ch 7-8

Ch 7-8 we are skipping chapter 9

Identification of the concept you will talk about
I am going to talk about how to overcome communication anxiety and social anxiety.

A reminder of what the concept means (in your own words)
There are four main strategies. The first one is focus on the task or the person that you are going to be interacting with so that you are no longer feeling your bodily tensions. Most good communicators don’t think about themselves when they are talking because they are concentrating on their audience or topic. The second one is to take a deep breath to ensure enough oxygen gets to the brain. Don’t hold your breath or engage in shallow breathing. The third is to use stretching techniques to reduce the physical tension that accompanies CA and SA. Even things as simple as reaching your arms high above your head or closing or opening your fists may help you relax. The fourth step is be prepared.

Why the concept is noteworthy to you
The concept is noteworthy to me because I think that these strategies can be used for things like helping cope with the stress of a job interview but I was never taught these strategies in my public education unless I took a course like this that was out of my major.

An example of the concept in your own experience.
Most of these are common sense but I was surprised that they said things as simple as reaching would be a strategy that they would recommend to cure a negative stress condition.

Identification of the concept you will talk about
I am going to talk about communication anxiety, its effect on the body and in life in general.

A reminder of what the concept means (in your own words)
These anxieties are usually produced by burying adrenaline rushes within our body and usually cause greater internal pressures within the body such as a higher heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, these anxieties can cause people to not go to class, meetings or find ways to avoid the person but these will not work for the long term.

Why the concept is noteworthy to you
It was noteworthy to me because it was surprising to me that these anxieties are classified under a common name. However, I am glad that they are classified like this because I would think it would make it easier to find information about reducing the symptoms.

An example of the concept in your own experience.
I use avoidance in my relationships when I am in a conflict too often. For example, I really wanted to go to a free Fab 4 (a band that imitates the Beatles) concert at the CA state fair two years ago but I couldn’t find anyone else that wanted to go or that wasn’t working. So I just didn’t hang out with anyone that night because I was mad (I think I would have had social anxiety if I would have been with the people I asked that said no) at the people that weren’t working that they didn’t want to check out the concert with me when it was free and I didn’t know when or if it would ever happen again.

Ch 8

Identification of the concept you will talk about
I am going to talk about body relaxation as an immediacy cue.

A reminder of what the concept means (in your own words)
When you are relaxed and have reduced tension or no tension during communication, people are likely to think of you as a more available, warmer and friendlier person. One study showed that still, relaxed hands is an immediacy cue that communicates warmth. Another study showed that relaxation behaviors are connected with higher credibility and attractiveness. However, being extremely relaxed and showing that in your posture, especially when there is decreased eye contact can have a negative effect. Nonimmediacy clues include tension and stress because they are usually thought of as an emotional buildup that could come out as an aggressive release of tension.
It has been argued that moderate high relaxation shows the most warmth, interest and involvement.

Why the concept is noteworthy to you
It is noteworthy to me because it makes me realize how important having a relaxed personality can be in communication.

An example of the concept in your own experience.
I have noticed when I see other people displaying nonimmediacy cues of high tension and stress I don’t think of them as a very warm person.