integrating theory--dialogue

As Griffin points out in Chapter 36, a number of communication theories center on the notion of dialogue, the final principle in the list. In the public speaking book I mentioned in my previous entry, dialogue plays a prominent role, particularly in the listening part of public speaking. In the book, I argue that ethical public speaking requires dialogue, in which speakers and listeners communicate with each other to create meaningful communication. Dialogue focuses primarily on content, taking a collaborative approach in which listeners invite speakers to express their ideas. Listeners are concerned more with arguments, reasoning, evidence, and claims rather than with criticizing delivery.

In the book I go on to describe a recent survey of employee satisfaction in which WL Gore & Associates was ranked at the top of the list. The company's success stemmed from creating effective dialogue between subordinates and supervisors. In all highly-ranked companies, bosses genuinely sought out employee feedback, then listened to and acted on their concerns. For companies where bosses talked a lot and listened little, employees reported scant confidence in the company’s leadership, greater levels of stress, and a strong desire to find a new job. Although Griffin's "cause for pause" indicates that dialogue is difficult to define and achieve, it's still a critical part of effective communication, as so many theorists point out.

~ Professor Cyborg

integrating theory--audience adaptation

I just published a public speaking textbook, Public Speaking: The Evolving Art, with Wadsworth, so I was especially interested in the section in the final chapter on audience adaption, Principle 7. Many theories address the need for audience adaptation in effective communication, but the classic theory is Aristotle's work. Aristotle took a systematic approach to studying rhetoric (or public speaking), writing The Rhetoric over the course of nine years, 342-330 B.C.E. He emphasized the importance of adapting speeches to the specific situation and audience. Much of the research in effective message design stems from Aristotle's initial discussion of the three proofs used in rhetoric: logos, pathos, and ethos. And research in credibility is grounded more specifically in Aristotle's conceptualization of ethos, or the speaker's character. In writing the public speaking book, my coauthor and I were influenced in part by the work of Aristotle. We also addressed mindfulness, particularly in the listener's role. One point we make in the book is that although you probably think of audience adaptation primarily in the public speaking context, you adapt to audiences in a range of situations, such as at work, with your friends, and in your classes.

Griffin's "cause for pause" in the principle of audience adaptation suggests that communicators sometimes try to adapt too much to what they think are the audience's expectations. The recent presidential campaign provided several examples of that. In such cases, audience members question the authenticity of the message and wonder about the candidate's true beliefs.

~ Professor Cyborg