Page 346 - Essentials of Human Communication

Glossary 325

value. The relative worth of an object; a quality that makes weasel words. Words whose meanings are slippery and diffi-
something desirable or undesirable; an ideal or custom cult to pin down. Ask for specifics when confronted with
about which we have emotional responses, whether posi- weasel words.
tive or negative. win–win solutions. Solutions that benefit both parties in a
verbal aggressiveness. A method of winning an argument by conflict. Consider the possibility of solutions in which both
attacking the other person’s self-concept. Contrast parties gain from the conflict. Focus on these rather than
argumentativeness. solutions in which one person wins and the other loses.
violation. The unwarranted use of another’s territory. withdrawal. A reaction to territorial encroachment that in-
visual dominance. The use of your eyes to maintain a supe- volves leaving the territory; the tendency to become
rior or dominant position; for example, when making an closed off from conflicts rather than confronting the
especially important point, you might look intently at the issues.
other person.
voice qualities. Aspects of paralanguage—specifically, pitch
range, vocal lip control, glottis control, pitch control, ar- you-messages. Messages in which the speaker denies respon-
ticulation control, rhythm control, resonance, and tempo. sibility for his or her own thoughts and behaviors; mes-
volume. The relative loudness of the voice. Use volume to re- sages that attribute the speaker’s perception to another
inforce the meanings you want to communicate. person; messages of blame. Contrast I-messages.