Most Effective Communicator

Most Effective Communicator

Developed and written by Laura A. Janusik
University of Maryland at College Park
Interpersonal Communication

MOST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT

PURPOSE: Throughout the course we’ve discussed a number of communication concepts, each of which can assist one in becoming a more effective or a less effective communicator. By this time, you have probably learned some concepts with which you fully agree, and other with which you disagree. This assignment will give you the opportunity to talk about a number of these concepts with an individual whom you respect in an effort to gain further insight into communication effectiveness. This assignment consists of a pre-conversation plan, an audiotaped conversation with your most effective communicator or someone whose communication skills you greatly respect, and a written analysis of the conversation.

PART 1: The Pre-Conversation Plan (Note: This part MUST be completed and approved before you go to part 2)

Develop at least ten (or more) questions that focus on problems, awareness, or interests in interpersonal effectiveness. The questions should span at least three to four broad topic areas. Each question should be logically arranged under its appropriate topic, and each question should also have one to two additional probes. A probe is an additional question that refocuses the larger question into a more specific area. They are used in the event that you become "stuck", or they also assist in gaining additional information. Develop questions that are sophisticated enough for the savvy communicator with whom you’ll be conversing. Note: the questions should be open-ended. In other words, they must allow for an explanation, not a clear-cut yes/no or good/bad or agree/disagree response. The questions should reflect areas of your personal interest in terms of communication.

For example, the start of one topic area may look like this:

LISTENING

We learned that to be an effective communicator, one must be an effective listener, and that the listener is responsible for at least 51% of the conversation. Please explain why you would agree or disagree with this?

How does the ability to listen manifest itself at your workplace?
Recent studies suggest that listening is tied to leadership. What do you think about those findings?
Do you think it’s more important to listen better to friends or acquaintances? Why?
Do you think males and females listen differently? If so, how? Why do you suppose that is?
What listening tips would you recommend to help one become a more effective communicator?

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, people who have more words for something experience it differently. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Has there ever been at time when you were overcome with emotion but couldn’t label it?
Do you think someone with more words could have described what you were feeling?

On a separate piece of paper, write YOUR responses to each question and probe.

PART 2: THE CONVERSATION

Schedule a time to meet with the other person in a comfortable setting. Allot a minimum of one hour for your conversation. Explain that this is a class assignment, and you will need to audiotape your conversation.

Meet with the individual and introduce the individual on tape to gain his/her consent for taping your conversation.

Next have a conversation with the person. Since this is a conversation, it should be a give and take interaction. You are in command of the direction of the conversation because you called the meeting and have the questions; however, using the norm or reciprocity, you should share your answers to the questions as well. Don’t feel that you need to agree, but definitely discuss the underlying assumptions of your differences. DO NOT fire off your questions like an interrogation. Your goal is not to simply get the other person’s response; it is to identify similarities and differences in the underlying assumptions of communication. It is quite likely that if you both really listen to each other’s responses, your individual initial answers may shift.

There is no need to ask every single probe; however, it is preferred that you get to at least all ten major questions. This means keeping track of time and moving the conversation along when needed.

If desired, you may take notes during the conversation, but it’s not required. You will always have the tape as a back-up, but do make certain the recorder is working! If the recorder does not work, you are then responsible for completing the project again by the same due date.

PART 3: ANALYSIS

In a 3-6 page paper, analyze your efforts. Include your general reaction to the assignment, findings that were consistent or inconsistent with what you’ve learned, different perspectives you’ve never considered, and how you believe your perceptions towards interpersonal communication have either been changed or strengthened due to the interview. (Note: if they were not strengthened or changed, then you were not an effective interviewer).

Your analysis should be written in APA style with a cover sheet and Reference page. Additionally, staple the approved questions and answers to the back.

EMPATHY

Textbooks

Supplementary books