Letter of Advice

Running Header: Letter
Letter of Advice
Com200
6/30/2014
My open letter of advice to all will cover the barriers to effective interpersonal communication, developing strategies for active, critical and emphatic listening. Also,
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LETTER understanding how perception, emotions and nonverbal expressions affect personal relationships, as well as how to evaluate the appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships. By doing so I hope that we all can become better listeners and communicators so that we may build upon the relationships we create.
The barriers to effective interpersonal communication can cause a significant impact on one’s ability to properly communicate. Jargon is a common barrier. Jargon is the use of uncommon words, abbreviations and slang used often times by groups of people. If you are communications outside of your normal group people can become lost with the conversation as they may not understand or worse, misunderstand what you are saying. Another common barrier is language difficulties. With today’s global travel capabilities we often see tourist who do not take the time to learn the host countries language before traveling abroad. This can cause major issues, from wrong food, to insults.
One way to curb these two issues is to always use situational awareness. Situational awareness is the ability to analyse your specific situation and act accordingly. If you are with military buddies then jargon may be fine. Same goes for people who may or may not speak your language. Knowing when it is appropriate to talk a certain way is instrumental in communication
Developing strategies for active, critical and emphatic listening can greatly increase your happiness. “Language is not just words. Communication serves a wide range of needs in our lives, and language is the primary code we use to communicate with others. We sometimes tend to take our use of language for granted, but good verbal skills are essential for personal and professional success, and they are critical to forming and maintaining relationships.(Sole, 2011)
Active listening is paying attention to a person or speaker. In the Willingness to Listen measure

LETTER we completed it asked several questions that geared one towards boring speakers and peoples habits of not paying attention to boring subjects. This is a common way people miss opportunity.
Paying attention in all situations allows a person to learn, grow and build better relationships.
Understanding how perception, emotions and nonverbal expressions affect personal relationships is part of being a well-balanced adult. “Success in your personal life, in school, and in the workplace depends on language skills. These skills include the ability to speak and write well and an understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and language usage.
However, research shows that another crucial skill is the ability to make adjustments in language, appropriate language choices, and accurate interpretations of messages (Halliday & Webster,
2004).”(Sole, 2011) Read that again, not only does success depend upon your ability to communicate but also your ability to adjust communication based on the situation. Sounds like situational awareness to me.
How to evaluate the appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships is key to any relationship. Whether it is with your significant other or friend, knowing when and what to share allows us to build close bonds and lasting friendships. Take a marriage for example, communication is arguably the most important part of a successful marriage next to trust. Studies have shown that simple conversations where you share feelings and emotions leads to more successful marriages, more heartfelt communication can lead to better trust which in turn makes a bond stronger.
So basically my letter of advice to all is that communication is key. By that, I mean that regardless of your job, social standing, culture or background, knowing when and where to talk and listen is a huge part of having a happy life with great bonds.

References

1.Willingness to Listen Measure
2. Close Relationships Sometimes Mask Poor Communication. (2011, January). U.S. News &
World Report, 1. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global. Document ID: 2270370591. (This article will help you identify common misconceptions about effective communication.)
3. http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/barriers-communication.html
4. Schoenberg, N. (2011, January 17). Can we talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in happy marriages. McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Retrieved from ProQuest
Newsstand. Document ID: 2240370261
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References: 1.Willingness to Listen Measure 2. Close Relationships Sometimes Mask Poor Communication. (2011, January). U.S. News & World Report, 1. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global. Document ID: 2270370591. (This article will help you identify common misconceptions about effective communication.) 3. http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/barriers-communication.html 4. Schoenberg, N. (2011, January 17). Can we talk? Researcher talks about the role of communication in happy marriages. McClatchy-Tribune News Service. Retrieved from ProQuest Newsstand. Document ID: 2240370261 -