Describe two strategies for disengaging with others.

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Relationship   Disengagement

In Chapter 10 of the textbook, the authors outline two communication strategies, direct and indirect, for relationship disengagement and communicating competently through the ending of relationships.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are three      tasks:
    1. Describe two strategies for disengaging with others.
    2. Brainstorm about a time when you ended a friendship or       other relationship.
    3. Note which direct and indirect disengagement       strategies you used to end the relationship.
  • Review Chapter 10 in the text. Read about both direct      and indirect strategies for disengagement.
  • Review the grading rubric.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on how using communication for disengagement strategies can help us manage the difficulties of ending a relationship.
Write: Based on the information in Chapter 10:

  • Describe at least two direct and indirect disengagement      strategies from the book. Write at least two sentences for each element.      Try to find as many specific connections between your experience and what      Bevan and Sole cover in their discussion of both types of disengagement      strategies.
  • Explain a scenario where you’ve parted with a friend or      partner in the past.
  • How can you communicate competently when ending      relationships? Be sure to list specific disengagement strategies, direct      and/or indirect, from the book. Consider what you’ve learned in this      chapter.

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students’ ideas. Use the text to improve everyone’s understanding of the importance of being mindful of how we communicate when ending a relationship. Ask questions that will enhance both of your understanding of the key concepts. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

Do you think the results provide by the Language Style      Matching website are accurate? Why or      why not? 

Article Critique: Talking Styles

Read “Shared talking styles herald new and lasting romance”. Then, visit the Language Style Matching website and, using sample written communication between you and another person, follow the directions on the website to retrieve your language style matching score. Write a two-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) about your thoughts on this article and your language style matching score. In your paper, be sure to address the following:
  • Do you think the results provide by the Language Style      Matching website are accurate? Why or      why not?
  • Do you believe that language style matching is a      comprehensive way to predict the quality of interpersonal relationships?

Be sure to reference the article and at least one of your other course readings from this week in your paper. This can be your textbook or one of the recommended articles.The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

  • Live Chat – If you have writing-related questions about a topic      before you draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you      will now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute)      conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday through Friday from      10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
  • Email Paper Review – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if      you’re having trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form      and email your paper to the AWC for review.
    • Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper Review

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Late Policy: Written assignments (essays, journals, presentations) are due on the specified days in the course. Written assignments will be subject to a late penalty of up to 10% per day up to three days late. If written assignments are submitted after 72 hours past the due date, instructors can give a penalty up to and including a grade of 0 for the assignment.
Assignment Submission

Define empathy and explain why it is important for      effective communication.

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Empathy

In this week’s readings, the authors discuss emotional intelligence, a concept which measures people’s ability to understand emotions and express them appropriately. As you have learned, this ability is crucial to communicating effectively in interpersonal relationships. One of the major components of emotional intelligence is the ability to empathize with others.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are three      tasks:
    1. Based on what you’ve learned in Chapter 8, start       formulating a definition of empathy and consider why it is important in       effective communication.
    2. Brainstorm some examples of times when you had       difficulties empathizing with others.
    3. Think of some ways you could have handled the       situation differently.
  • Review the grading rubric.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on why empathy is so important in becoming better communicators. Consider how we might become more empathetic.
Write: Based on the information in Chapter 8 in the text:

  • Define empathy and explain why it is important for      effective communication.
  • Share an example of a time when you found it difficult      to empathize with someone. How did you handle the situation?
  • What could you have done differently to empathize with      them? Consider what you’ve learned in class this week.

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students’ ideas. Use the text to expand on everyone’s understanding of the importance of empathy in communication. Ask questions that will enhance both of your understanding of the key concepts. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

How do you think your willingness to listen score could      impact your professional relationships? 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

 

Willingness   to Listen

To be an effective communicator we must master the core competence of listening. A willingness to listen during an interaction allows you to understand others, respond appropriately to what they say, or provide helpful feedback.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are three      tasks:
    1. Complete the following listening survey and record       your results: How Good a Listener Are You? *Please note: though it asks if you want to sign up       for their service, you are not required to do so.
    2. Think about how your listening style shapes your       professional relationships.
    3. Make a list of some specific techniques from the Bevan       and Sole (2014) you can use to improve your listening.
  • Re-read Section 7.2: Listening.
  • Review the grading rubric.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on why listening is so important in becoming better communicators. Consider how the listening techniques covered in the course text could improve your professional relationships.
Write: Based on your quiz results and what you learned in Section 7.2 of the text:

  • What is your willingness to listen score? What feedback      did you receive from the quiz? Why do you think this measure was an      accurate or inaccurate representation of your willingness to listen?
  • How do you think your willingness to listen score could      impact your professional relationships?
  • How can you improve your listening? Explain some      specific techniques described in our text and how improvement in these      areas could enhance your professional relationships. Consider what you’ve      learned in class this week.

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students’ ideas. Use the text to expand everyone’s understanding of the importance of listening in communication. Ask questions that will enhance both of your understanding of the key concepts. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

 

Description: http://threadcontent.next.ecollege.com/Images/addnew.gifRespond

Describe an instance of miscommunication based on       nonverbal communication 

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Nonverbal   Miscommunication

Nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful ways that we communicate in our interpersonal relationships. Sometimes, however, we may find ourselves unintentionally communicating the wrong message. In this discussion, you will need to identify and focus on one of the functions of nonverbal communication.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are two      tasks:
    1. Describe an instance of miscommunication based on       nonverbal communication
    2. Connect this experience to one or more functions of       nonverbal communication outlined in the text.
  • Review Chapter 4 in your text.
  • Review the grading rubric and remember that 25% of your      grade is based on your application of course material (Content/Subject      Knowledge) and 25% is based on your ability to demonstrate you are      thinking critically and presenting original ideas.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on the role of nonverbal messages in communication and the importance of understanding nonverbal communication. Think about some examples of nonverbal communication in your own life. Think about an experience you’ve had that involved a misunderstanding the resulted from unintended nonverbal communication.
Write: Based on the information in Chapter 4:

  • Describe an instance of miscommunication based on      nonverbal communication by providing an example of a time when you      nonverbally communicated something other than what you meant. Alternatively,      use an example of when someone else communicated something to you      nonverbally that was not what they meant.
  • What happened in this situation?
  • Based on what you’ve learned in Chapter 4 this week,      which function(s) of nonverbal communication does your example illustrate?

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately. Your answers should begin with some points about the importance of understanding nonverbal communication generally and then provide examples.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students’ ideas. Use the text to expand on everyone’s understanding of the importance of nonverbal communication. Ask questions that will improve everyone’s understanding of the key functions of nonverbal communication. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

Explain at least two strategies to overcome the       communication apprehension.

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Communication   Apprehension

One of the most frustrating challenges at work is communication apprehension. However, there are ways to overcome this challenge.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are three      tasks:
    1. Identify one or two forms of communication       apprehension you have experienced on the job.
    2. Explain at least two strategies to overcome the       communication apprehension.
    3. Discuss the role of communication in being a       professional.
  • Review your notes on Chapter 5: Developing Confidence:      Coping with Insecurities about Interpersonal Communication.
  • Read Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication in the      Workplace.
  • Review the grading rubric.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on a specific experience you had in the workplace where you faced the challenge of communication apprehension. Think about how to overcome this challenge. What changes can you make to improve how you communicate at work? Reflect on communication as both the problem and solution.
Write: Based on course materials and your own reflections, address the following:

  • Describe a time you found yourself in a situation where      you faced a specific form of communication apprehension in the workplace      described by Bevan and Sole. Be sure to explain the apprehension itself      and how you experienced it. If your work experience is limited, consider a      time when you were working with others in a different context, such as      school or a club.
  • Based on what you’ve learned from class this week,      explain some specific strategies you can use to overcome the communication      apprehension(s) you listed and make yourself a more competent      communicator.
  • Use the text to discuss the role of communication in being      a professional.

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try either to find some common ground or to expand on your classmates’ ideas. Use the text to extend your classmates’ points about apprehension and professional communication. Ask questions that will enhance everyone’s understanding of the key concepts. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

Identify what attracts you to others, based on one of       the attraction theories covered by Bevan & Sole.

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Attraction   in Interpersonal Relationships

Chapter 7 addresses various elements that attract us to other people when we first enter a relationship. It might be just one thing that we like about another person or it could be several things.
Prepare: As you prepare to write this discussion post, take a few moments to do the following:

  • Read the writing prompt below in its      entirety. Notice that there are two      tasks:
    1. Identify what attracts you to others, based on one of       the attraction theories covered by Bevan & Sole.
    2. Share an example of friendship you had that did not       start off on solid ground, and explain what happened.
  • Review Chapter 7 in the course text. Focus especially      on the section on attraction theory and identify what attracts you to      others.
  • Begin with a solid explanation of attraction theory as      described in our text. Then, use that theory to think through what      attracts you to others. Do not forget to share an example from your own      experience.
  • Review the grading rubric.

Reflect: Take time to reflect on how we are attracted to others and what role communication plays in this process. Think about the role of first impressions and how they influence final friendship outcomes.
Write: Based on attraction theory (outlined in our text), address the following:

  • What do you look for in other people when you first      meet them? This could be a potential romantic partner or even a platonic      friend. List as many qualities as you can think of and how they are      related to what you’ve learned in this class about communication.
  • Relate your personal experience to attraction theory      (Section 7.3), as described in our text.
  • Share an example of a time when you developed a      friendship/relationship with someone whom you did not get along with at      first. What initially attracted you to the person?  What changed for      you?

Thoroughly address all three elements of this prompt by writing at least two to three sentences on each element. Use the course readings at least once to help you make your points. Consider copying and pasting these tasks into a word file and addressing each of them separately.
Your initial response should be 200-300 words in length and is due by Thursday, Day 3.
Respond to Peers: Review your classmates’ posts and try to find some common ground or expand on the students’ ideas. Use the text to expand everyone’s understanding of attraction theory. Ask questions that will deepen everyone’s understanding of the key concepts about attraction. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Monday, Day 7. Response posts must be 125 to 200 words in length. If you have questions about how to participate in discussions, consult “About Discussions” under the Course Home menu.

 

Description: http://threadcontent.next.ecollege.com/Images/addnew.gifRespond

What   is an Argument?

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.
 

What   is an Argument?

After reading the “Classic and Rogerian Arguments” material, define the term argument in your own words and describe your own style of argument. Then, compare and contrast your style with at least one additional argumentative strategy and/or rhetorical ploy. Refer to this week’s readings and materials to inform your assertions. Will your current style of argument be effective in an academic setting? Which strategy would be most effective and relevant for this class?
Your initial post must be 200 to 300 words in length, and is due by Day 3. You are required to respond to at least two of your classmates by Day 7 in at least 125 to 200 words per response. In your responses, choose to respond to those who have described different argument styles than you. Do you think their strategies would work for you? Why, or why not?
The Ashford Writing Center (AWC)  has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

  • Live Chat      – If you have writing-related questions about a topic before you draft a      discussion post or submit a written assignment, you will now be able to      chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute) conversation. Live      Chat will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00-11:00 am and      4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
  • Email Paper Review      – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if you’re having trouble      getting started, you can complete a submission form and email your paper      to the AWC for review.
    • Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper       Review

Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal      interactions. 

Final Paper: Letter of Advice
Imagine that a newly engaged couple hears that you are taking a course in interpersonal communication, and wants advice for their relationship. Based on what you have learned in this course, what advice would you give them regarding how to effectively use interpersonal communication in their relationship? Write your paper in the form of a letter.
Instructions
Use the below list of five course learning outcomes to help guide your letter. For each of the five learning outcomes, create a separate section with a heading that reflects the learning outcome that you are using.

  1. Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal      interactions.
  2. Describe the process by which self-concept is developed      and maintained.
  3. Define emotional intelligence and its role in effective      interpersonal relationships.
  4. Evaluate appropriate levels of self-disclosure in      relationships.
  5. Describe strategies for managing interpersonal      conflicts.

Write an eight to ten page paper (excluding title and reference pages) in the form of a letter. In this paper, address the five concepts above. Your advice cannot be based on your own opinions; you must back up your advice with research, which may include readings from this course or from outside sources. In total, your paper must include at least five sources, including at least two from the Ashford University Library. This is a formal paper and should utilize proper grammar, complete sentences, appropriate paragraphs, and correct citations/references in proper APA (6th edition) style. However, you will write this paper in the format of a letter to the newly-engaged couple, and may address the couple throughout the paper. For example: “Dear Sara and Tim, my advice to you for a successful relationship is…” Along with explaining concepts and including research, you may also use your personal experiences as examples of the research and advice that you are offering.
The paper must be formatted according to APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
Please Note: An outline of this assignment will be submitted for credit during Week Three, on Day 7. You will receive feedback on this draft so that you can make the necessary improvements for your Final Paper submission during Week Five.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:

  1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and      formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing      Center.
  2. Must include a title page with the following:
    1. Title of paper
    2. Student’s name
    3. Course name and number
    4. Instructor’s name
    5. Date submitted
  3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a      succinct thesis statement.
  4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical      thought.
  5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
  6. Must use at least five scholarly sources, including a      minimum of two from the Ashford University Library.
  7. Must document all sources (both within the text and on      a separate reference page) in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford      Writing Center.
  8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted      according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

  • Live Chat – If you have writing-related questions about a topic      before you draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you      will now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute)      conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday through Friday from      10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST). AWC Live Chat
  • Email Paper Review – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if      you’re having trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form      and email your paper to the AWC for review.
    • Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper       with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays.       Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an       assignment due date. AWC Email Paper Review

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
Late Policy: Written assignments (essays, journals, presentations) are due on the specified days in the course. Written assignments will be subject to a late penalty of up to 10% per day up to three days late. If written assignments are submitted after 72 hours past the due date, instructors can give a penalty up to and including a grade of 0 for the assignment.

Is violence a necessary part of sports?

Try all four techniques—

freewriting, brainstorming, branching, and questioning—on the same topic.

TOPICS

1. Is violence a necessary part of sports?