Interpersonal: Small Group Communication Terms

Communicators/ Source/ Revceivers

communicators send and receive verbal and non-verbal messages to each other

Channel

the method through which the message is delivered.

Context

the situation/purpose and relationship

Message

the information relayed and interpreted between the two communicators. 

Feedback

signals sent from the receiver to the sender to indicate that they either did or did not understand the message - conveyed through literal content and/or nonverbal cues.

Noise

denotes anything that twists or disrupts the message (clarity, accuracy, meaning, understanding, and retention). Examples: literal noise, technology, speaker’s communication style, judgments/preference for person, competence).

Leadership

* Leadership roles can fluctuate with each task or even during a task


* Not always just ONE or the SAME leader (and a leader isn’t always the loudest, most outgoing, smartest one…)

Social

* Speak up and be responsible for your voice/opinion but also invite/bring others into the conversation
* Provide feedback to members - VALIDATE that you are listening - BUILD off their response versus trying to get your point in/check your box (VOLLEY)
* Collaborate effectively - use good relationship and communication skills (verbal and nonverbal)

Task

* Follow the rules/norms
* Keep the goal in mind/stay on task/redirect if needed
* Demonstrate a strong desire to contribute and help reach the goal
* Support team decisions
* Assist other team members
* Demonstrate critical thinking skills

Understand the purpose

What is our goal? What do we need to do? What is the problem/issue/task? What should we use for resources?  Who am I working with?

Determine procedures

How should we reach our goal?  What should we do?  What are our priorities?  Where do we begin?  How should we delegate

Brainstorm and work on the problem

How do you ensure everyone is participating?  Is there more than one way?  Is everyone fulfilling their responsibilities at a mutual level of expectation?

Reach a final solution

How will we reach a final solution?  How do we know everyone agrees?

Reflect

How could we/I improve?  What worked?  What didn’t work?