Chapter Recap

• Verbal communication is the use of written or spoken language to interact with others. Language is symbolic, is governed by rules, conveys meaning, and is intertwined with culture.

• You can increase your verbal communication skills by creating messages that adhere to the cooperative principle and by using “I” and “we” language.

• Although there are many common stereotypes about how men and women communicate, studies show that men’s and women’s verbal communication is more similar than different.

• Consider how cultural factors like high- or low-context culture, preferred speech rates, or desired balance of turn taking can influence interactions, and try to adapt as best you can.

• Avoiding verbal communication pitfalls such as prejudiced language, verbal aggression, cyberbullying, deception, and defamation—and learning how to handle situations when others use them—will help you improve your communication competence.

1. What Went Wrong?

   Question

   Think of a recent conflict or unpleasant encounter you’ve had. It can be with anyone: a professor, a friend, a roommate, a family member, a coworker. Write out exactly what you and the other person said, to the best of your recollection. If it was a text-based interaction, use the e-mails, texts, or tweets for reference. Now, look at the language that you and your partner used. How did specific things that each of you said contribute to the unpleasantness of the interaction? Revisit the coverage of the cooperative principle and “I” and “we” language on pages 120–123. What could you have said differently to help the situation be more positive or to better explain your point of view?

   r7CokDU8ZLs=

   1. Think of a recent conflict or unpleasant encounter you’ve had. It can be with anyone: a professor, a friend, a roommate, a family member, a coworker. Write out exactly what you and the other person said, to the best of your recollection. If it was a text-based interaction, use the e-mails, texts, or tweets for reference. Now, look at the language that you and your partner used. How did specific things that each of you said contribute to the unpleasantness of the interaction? Revisit the coverage of the cooperative principle and “I” and “we” language on pages 120 –123. What could you have said differently to help the situation be more positive or to better explain your point of view?

2. Just a Little White Lie

   Question

   With a partner, discuss the definitions and differences between the types of deception outlined in Table 5.3: avoidance, concealment, lying, and vague. Do you consider some of these types more deceptive than others? When, if ever, is it acceptable to use these forms of deception? Is it ever ethical to deceive? Provide examples and rationales for each.

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   2. With a partner, discuss the definitions and differences between the types of deception outlined in Table 5.3: avoidance, concealment, lying, and vague. Do you consider some of these types more deceptive than others? When, if ever, is it acceptable to use these forms of deception? Is it ever ethical to deceive? Provide examples and rationales for each.