Communications-Writing Assignment Preview: Ineffective and Effective Communication
Space between paragraphs for clarity.
Content: Write a paper applying the lecture on effective and ineffective communication to a specific situation in your life. Parts to include in the paper are listed below. Number your response to each part.
1. Describe a specific situation in your life when you have had a major communication conflict with a person or a group of people (300 words maximum).
2. Describe how the four major areas of ineffective communication (i.e., “You Language and Directives”, “Universals”, “Tough on person and soft on issue”, “invalidation of feelings”) are related to your problem (400 words maximum).
3. Which of the effective communication skills do you personally need to become better at using? To answer this part, begin your written response essay style (350 words minimum). In addition, give six specific, verbal examples of how you could use effective communication to handle the situation.
Number your examples, and identify specifically the types of effective communication skills you’re illustrating as follows:
1) “I know you’re unhappy about the situation. At the same time, it’ll be easier for both of us if we can resolve the issue.” (validate feelings)
2) “It’s up to you, if you continue to raise your voice, I’ll leave until we can discuss the situation calmly.” (consequence)
3) I will show my boss my sales results for the past four quarters to justify my raise. (evidence).
4. Do you view your problem differently now? Why or why not (short paragraph)?
Grading:
A. Lengths as indicated above. Exceed the 1200 minimum total word count substantively for higher grade.
B. Your demonstrated understanding and analysis of ineffective and effective communication as applied to your situation.
C. Six numbered, verbal examples of how you could articulate effective communication in part 3. Identify the type of effective communication for each example clearly.
D. Proper grammar and spelling. Number your response to each part.
