Communication Assignment

After reading and contemplating all materials and videos in Module 1, complete and submit the following Communication Investigation and Analysis activity (CIA Paper #1). The activity requires you to apply the information you read/viewed to analyze the “Stroke of Insight” video specifically. Follow the directions for structure and content provided here. When finished, proofread your paper and submit it to this Dropbox before its due date.

How to write your paper:

Construct three solid, thoughtful, intelligent, paragraphs total, one in answer to each of the questions below. This means that overall your written assessment when complete must be three paragraphs, 600-800 words in total development, and include a typed, accurate word count at its end.

Paragraph Topics:

1. COMMUNICATION MODEL: After learning about the different models of communication (also a video we watched this week), identify and explain the MESSAGE, RECEIVER, SENDER, CHANNEL, CODE, DECODE, and overall TYPE OF MODEL AND WHY YOU BELIEVE IT IS THIS TYPE OF MODEL (linear or interaction) as they apply to the “Stroke of Insight” speech. Label, CAPITALIZE, and underline the terms as you use them. For example, if you discuss the message, begin by stating, “The MESSAGE presented is…,” etc.

2. CRITICAL LISTENING: In effort to practice our critical listening skills, briefly summarize and analyze the message SENT in “Stroke of Insight.”

Do so by (a) identifying the main idea the speaker presents and at least three of her supporting ideas. Next (b) consider what preconceived ideas, biases, prejudices, and or background knowledge you brought to the listening experience with this speech. Consider, for example, your pre-existing feelings/ideas about things like mental health, mental illness, neurology, strokes, female speakers, etc. Next, (c) explain whether or not you believe the speaker’s message about her stroke experience by analyzing and discussing her use of facts, opinions, and conclusions drawn. (Is her message mostly factual? Mostly opinion? Are the conclusions she draws logical? What facts and/or opinions does she use to draw her conclusions? Are they believable?) Explain using three examples from her speech.

3. BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION AND LISTENING: Our reading and viewing materials this week also introduce us to various barriers that get in the way of intended and effective communication. Specifically, one video pointed out three categories of NOISE that potentially act as barriers when communicating. Identify these three categories of noise discussed in the MODELS video, then explain how TWO of these categories specifically impacted your ability to listen and “get the message” viewed in the “Stroke of Insight” presentation. Underline each category of noise you identify AND label your two examples as NOISE EXAMPLE 1 and NOISE EXAMPLE 2.
Review the following online resources and view the videos. Make notes and consider questions. Be prepared to apply what you see and hear to your Communication Investigation and Application Paper 1 (CIA Paper 1):

Principles of Communication

Active Listening: Hear What People are Really Saying

Critical Listening

Models of Communication Part I (14:08) Models of Communication Video Transcript

View Dr. Bolte Taylor’s speech via the link provided below. Observe/consider how the different communication components from models of communication and listening process apply to the speaker and to your experience hearing Taylor’s speech presentation. Consider, too, questions you might have for her if she were giving the speech to you live. What things concern you about her message? What confuses you? What most interests you? What gets in the way of you being an effective, active listener? How do your own ideas help or hinder your listening? What facts or opinions does the speaker use to draw her conclusions? Are these valid? Are they suspect? What “noise” makes it hard for you to get her message? Be ready to apply these ideas and more in the upcoming CIA Paper 1!

Stroke of Insight (18:34)

MY STROKE OF INSIGHT