Pcom

Module 2: Evaluating Messages

Lesson Learning Outcomes

Evaluate multimodal texts critically to enhance listening, reading, and viewing skills.Students will refine their ability to dissect various types of media, considering how different elements interact to create meaning.

Utilize communication aids and strategies in presentations.Students will learn to enhance their presentations using supportive tools and techniques that engage audiences effectively.

Topics Covered

1. The Power of Nonverbal Cues

Nonverbal communication often conveys more meaning than verbal messages. Understanding nonverbal cues is essential for effective communication.

Kinesics: Body language, gestures, and facial expressions that communicate feelings and attitudes.

Paralinguistics: The study of voice tone, pitch, volume, and speech rate that supplements oral communication.

Haptics: Communication through touch; different cultures may have varying norms regarding levels of physical contact.

Proxemics: The use of personal space in communication; understanding how distance affects interactions is crucial.

Chronemics: Time as a form of communication; perceptions of time can greatly influence cross-cultural communication.

2. The Power of Words and Images

Language plays a key role in framing messages, while images can elicit emotions and convey messages quickly.

Impact of Language: Exploring how word choice, tone, and structure affect interpretations and emotional responses.

Visual Communication: The use of images and visual aids can enhance understanding and retention of information.

3. Language of Multimodality

Multimodal texts combine various modes (text, image, sound, etc.) to enhance meaning. Understanding how to critically analyze these texts is essential in today’s media-rich environment.

Analysis of Multimodal Texts: Evaluating how different elements work together to create a cohesive message.

Representation of Knowledge: Recognizing that different modalities can convey content in unique ways and have their own strengths and limitations.

4. Language Register

Language register refers to the level of formality or informality in language use appropriate to the context and audience.

Situational Awareness: Adapting language based on context, audience, and purpose to ensure effective dialogue.

Audience Awareness: Tailoring content to meet the expectations and preferences of different target demographics.

5. Communication Aids and Strategies

Utilizing tools and strategies to support communication objectives during presentations can significantly enhance effectiveness.

Visual Aids: Using slides, videos, charts, and graphs to support and clarify key points in presentations.

Handouts and Materials: Providing supplementary materials can help reinforce the message and keep the audience engaged.

6. Communicative Strategies

Understanding various strategies can facilitate clearer communication and enhance understanding.

Active Listening Skills: Engaging with the speaker by providing feedback, asking questions, and summarizing what is said to confirm understanding.

Questioning Techniques: Employing open-ended questions to encourage discussion and deepen understanding.

Feedback Mechanisms: Utilizing audience feedback to gauge the effectiveness of communication and adjust strategies accordingly.

Mode - When discussing multimodal texts, mode refers to the type of communication beingused: spatial, linguistic, visual, gestural, aural, etc. The word "mode" has multiple connotationsin various fields, including “modes of argumentation” in composition..