Page 151 - Essentials of Human Communication

130 ChAPTeR 6 Interpersonal Communication and Conversation

_____ ➍ When confronted with someone who doesn’t want to end the conversation, I’d be most apt to
a. just stick it out and listen.
b. tune out the person and hope time goes by quickly.
c. end it firmly myself.
_____ ➎ When the other person monologues, I’d be most apt to
a. listen politely.
b. try to change the focus.
c. exit as quickly as possible.
hOW DiD YOu DO? A majority of a responses would indicate some level of dissatisfaction and discomfort
with the experience of small talk; b responses indicate that you probably experience both satisfaction and dis-
satisfaction with small talk; c responses indicate comfort and satisfaction with small talk. Put in terms of asser-
tiveness, discussed in Chapter 4 (pp. 75–77), the a responses are unassertive, the b responses are indirect (not
totally unassertive but not assertive either), and the c responses are direct and assertive.
WhAT Will YOu DO? If your small talk experiences are not satisfying to you, read on. You will learn about
the value of small talk, as well as guidelines for more successfully engaging in small talk.

Table 6.2 Communication Tips
Between People With and Without Speech and Language Disorders
Speech and language disorders vary widely—from fluency problems such as stuttering, to indistinct articulation, to diffi-
culty in finding the right word (aphasia). Following a few simple guidelines can facilitate communication between people
with and without speech and language disorders.
if you’re the person without a speech or language disorder:

generally specifically
Avoid finishing another person’s sentences. Finishing the person’s sentences may communicate the idea
that you’re impatient and don’t want to spend the extra time
necessary to interact effectively.

Avoid giving directions to the person with a speech disorder. Saying “slow down” or “relax” will often seem insulting and will
make further communication more difficult.

Maintain eye contact. Show interest and at the same time avoid showing any signs of
impatience or embarrassment.
Ask for clarification as needed. If you don’t understand what the person said, ask him or her to
repeat it. Don’t pretend that you understand when you don’t.

Don’t treat people who have language problems like children. A person with aphasia, say, who has difficulty with names or
nouns generally, is in no way childlike. Similarly, a person who
stutters is not a slow thinker; in fact, stutterers differ from non-
stutterers only in their oral fluency.

if you’re the person with a speech or language disorder:
Let the other person know what your special needs are. If you stutter, you might tell others that you have difficulty with
certain sounds and so they need to be patient.
Demonstrate your own comfort. Show that you have a positive attitude toward the interpersonal
situation. If you appear comfortable and positive, others will
also.

Be patient. For example, have patience with those who try to finish your
sentences; they’re probably just trying to be helpful.

Sources: These suggestions were drawn from a variety of sources, including the websites of the National Stuttering Association, the National Aphasia Association, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the
American Speech and Hearing Association, all accessed May 9, 2012.