengthens the quality of the answer and shows how much you understand it.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Week 12--Question #3

2). 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.

I agree with McLuhan when he says that the medium is the message. Trenholm also agrees with him by saying that “it’s as important as the message itself and that the channel, in fact often determines which messages will be transmitted and which will be ignored” (307). In my opinion, everyone is different when it comes to mediums which include the media in particular such as computers, televisions, and cell phones. Text messaging and email seem to be the things that a lot of people focus on rather than the old fashioned telephone call or snail mail. For example, at work I am always calling someone rather than emailing because to me it’s faster and more efficient when physically speaking to someone. However, when I do call sometimes, and there is no answer, I tend to email. The email is answered before the voicemail is responded to and sometimes that amazes me.

McLuhan’s idea that television is a cool medium because “it demands that viewers fill in detail…We become impatient with nonpictorial stimuli and with nondramatic messages” (Trenholm, 307-308). When reading a book I look to see if there is a movie out so that I can put pictures to the words I am reading. Also, I am very annoyed that commercials are constantly on when I’m trying to watch an interesting TV show. I like watching TV shows without commercials and I think my DVR is the greatest invention!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Week #12--Question #2

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

A concept from the reading I found interesting was selective attention. Trenholm states it as only listening to parts of the message (309). I always thought there was only such a thing was selective hearing but it is interesting to know that there is selective attention as well. There are times when I am watching television and I do not like what music is on even though I enjoy the whole show as a whole. I will usually change the channel because it does not interest me and find something else more appealing. My attention span seems to be limited mainly because I get bored easily. I think selection attention is focused on people who get bored easily and at times need some spark in their life because change is needed!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Week 12--Question #1

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

When I was in the 7th grade and the internet was a completely new world to me, chatting in cyberspace was all I did. I begged my mom to get AOL so that I could go into all the cool and interesting chatrooms they had. The one that was awesome to me at the time was the “NSYNC” chatroom. I remember there was a boy in the room that swore he was Justin Timberlake and we would talk for days! I would sneak on the computer at times just to email him or even talk to him. I think it’s ridiculous now, but back then, it was my favorite thing to do!

They are different from face to face relationships because you actually know and have met the person you are interacting and befriending. You are able to see their face gestures, hold their hands, hug their bodies, and have actual face to face interactions with them. With cyberspace, the only thing you know about them is what they are telling you. You do not know if what they’re telling you are lies or actually real.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Week 11--Question #3

1). 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 obligations does an organization like a college or university have to the local community?

Organizations are tied to the environment according to Trenholm. “Organizations are linked to their environments. Organizations depend on their surroundings for resources and energy” (215). We all have specific duties and roles in our environments that we need to work with in order for our environment to run smoothly. For example, I am a personal banker and my services at work are necessary in order for my branch to run. We need to adapt to change in order of a successful environment.

I am currently attending San Jose State and live in the Evergreen community. Also, making sure that funding for both are taken cared in order to ensure an efficient community.

In my opinion, ethical obligations an organization like a university has to a local community are whether or not what they’re doing for the community is to their benefit personally or as a whole because there are certain things that people are more concerned with than others—we all have our differences. They both are trying to better their environment by focusing on the cleanliness of both—making sure that both are taken cared of and that proper security is in place in order to provide a safe yet clean environment for all.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Week 11--Question #2

2). Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

There have been numerous amounts of time when I was bothered by a cell phone. The most annoying time I can think of is when I’m at the grocery store waiting in line. I understand that emergencies happen and that we need to answer our phones, however, when you’re in the middle of a transaction about to pay and you’re rummaging through your purse just to find your credit card/cash payment and your cell phone rings, and there are 10 people in line behind you…just ignore the cell phone! However, there were many times when people just answer and start talking and forget what they’re looking for in their purse! I just find it rude to stop what you’re doing, have everyone including the cashier wait while you finish your phone call about what you’re doing next Friday night.

I think call waiting is a great invention just because you are able to speak on the phone with another person and still be able to wait for a call from another person. You do not have to limit yourself to who you are talking to just because the person you are waiting for has not called yet.

In my opinion, there are times when it is rude to put people on hold to take another call and there are times when it is not rude. The reason is because if you are not expecting a call from another person and it suddenly comes up, then by all means, take the phone call. However if you are talking on the phone and another person calls to chitchat and you put the other person you were talking to on hold just to talk to the other person, then I think that is rude.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Week 11--Question #1

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading (not already discussed for this week) that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

A concept from the assigned reading that I found useful and interesting as well was message filtering. Trenholm defines filtering as a serious problem in formal communication because details are either omitted, added and the gist of the message is lost in the process. In my opinion, this is how drama gets started. One person tells another person one thing and it just keeps going and going until the last person eventually hears it and the story is completely different. I remember in high school I told my friend that a classmate of mine had died her blonde to be like her mom and the next thing I know some person I never met comes up to me and tells me I shouldn’t be talking “crap” behind someone’s back…when in fact all I said is that her hair looks like her mom’s and the 100th person that heard the story heard that I said “her mom shouldn’t have colored her hair because it makes her look like a tramp!” What a completely different story!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Week 10--Question #3

1). Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? Which would be the most damaging to a relationship? Which would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved?

In my opinion, the most difficult pattern to change would be the submissive symmetry because as defined in the book, both parties struggle to relinquish control (Trenholm, 148). Because both partners avoid control, they do their best trying to control who makes the decision. I think it’s the most difficult pattern because both parties are not confident in their decision making and doesn’t think that the other person trusts them enough to make a strong decision. Strong decision making and trusts are important aspects in a relationship because to me, it’s what builds a relationship together. Putting pieces together in order to become a strong whole is what a relationship to me is.

The pattern that is most damaging to a relationship is the competitive symmetry. Trenholm defines it as both members fighting for the one-up position. Not only is it harmful in a romantic relationship, it is harmful in any kind of relationship. For example, two friends competing for the same position is hurtful on not only the ego, but on the individuals as well. The reason for this is because whoever wins in the end, the loser will feel that he or she is not comparable to the person who won and will feel as though he or she is not good enough or does not have the same qualities as the person who won.

I believe that the competitive symmetry is also the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved because of how frustrating it is on both parties. Even though both individuals do their best to win the competition, one will always lose and will have a hurt ego due to the fact that he or she is not as “good” as the one who won regardless of the matter. For example, we all know that men lose weight faster than women. However, my boyfriend and I are always competing as to who loses the most…in the long run, I’m always the one who’s going to get hurt because his hormones allow him to lose weight faster regardless if I’m the one running and starving myself. It just sucks, but it’s something that I have to deal with. I’m always going to lose the competition and even though it’s all based on hormones, it just sucks.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Week 10--Question #2

2). 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? Does Duck's theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues?

When I think about the filters I use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners I turn to earlier stages in my life when I did have a romantic partner and look back at both the positive and negative views on the relationship. I pick out the negative ones and make sure that my “potential romantic partner” does not show any qualities of my negative view points yet only the positive. For example, my ex boyfriend used to think that women were there simply for pleasure and nothing else. Women were there just to feed, entertain, and do anything her boyfriend wants her to do. And this is something I just cannot adhere to. I am my own person and having someone tell me what I have to do in order to stay in a relationship is something I will not have in my life.

Characteristics/Behaviors that lead me to judge others as unattractive are negative behaviors. When people think only negatively and never look at the positive view points of life then it makes me not want to be around them whether it be romantically or friendly. For example, I have a co-worker who is always complaining and whining about her life and it just bugs me to hear all the negative aspects. Yes your life right now may not be in the best condition, but there are positive outlooks to every negative one.

Yes, Duck’s theory makes sense to me because of the 4 phases he includes in his model: intrapsychic, dyadic, social and grave-dressing. All of which I believe to be important and necessary is an interpersonal relationship.

I am guilty of eliminating someone by using a sociological cue and have reconsidered them based on interaction. There have been instances where first impressions take a toll on me but once I do get to know the actual person, 9/10 chances I enjoy being around them. When I was 16, my boss at my old job used to terrify me because he always had this stern look on his face and was never happy with life. However, when I was able to get past his upset look, I was able to see that there is a reason to his unhappiness and he just needs to have a little bit of positive influence.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Week 10--Question #1

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that we have no already discussed, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

Dyadic Communication is very interesting to me just because it’s a very personal type of communication. It also allows one to get to know another more intimately by adapting their contributions to their partner’s intellect interests. I think dyadic communication is used mostly in romantic relationships solely because of how strong you intimately interact with another. It is a type of communication that have free minds involved because ideas need to be freely exchanged and need to be well aware of who they are interacting with. They give us security and give us self-esteem because we have control over who we are with dyadic communication. Dyadic communication is interesting and is useful in my interpersonal relationships but not with my business relationships solely because I am not comfortable disclosing who I am to others. I find it amazing as to how strong dyadic communication is and how useful it is when we are in the process of freely speaking about ourselves to others we trust and welcome into our lives.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Week9--Question #3

2). Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?

I believe in the rationality premises. Trenholm stays that’s the rationality premises is 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.

We are all capable of making our own decisions and we rely on our instincts and our learned knowledge to make these decisions. We learn by trial and error and by history. We look back at what other people have done and we go from there.

A social institution/practices that are based on this belief is the court system. Cases are conducted each and everyday and decisions are made everyday. With these decisions made, judges and lawyers look back at past similar cases and make their judgments and decisions based on previous cases—this is how we learn. We take our own decision and look back at what others have done and come up with a general reasoning behind it.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Week 9--Question #2

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

A concept that I found interesting in this week’s reading was culture shock. Trenholm defines culture shock as, “the anxiety that results from losing all of our familiar signs and symbols of social intercourse.” I have been to many different states within the past year and I am constantly in culture shock. However, one country that I have been to that has given me an impression was Paris. Not that I didn’t like being in Paris, it was just completely and totally different. The lifestyle they lives was completely different than the one we currently are living as well as the food and their everyday activities. Having four-hour lunches/breaks during the middle of the day amazes me. They are so laid back there that it allows them to focus on the important things rather than stress all day. Here in America, stress is constantly following us and we are always looking for a break. We are given a 2-week break every year where in Paris; they are given a 6-week break. When I came back to America, I looked at everything from a different perspective and I am happy to say that I enjoy the life I live even though there are times when I wish I was living someone else’ life.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Week #9--Question #1

1). 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?

I completely agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict when she says that we are “creatures for our culture” and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture. The reason I agree with Benedict is because I myself rely on my culture to make a lot of my decisions. My ethical questions are answered based on my culture. I am currently taking an ethics class and my professor is constantly stating that our upbringings and our morals are based on culture itself. We identify ourselves with what our culture is and that is the main reason as to why our decision making is based on our culture—it defines who we are as a person.

When trying to break through the limits of our culture, I believe that the only way is to be associated with people outside of our culture so that you are able to get a view/feel of their feelings/thoughts as well. When influenced by other people who are outside of your culture, I believe that decision making is a bit different because you see another perspective.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Week #7--Question #3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed this week, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it

One concept from the reading I found interesting was physical appearance. Mark Knapp says, “Physical appearance may be influential in determining whether you are sought out; it may have a bearing on whether you are able to persuade or manipulate others; it is often an important factor in the selection of dates and marriage partners;…it may be a major factor contributing to how others judge your personality, your sexuality, your popularity, your success, and often your happiness” (130). I completely agree with that statement because in the business world I work in, physical appearance is everything. For example, since I work at the bank, I have to always be in professional attire. Can you imagine a banker taking care of your money in sweats and an old t-shirt? I certainly cannot! Clothes can either make or break your appearance. It also does have an effect on how people perceive you. As horrible as that sounds, physical appearance has a huge toll on who we are.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Week #7--Question #2

2). 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?

The only example I can really think of nonverbal communication in other countries would be my trip to the Philippines back in 2004. I had never been out of the country and when I first arrived I was taken back by all the differences they have over there. Coming out of the plane, everyone had frowned faces and I didn't understand why. In my head, I was happy to be here because I was "home" and I am able to be with family members. People were walking around so upset that it scared me a bit because of their facial expressions. People would be throwing luggages everywhere and I still couldn't grasp the concept of their angriness. However, when my aunt picked me up, she was able to explain to me that people are upset with the weather. It is very hot in the Philippines and it is common for people to be constantly upset due to the unpleasant weather.

I haven't moved around the country, but I have been on vacations around the United States that have allowed me to open my eyes and have an understanding of the world around us. I went to New York a couple of years ago for spring break and everyone was constantly running and in a hurry. Of course I understand why they were all hectic--we live busy lives!! However, people would be at bakeries or deli shops and they basically would order with the look on their face. For example, I was at a deli and this lady was ordering a sandwich. The sandwich maker would ask if she wanted certain condiments on her sandwich and her facial expressions would say it all. The deli was completely quiet and needless to say, when I went in, I was so loud that people just frowned at me...

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Week #7--Question #1

1). 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 message?

There are times when I have been in a room for a meeting and was nonverbally communicating with a colleague of mine and at the end of the meeting when we all were able to communicate verbally with one another, my friends and I would crack up laughing because the signs being given to one another were completely off the charts. For example, my friends and I would be starving and one would have her hand over her stomach and the other would just be making cat faces. However, we weren’t sure if they were messages to let us know they were sick or that they thought the speaker was feisty. To me, nonverbal messages can mean a lot in the sense that you either know what they’re saying or you don’t. I don’t believe that there is a middle man in between due to the amount of effort being put into nonverbal messages.

However, when it comes to my boyfriend and myself, we are able to connect without verbally communicating. Having certain connections and knowing the person well is also a factor into interpreting nonverbal messages accurately because you already know information about each individual. You know how they think, feel, react, etc. Therefore, it leads into an easier way in interpreting nonverbal messages. I think people can increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal messages by not always assuming what is being said right off the bat. Also, repeating what I said earlier, knowing the person on a deeper level is a helper when interpreting the accuracy of nonverbal messages.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Week 6--Question #3

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


As horrible as this sounds, I do not think it is possible to perceive others without judging them in some way. Just as I was saying on Paris’ blog…first impressions are everything. We live in such a stereotypical world that focuses and relies so much on first impressions and we judge them instantaneously as if it was normal to us. I see someone walk into my office, and I automatically have an opinion about him or her. I know that shouldn’t be that way but the world that we grow up in has caused us to think about others either positively or negatively—which is how first impressions and judging start. We live in such a judgemental world!

Monday, March 2, 2009

Week # 6--Question #2

3). Pick one concept from the assigned readings, other than what has already been discussed this week, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One concept that I have found interesting in this week's reading is person protoypes. Person protypes are "idealized reprsentations of a certain kind of person" (Trenholm, 51). I find this interesting because it reminds me of stereotypes. However, it's different because rather than stereotyping as a whole, we focus on one person. The book shares examples of person protoypes...car salesman, professor, etc. Categorizing people into different categories is interesting and fun at the same time and in my opinion, we do it during first impressions. The book uses a ditzy girl as an example and that reminds me of my high school years where a teacher of mine yelled at a fellow student once because of an incident that doesn't even matters and automatically this teacher is considered rude and obnoxious regardless of the attitude he gives.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Week 6--Question #1

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

Yes, I do agree that men and women use language differently. However, they sometimes seem like a secret language that only the same sex would understand. There are also times when men and women express their opinions differently which would also, in my opinion, be along the same lines as using language differently. For example, women tend to express their opinion in an outspoken language. They are more vocal and use different forms of language in order to emphasize or give more enthusiasm into what they are saying. However men tend to the opposite. They are more subtle with languages. When speaking, they are clear and to the point as oppose to women who go round and round in circles in order to make one point clear. Trenholm states, “In every spoken language, sounds are combined into meaningful sequences called words” (80). Women and men combine different words in order to get messages across—which is how I see they use language differently.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Week 4--Question #3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. (Choose a topic that has not already been covered in this weeks discussion).


One concept from the assigned reading I found useful/interesting was the idea of beliefs. It amazed me to see that beliefs was listed as a sub-category under The Audience-Speaker Relationship section because I was always taught that when public speaking, giving your own view on certain items was not right unless the argument or discussion called for it—I guess I was taught wrong. Reading this in the chapter made public discussion a lot easier for me because being able to incorporate beliefs in your discussion or speech makes the communication from one person to another more easily to understand. However, I can see why others believe beliefs shouldn’t be included in public discussion and because of persuading others into your own viewpoint. We all have different beliefs which is one way that differentiates all of us…and it is difficult to make someone believe the same thing you do…

Monday, February 16, 2009

Week 4--Question #2

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

I spoke about President Barack Obama during our week 2 discussion…he definitely is a speaker I admire because of his credibility when speaking. In my opinion, his strongest characteristic as a speaker is his integrity along with confidence. To me, confidence brings everything together and can turn any boring speech or speaker into an interesting person because not only do they are confidence in what they’re speaking about, it allows the audience to know that they at least are interested in what they are talking about. Going back on topic, the credibility, attractiveness, and power are Obama’s strongest characteristics because he brings all three easily into play when speaking on the podium. Ethos is showing moral character-- Obama can build ethos into all three characteristics by being a little bit more subtle about his decisions or plans for our world…in my opinion, it would benefit us if he was a little bit more quiet about what he was planning on doing before bringing up hopes for our citizens and just having it back fire in the end if none of his plans are approved.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Week 4--Question #1

1). 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?


In all honesty, the last time I have been influenced by a speaker besides President Obama was just last week. I’m taking Comm 157—a class that requires us to volunteer at a specific location during the semester. Five places were presenting to a class of more than 80 people and I was sure that I was going to be bored by what was going on. Each presenter took their time and just rambled on and on why we should volunteer at that particular location. I was not sure as to which one I wanted to devote my time too because none of them sounded too appealing. However, the last speaker, Joy, woke me up and presented something out of the blue. Yes, all of the presenters were either speaking about a community center or an elementary school but Joy was able to speak and open my eyes allowing me to choose her particular location. She spoke with enthusiasm, and had a passion for what she was talking about—which is why I chose the location. Having enthusiasm and passion to me is the key to a successful speech because it allows the audience to know that you too are impressed with what you are talking about. Helping kids get the best education despite the budget cut was her main goal and that was what interested me into volunteering with her.


The worst speaker I had was also one that I experienced last week as well. It was another presenter, Melanie who just spoke in a mono-tone voice without any enthusiasm or charisma at all. A little smile would have made her a bit interesting but we didn’t even get that. In all honestly, I do not remember her message, the only reason I remember her was because I started to doze off into my own zone and a classmate of mine woke me back up!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Week 3--Question #3

2). Consider the pragmatic perspective. Does it make sense to think of communication as patterned interaction? How is communication like a game? How is different from a game?

Trenholm states that, “according to the pragmatic viewpoint, the smallest significant unit of communication is the interact, which consists of two sequential acts” (Trenholm, 2008, 33). I think that it does make sense to think of communication as a patterned interaction because when I hear the word pragmatic, the game Checkers and Chess come to mind. I do not know why but I see it as going back and forth in silent communication in order to beat the master mind of another. During these games, we are silently communicating to each other about which one is better and how we can beat them. We go back and forth until the end of the game which also can mean the end of the communication.

There are times when I do not see communication as a game because of the different elements that are involved. When attending seminars and such, we are being talked to and are on a one way road—the reason for this is because communication should be a two way street and when playing a game, there is only one winner.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Week 3--Question #2

1). 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 (of the lack of these) in our culture?

I think the social construtionist perspective is amazing because we are able to build worlds through knowledge and cultures. We build worlds through communication by combining our own cultures with the current culture and traditions we are living and we build off of them. In my opinion, these concepts contribue to our happiness by allowing us to combine both the present and past with our future. We are able to contribue to our own future by giving ourselves presents from the past. For example, when my parents moved from the Philippines, they were able to bring over family traditions such as special Christmas traditions that we do not have here in America...my parents combine both a Filipino Christmas with an American Christmas because they believe that it the way to bring up their children--a world full of happiness and a world full of traditions from the past, present, and future...That is where I believe both happiness and success come from--our cultural views and the way we uphold them to our current families.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Week 3--Question #1

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

A concept in the chapter 2 reading that I found interesting was the social constructionist model of communication. As stated in the book, people exist within, and perceive themselves and others through the communicative practices of their cultures in a social constructionist model. It is interesting to know that our own lives revolve around a model and we follow each step everyday without even knowing it. Symbolic codes and cultural traditions are thw two elements that stick out to me from the social constructionist model of communication. The reason for that is because we rely so heavily on who we are by our cultures and being able to communicate with one another through our cultures amazes me. There are times when it is difficult for me to difficult with another person who does not understand some of my own customs. Communications is a very interesting subject and all the elements in this book are increasing my love for communications!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Week 2--Question #3

*2). The Greeks believed that to be an orator, an individual had to be morally good. Comment on whether you agree or disagree. What, if any, is the connection between goodness, truth, and public communication?

In my opinion, I do not believe that an individual has to be morally good in order to be an orator. The reason for this is because being morally good has no correlation with being a public speaker. In order to give a good speech does not mean that you need to live life a life with good practices and such. We all make our own decisions and another thing that I have learned is that we all have different morals. One person may think that what I’m doing is morally incorrect, but another person may think the complete opposite. So all in all, my opinion is that we do not need to be morally good in order to be an orator because of the different beliefs that we have lead us into speaking in a way that expresses our own views and outlooks in life.

I do not think that there is any connection between goodness, truth, and public communication because we form our own opinions and talent when speaking to the public. Just as what I had commented on a fellow classmate’s blog, goodness is not always truth and when communicating to the public, we are individuals who speak from our own minds and hearts. We listen to the media when formulating ideas because the media has more experience than we do in certain areas and they have also acquired skills needed in order to formulate a good speech in order to become an orator.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Week 2: Question #2

*3). Pick one concept from the reading assignment this week (Ch.1) that you found interesting or useful and discuss it.

A concept that I found interesting and useful in the reading of chapter 1 this week was the term invention. The reason I found it interesting was because we also are talking about invention in my philosophy class and it was nice to be able to read a different side of invention. It amazes me how many inventions have changed our world and life today. Another thing that I find incredible is that the study of communications is used throughout our day and I do not know for a fact if there was an inventor for communication, but I believe it to be the greatest thing in the world. Without it, we wouldn’t have the great inventions we have today nor would we able to live in our world today…not only is verbal communication interesting and helpful, I see all types of communication to be the key of a successful life today. Communication is the key to inventing new and interesting things.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Week 2--Question #1

*1). Think of a speaker you admire. Does his or her power to persuade come from ethos, pathos, or logos? Think about your own ability to persuade others. What personal qualities do you have that make you persuasive? Does Aristotle's classification scheme work for them, or do they fit into another category?


A speaker I admire is the new president of our country, Barack Obama. When first watching the elections, I did not pay much attention to any of it and let it all rest in the hands of the God I believe in. The reason for this is because in my opinion, our country is already as messed up and each candidate trying to win the seat of the President is going to say they are going to their best in turning our world around. However, upon reading and being forced to watch the presidential elections, I was awed by the way President Barack Obama lured his way into our country. He used an ethos approach by attaching emotional concerns to most of his speeches which allowed viewers to easily relate to what he was saying.

I believe that a personal quality I have when trying to persuade others just like Barack Obama is speaking from an ethos point of view. I have learned throughout my college career that ethos and logos are the two most prominent and well-worth ways to speak because of the characteristics they both uphold.

Aristotle’s classification scheme works for them because of the way preachers bring about their persuasion to the an audience. When preaching a certain view or way of life in order to persuade others, I believe that we all have our own talent and our own way of convincing others that our way is the right way…and the better person will win.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Introduction!

A new semester! My name is Sarah and I am a communications major! Finally am a senior and super excited to graduate!! I am a full time student who is also a full time personal banker at Union Bank. I have been in banking for the past 6 years and have realized that business is not the path I will be taking...numbers drive me insane! I am planning on applying to law school, but dreading the 3 year commitment. Other than all that, I'm just your average California girl trying to get by in life. I just turned 21, so I have lived it up...well to a certain extent of course. I'm excited to start this semester off as I love all my classes and upon completion of this semester, I will only have 3 classes left...:) So to everyone reading this, cheers to a great beginning!