1. The loophole of communication
The only step ahead that humans have, in comparison to animals, is communication. Of which the basis can be found in cooperation. Our desire to help one and other without personal gain in the short term is what sets us apart from animals, proclaims Tomasello. He states that communication can be divided into three groups, namely; requesting, informing and sharing. But these three function of communication only work when the common ground between human communicators is solid. “Indeed, this is what motivates them in the first place−they both assume mutually that it will be to their individual and mutual benefit to do so” (Tomasello, 2010). Thus, when the speaker wishes to tell something he makes sure that the receivers is aware of his attempt to communicate and the possible benefits that will follow.
But who benefits the most? Taillard states communication is a two-fold. “To the audience, it is a means of acquiring relevant information; to the communicator, it is a means of affecting the beliefs and other attitudes of the audience” (2004). Because of this the speaker has the possibility to give false, coloured or partial information, which means that the information may not beneficial for the receivers. Nevertheless, the information will be obtained by the audience.
This is because to obtain information concerning several subjects in life is essential. Due to limited time is it impossible to experience everything firsthand. Communication is therefore often “a more efficient means than direct perception, sometimes the only means, to obtain relevant information” (Taillard, 2004). Thus, we need the two functions, informing and sharing, to learn about life and therefore thrust the speaker based upon ou...
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...he possibility of deception” (Taillard, 2004). For the receiver cannot blindly take what the speaker says as factual information. Nor can the speaker be sure if his utterances have the intended effect. The speaker does have the opportunity of using persuasive tactics to enlarge the chances of successfully deceiving the receivers.
One of these persuasive tactics that makes it possible for the speaker to influence the receiver in the hopes of changing their habits or perceptions is framing. The receiver will seek “relevant information to form her own beliefs; [...] by using such information and the associated beliefs to form intentions to engage in self-beneficial, or adaptive, behaviour” (Taillard, 2004). The thrust that we have that the information is valid and given upon a cooperate basis, makes it possible for the speaker to manipulate the audience.
Summary – It is quite difficult to avoid any persuasive acts while resisting them at the same time. Being prepared with knowledge of how easy it is to be manipulated, controlled, seduced, etc. allows us to open up to the use of rhetoric.
Interpersonal communication is communication that occurs between two people within the context of their relationship and as that evolves, helps them to define their relationship (p.22). With interpersonal communication as a backbone for meeting our daily needs, whether we communicate verbally or non-verbally when we are in the presences of others then communication is taking place. The elements of interpersonal communication are broken down into the communicators, the message, noise, feedback, context, and channel (p.9). The models such as interaction and transactional show that interpersonal communication works as a two-way street between the sender and receiver. When both the sender and receiver are receiving messages and feedback that defines a relationship where both needs are being met. Floyd discusses that interpersonal communication many aspects of our lives, from our physical needs and other every day needs to our experiences with relationships, spirituality, and identity (p.4). When we overcome the challenges with communication we can meet our needs and build relationships. To meet our needs, we must be willing to
As expressed in the previous chapter, there is no clear and concise definition as to what exactly is and is not persuasion. Therefore, persuasion has several names and meanings making it difficult to define this complex topic. In this chapter, the author examines some of the reasons as to why defining this phenomenon is such a hassle. To do this, the author first describes two important factors that clarify the source of differences among definitions of persuasion, which are the ideas of pure versus borderline persuasion. Following these characteristics, the author presents five other controversial factors that also contribute to the differences among definitions of persuasion.
Listening and responding to others has a major role to play in good communication and as such, satisfy their own purposes in life. People communicate with each other for getting information across, for learning and evaluating purposes, for listening and observation purposes or for mere enjoyment or recreation. However, it is a well known fact, that no two people listen, communicate or respond in the same way, and we know that it is true because research in the field has proved that it is so. According to
1.) Rank’s easy-to-use, analytical tool is called the intensify/downplay model, and its goal is to help you to become more critical and analytical receivers. It defines and gives examples of four major persuasive strategies and six associated tactics that are often used by persuaders today. (Larson, 2007 page 31) Ranks major strategy is to either intensify certain aspects of the product, cause or candidate. His other strategy is to downplay certain aspects of their brand, cause or candidate. (Larson, 2007 page 31) The intensification and downplay strategies include, to intensify their own good points, intensify the weak points of the opposition, downplay their own weak points, and downplay the good points of the opposition. The tactics that most persuaders use for intensification are repetition, association, and composition to intensify their own good points. Rank’s downplay tactics include omission, diversion and confusion. “Any of these tactics can be used logically or emotionally.” (Larson, 2007 pg. 31) For example commercials today don’t show the hidden meaning and try to persuad...
Persuasive communication seeks to have an effect upon the receiver and is commonly defined as goal oriented communication. Technology has enabled information to be shared among far more people than face-to-face communication could ever achieve, through mass media broadcasting. By utilising technology to increase the efficiency and ability to persuade is often seen in advertising, public relations and politics. Advertising takes advantage of the ability technology grants of being able to communicate with masses of people easily and efficiently and uses mass media to present images in order to persuade customers to purchase their products. Social media can be used to present a positive image or a ‘mask’ of a person. A person can use this to their advantage as they can manipulate how other people interpret them thus communicating an altered rep...
Knowledge may continue to expand; many enigmas of speech and behavior may be solved. But good communication between individuals can continue to be based on the precept underlying all the examples described above.
Since the dawn of time, man has always sought to manipulate and control his surroundings for his own benefit and survival. In many societies, this desire has carried itself over into public life in the form of propaganda, a “deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behavior to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist” (Jowett and O’Donnell 2015, 7). One such example of modern day propaganda is indubitably the campaign ad released by presidential hopeful Ted Cruz on March 23rd 2015 entitled “Ted Cruz for President”. As William J. McGuire explains in his theory of persuasion however, failure at any stage in the persuasive process can result in
Kerbel, Matthew R. (1993). An Empirical Test of the Role of Persuasion in the Exercise of
Communication refers to limited responses given by an organism to one stimulus. (Steven, 1950) It helps exchange one’s ideas by any methods such as speaking and listening, writing and reading or body language. An efficient communication process allows receivers to give clear responds. After finishing the presentation of this subject, I learned about how to communicate with people in a specific age range and remove communication barriers in
Persuasion is an important aspect of communication, certainly a significant business activity. Regardless of whether this comes in the form of a sender influencing a party or the receiver itself is being influenced. Typically, this could come in the form of a salesman or, even a manager communicating with key stakeholders, such as potential investors.
In the most advantageous of cases this model suggests that a receiver “considers the content of the persuasive message carefully and has favorable thoughts about the content” (Enfante, Rancer & Avtgis, 2010, p. 172). When receivers engage in cognitive thinking, they participate in the type of persuasion the authors call the “central route” (Enfante, Rancer & Avtgis, 2010, p. 172). Under the central route, the receiver employs positive feelings towards whatever the source is saying and then in turn acts or forms attitudes based off of the positive thoughts. Thus they interact thoughtfully with the information the source is attempting to get across.
Communication is defined as “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, and feelings to someone else.” From that description, communication can be characterized as anything that can be used to get a message or a piece of knowledge from one individual to another. Communication helps humans to function orderly and productively. Without communication, the evolution of religion, government, art, clothing and much more would not have been possible. This makes communication a major cause of the evolution of human society with the solitary purpose: to inform and provide new information to others. Communication allows us to understand and gain knowledge and understanding of information.
Communication is essential to human life. Every aspect of our daily lives is affected by our communication with others. It can be different types such as verbal, nonverbal and written communication. It is indeed a complex process filled with countless elements, all of which play an important role. The process of communication between human beings has been studied and analyzed outwardly since the beginning of time. The term itself cannot be defined in only one particular way because communication exists in a certain context and is dependable on the communicator and the audience. Example of describing communication is as “the transmission of information, ideas, attitudes or emotions from one person or group to another (or others) primarily through symbols” and “social interaction through messages” (McQuail, 1993). Furthermore, Watson and Hill describe the process of communication as “one which begins when a message is thought up by a sender, who then encodes the message before transmitting it through a particular channel to a receiver, who in turn decodes the message with a certain effect as an outcome” (Price, 1998).The complexity of the whole process is seen through the use of verbal and nonverbal communication on a daily basis, as well as the ability to interact with other human beings on multiple levels, mentally and emotionally. We begin communicating the moment we come out of the womb and do not stop communicating until death. This essay will try to compare and contrast two different communication contexts- interpersonal and mass communication, by using relevant communication models.
Interaction is a significant part of our daily lives. Oral communication with others is inevitable, and therefore it is crucial for us to acquire the skills to do so correctly. Aside from simply stating words or expressing ideas, oral communication serves various purposes. Oral communication allows an individual to express emotions, ideas, and feelings; it gives people the ability to empower, inspire, and motivate those who listen; and it allows people to share knowledge and traditions, as well as build their self-esteem. Oral communication is also useful in leading us to new discoveries, ideas, cultures, and perspectives (O’Neill). Thus, oral communication serves several different purposes in daily life; yet each of these purposes are connected to an even larger purpose. According to the textbook Communication: Making Connections, “Effective communication is critical to living successfully in today’s soc...