Here’s an article I came across on the Effective Communication principle. It was written by Jonathon Hardcastle. It looks at some of the things that may cause barriers to effective commmunication and by default effective business practises. Read and enjoy…

According to Peter Drucker in his article “The Transnational Economy” written back in 1987, “To maintain a leadership position in any one developed country, a business-whether large or small, increasingly has to attain and hold leadership positions in all developed markets worldwide. It has to be able to do research, to design, to develop, to engineer and to manufacture in any part of the developed world, and to export from any developed country to any other. It has to go transnational.” But is going international as simple as it sounds in this passage, or business leaders and executives need to consider another usually unforeseen barrier commonly referred to as “the effective communication principle?”

Companies in developed countries such as the United States must engage in international business transactions or lose an important competitive advantage. Such firms have not only found tremendous commercial opportunities a thousand or ten thousand miles from their plants, but they have also found cooperative partnerships because of a community of interest. Community of interest is in fact the common ground upon which a business relationship can be based and later flourish. If a firm in Japan, for example, finds an American company with expertise in marketing and handling its products in foreign markets, then a community of interest has been found and remains to be exploited to the advantage of both. But how is that possible and on which factors does it depend upon?

Although the answer is rather complex, undoubtedly one factor is that the worldwide level of technology has greatly advanced easing the process of communicating among people located in different countries. Their ability to share information almost instantly has turned the globe to resemble a village, and as a village its citizens can communicate with one another quickly and easily with the use of various technology-based methods. But then again how come and the message is not received in the manner intended when sent by the messenger? The answer is simple: worldwide we share the much of the same information and technology, but no the same culture. Our family, recreational, financial and other values are different, as these values spring from diverse experiences, expectations and habits. Even if the language used to communicate is the same, the cultural differences between states are evident and a message can be distorted or at least not understood as one intended.

Technological advances in the last 100 to 200 years have spread and been adopted and refined worldwide. But cultures based on thousands of years of development are slow to change. For many, they should not change, as these cultural differences among societies and nations give individual identity to each group. In fact, this persistence diversity in the thinking of human beings has made this world an exciting place to be in. But at the same time it has also created barriers that constitute a major challenge for communicators. Even with the advancement in the transition of information, when words and actions are not understood in the same way because of differences, communication can suffer. This is a key factor for people to remember when dealing with different cultures or employed in different countries from that of their origin. Verbal or nonverbal communication can have different meanings to different people and thus careful consideration and examination of the others’ environment can ensure a better delivery of a message and overall a much more successful communication process.

 

Jonathon Hardcastle
http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/the-effective-communication-principle-66923.html

 

Michael Noone is The publisher of communication skills articles at the site http://www.topcommunicationskills.com

 

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Effective Communication is good, right? Personally, I believe it’s next to impossible to have a healthy, rewarding relationship without it. Sure, the level of required relationship communication depends on your level of intimacy with the person you are communicating with. But, can open communication ever be destructive, even when the communicator thinks they are providing a helpful message for the recipient? I would say it all boils down to knowing your audience. Think about what you are about to convey, and then try to predict how your recipient is going to react. Is the message sensitive or volatile enough to destroy the relationship you currently have? If so, it’s best to think twice. Sounds simple enough, right?

Take this story, for example. I know a woman that, for her whole life, carried resentment about how her father raised her. This story begins when she was 50 years old and her father was 72. She felt she had not been nurtured and supported as much as she needed when she was growing up. Her father was a “hard-liner”. We all know the type. A man made of mostly discipline and not enough encouragement, keeping his feelings to himself. Something compelled the woman to spill her guts and write her father a letter. In this letter she described how she felt about her relationship with her father. She pointed out many of the shortcomings in her life and how she felt he was the cause of them because she “didn’t get what she needed from him”. She pointed these things out in a very polite manner; obviously assuming her father would understand and feel compassion for her. What actually happened was quite the contrary. The father was very angry after reading her letter and felt he was being attacked. What was once an acceptable relationship was now broken beyond repair. At the time the daughter wrote the letter, she thought it would benefit her to get those things off her chest and didn’t take time to ponder how her father would deal with such things.

The case above could be considered “bad communication” as it damaged the relationship it was meant to improve. Here are some things you might want to consider before initiating a discussion with someone, especially when your message contains sensitive, blaming or potentially negative information.

1. What do you expect to accomplish with your message?

2. Try to predict how your audience will respond. Are you prepared for an unexpected outcome?

3. Is it so important for you to get your message across that it’s worth the risk of breaking the relationship? In some cases it may be, such as a case with a friend or spouse.

4. If you predict that your message may cause undesirable results, you may want to use a good friend or family member as a sounding board, so you can clear your head of your thoughts. Even more so, it can be very beneficial for you to write the person a letter but never deliver it. I believe this works better than spilling your guts to a third party.

5. You can ask advice from a trusted friend or family member (especially if they know the recipient of the message). However, always make the final decision on what to do. Your advisor probably has nothing to lose and may not give you proper advice in the matter.

Relationship communication is important in everyone’s life, whether with friends, family, business associates or complete strangers. For that reason, care should always be taken on how to communicate sensitive information. Can communication be a bad thing? I think it always depends on the circumstances. Sometimes you need to choose to hold back or potentially lose the relationship.

Carl Herkes
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/communication-in-relationships-is-there-such-a-thing-as-bad-communication-10767.html

 

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Here is another interesting article I recently came across by Dennis Jaylon. Had you ever considered that you could learn how to improve your Communication skill by using the telephone ?

 

Read on….

Who would not want to create a smart and enchanting persona? And is that possible even on telephones? Yes… It is Possible!

The modern day telephones enable us to do more than we could do with them till some years back. But before we get to that, let us look at some of the features that are there in telephones today  Caller ID (CLIP), Voice Mail, LCD screen, call back facilities and many many more. Plus there are added enhancements to make our conversations crystal clear like  superb sound quality, digital speakerphone, even stylish designs add the zing factor in our messages.

Now coming to the features of modern telephones and how they help us in creating a charismatic and effective personality over the phone.

Let us start with Caller ID or CLIP facility  Caller ID shows us the numbers that are calling us. If the number looks familiar, we can tweak our voice a little to create just the image we have or desire to have in the caller’s perception. For example, if it is from office or from a colleague, you can sound professional and smart. And if it is from a dear one, you can turn down the professionalism and present a softer you.

Then there is ‘Voice Message Recording service’ which enables you to drop a message when the receiver on the other end, is unable to pick up the call. You can record your message by clearly telling your name and the reason for which you called. If you are calling someone who does not know you, you should clearly tell your name (spell it, if required) and leave your contact number. Give a time when you can receive the call back and also give a brief summary for why you called up.

The more clarity you have in your message, the more you create a good impression. And with the help of modern day telephones and their multiple features, utilise all your capabilities to make your mark.

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos…the Telephones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Jaylon
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Telephones-Help-You-Improve-Communication-Skills&id=589848

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Graded Assignment
Test Part 2: Course Exam

Short Answer

1.List 5 benefits of physical activity and identify each benefit as either a physical, mental and emotional, or social benefit.

2.In one sentence explain the difference between an intentional and unintentional injury. Then list 2 examples of intentional injuries and 2 examples of unintentional injuries.

3.In one sentence explain the difference between barrier and hormonal contraceptive methods. Then list 2 examples of a barrier method and 2 examples of a hormonal method.

4.List 5 common advertising techniques.

Knowledge and Skill Application

1.Accessing Information
•List five reliable sources of health information (1 point each)

•List the five questions you should ask yourself when trying to determine if a source of health information is reliable and trustworthy. (2 points each)

Analyzing Influences
In three columns (as in the example below), answer the following questions:
•List and describe 3 external influences that may affect how a person feels about him/herself. Explain how each influence may affect how a person feels about him/herself. (3 points each)
•List and describe 2 internal influences that may affect how a person feels about him/herself. Explain how each influence may affect how a person feels about him/herself. (3 points each)

Example:
External InfluenceDescription of InfluenceExplanation of How the Influence Affects Feelings About Self

3.Decision-Making
You are away at a summer camp, and are meeting new people. One night a bunch of your new friends wake you up and ask if you want to sneak out to a private party. You want people to like you, so you go. BUT, when you arrive you realize that people are taking some sort of drug. This really isn’t your scene, so what do you do?
•Use the five decision-making steps to explain how you would make your decision. (15 points)

4.Goal Setting
Let’s assume for a few moments that you are not what we would call a "healthy" eater. You don’t think about how the food you eat can affect you and your health. One of your worst habits is not eating breakfast at all. Well, it’s about time to change that "bad" habit. Your new goal for the summer is — "to eat a healthy breakfast every morning before you leave the house."
•Write an action plan for achieving this goal. Be sure to include specific steps you will take, when and how often the steps are to be done, and how you will measure success. (7 points)
•List two family members or friends that can be part of your support system. Explain why you chose each person and what role each person will play. (3 points each)
•Give one idea for how your can reward yourself along the way. (2 points)

5.Interpersonal Communication
You are staying at a friend’s house, and your friend wants to sneak out of the house to go to a party down the street. You really do not want to do this and don’t want your friend to do this either. Too many things could go wrong. This is a good time to demonstrate your refusal skills.
•First, list the four essential components of effective refusal. (4 points)

•Then demonstrate how you would use the essential components to communicate your refusal to your friend. (8 points)

•Finally, list 3 possible consequences of sneaking out of the house and going to the party. (3 points)

6.Self-Management
•Explain the difference between a sprain and strain. (5 points)

•Explain the at home procedure for treating minor strains and sprains. (10 points)

7.Advocacy
You like to spend a lot of time at the park on the weekends — throwing Frisbees, hanging out with friends, walking the dog — but have noticed that there is an increase in the number of people smoking in the park, which makes your time there less enjoyable. Who wants to breathe in smoke? Yuk. You come outside to get fresh air, right? You and your friends decide that you would like to advocate for a smoke-free park.
•What are two activities you could do to raise awareness of the issue? (2 points each)

•Who would be the target audience of each activity? (2 points)

•What would your message be for each target audience? (3 points)

•Who else might be interested in helping you advocate for and achieve your goal of a smoke-free park? (1 point)

To conceal my identity, I have omitted some answers from this. I’m taking the same test. heheh. I expect you to add me for this.

1. Physical activity can increase your endurance (physical benefit) build healthy muscles and joints (physical benefit) reduce your risk of cardio vascular disease (physical benefit) makes you feel better about yourself (mental benefit. Yuck.) and reduce your risk for some cancers (physical benefit.)
2. An intentional injury is meant to happen and an unintentional injury is not. The rest of my answer for two is too priceless to have anyone give to anyone else.
3.Im workin on it.
4.Band wagon, plain people, testimonial, patriotism, and weasel word
5. Healthfinder.gov Health.nih.gov Family doctor.org Webmd.com
6.Who is running the website?
What is the purpose of the website?
Who is responsible for the websites content?
How current is the information?
How is the website funded?
7. I’m workin’ on it.
8. What is the problem?
What are the facts?
What are your options?
What are the pros and cons of each option?
What will you do?
9. I’m workin on it.
10. Say no Match your words to your tone Make gestures to emphasize your point Repeat as often as necessary
11. My answer is too priceless to hand it out.
12. See 11.
13.A sprain is a ligament problem and a strain is a muscle or tendon injury
14.Rest, ice, compress, and elevate.
All the rest, I haven’t done yet. I may or may not post them.


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Hi everyone! I’m Japanese and planning to go in New York this December. Along w/ my vacation, I want also to improve my English skills. Can someone advice me some good places to go there or what activity should i do. Thank you.
PS
My English level is just normal communication level.

Konnichiwa :] Watashi wa nihongo ga wakarimasu.

If you meanNew York City, I think you could improve your skills simply by spending a day shopping. Theres alot of speaking involved, if you’re with someone else. If you mean the state of New York in general, then I would suggest getting some kind of tour, in a garden or something to that effect. You could learn something new and improve your speaking skills.
Ja matta ne. ♥


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What cases do you have reference to. The only thing I can think is that positive reinforcement would created a greater degree of trust, and thus a opening for more communication between individuals. It is use quite often in the beginning of therapy.


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I have more than 2 years of development experience but facing problems due to communication.
Your value suggestions can help me a lot.
I feel its a big hurdle in my career.

no one can make you learn English,it can be learn’ t by your efforts.so do more and more practice for improving your communication skills.


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Most computer enthusiasts in the United States have heard of the foremost American antivirus vendors. Manufacturers such as Symantec, McAfee, Computer Associates, and Trend Micro. These companies have a market leading presence in the United States. Microsoft, too, has aspirations to become a major player in this enormous growth industry.

In fact, Microsoft acquired intellectual property and technology rights from GeCad software in 2003, a company based in Bucharest, Romania. They also purchased Pelican Software, which had a behaviour orientated security product, as well as the Giant Company Software for spyware and Sybari Software, which managed virus, spam, and phishing filtering.

A great deal of debate centered on whether Microsoft would end up in a domineering position in the antivirus market by simply bundling its newly acquired software technologies up with its Windows operating systems at no cost. This is a comparable technique that has been used in other markets such as word processing and Internet browsers. In fact, this is precisely what did take place. Microsoft has come out with a free product called Microsoft Security Essentials.

It is too soon for me to advise whether MS Security Essentials is a world-class antivirus product, but it is not free to everyone. Microsoft has been battling Windows piracy for a while now with its Windows Genuine Advantage sneaky download and sure enough, this new product from Microsoft will only work on Windows systems and even then, only with operating systems that pass the Windows Genuine Advantage test. (Please click the link at the bottom the page to find out more).

There is nothing wrong with that per se, but it does mean that hardly anyone in the Third World will be able to make use of it, because a pirated operating system comes bundled with every computer that I have ever seen in Asia and probably elsewhere too. People save for years in order to afford a computer and the last thing they worry about when they plug it in is whether the operating system is genuine or not.

Of course there is a number of other antivirus manufacturers prominent in this market. There are many companies with great market presence in other countries that are starting to become more widely recognized. These vendors include GriSoft from the Czech Republic, Sophos from the United Kingdom, Panda Software from Spain, Kaspersky from Russia, SoftWin from Romania, F-Secure from Finland, Norman from Norway, Arcabit from Poland, VirusBuster from Hungary, Nod from Thailand and AhnLab from South Korea.

It is not yet apparent where the industry is heading and everyone in this market is confronted by a swiftly changing landscape. The amount of effort necessary to discover and deliver updates for new viruses is quite staggering. Malicious programs are getting more and more complex and the quantity of them is increasing.

Many companies may find themselves without the capital to equal the hard work of those truly determined to create chaos. The antivirus companies are receiving hundreds of new examples of viruses a day! What is more, the new viruses are getting “cleverer” in that they spread themselves quickly and they often hide themselves too. Some are even intelligent enough to move around in a system by renaming themselves in an effort to make it hard to remove them.

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with researching the Microsoft antivirus software. If you have an interest in such software, please go over to our website now at Computer Antivirus Software


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A large part of a good upbringing is a good education. Parents have diverse financial resources but they also have diverse ways of organizing their children’s education. Some parents are better at it than others. Similarly, not all children want to become doctors or dentists, no matter what their parents would like and most of us thank God for that. Diversity is the spice of life, because fortunately we are not all the same.

Paying for your child’s higher education is quite another thing. The costs of higher education never seem to drop , in spite of the fact that there is a depression and parents are being laid off. State funding is also in question. Therefore, there is a huge pressure on the grants that are available.

If you are short of the requisite amount of money to send your child to college or pay for it yourself, you will have to use your best gift to try to secure a grant from private industry. You alone know what you or your child is best at and the best thing to do is to exploit that talent in order to get a scholarship.

One of the kinds of scholarship that is often overlooked by the academically inclined is a cheerleading grant. If you can dance, if you are out-going and if you like showing off, you might get a cheerleading grant, even if you want to study pure or applied mathematics! Tangents off this variation are grants for gymnastics and track events.

There are four things to consider when seeking a cheerleading grant and they can all be construed to begin with the letter ‘W’, so that they are easy to remember.

First find out WHO is in charge of cheerleading in your school and if they know where you can go to find out more information. If the coach in your school is not up to speed, go higher. Go over his or her head, otherwise you may miss out. If that does not work out, ask around for big local sports teams and write to the sports club directly.

Once you have the relevant information about where the organizations are, find out WHAT they require from you. A good approach would be to look at old games and practise the moves that the cheerleaders do in those games. Once you know the cheerleading moves from previous games, you will have shown an interest in the club.

Find out whether the fund that you are applying to has restrictions on WHERE you can be educated. Will you be constrained to the USA? If you want to study English in London, that will be a difficulty

Find out WHEN the application has to be sent in by. In other words, what are the deadlines.

There is a lot to do if you want a ‘free education’ no matter which way you try to get it. The point of this piece is to make you conscious of the fact that you do not need to only go down the route of applying for academic grants or even sports grants, things like cheerleading scholarships are also out there.

If you require information on being awarded financial aid for college students then you really must visit our website on applying for scholarships and grants


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