Communication Theories Essay

Submitted By angelcox27
Words: 1782
Pages: 8

Angel Cox
COM/310
June 8, 2015

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how communication theories are used during personal and professional day-to-day activities. Communication theories investigate both verbal and nonverbal communication. Communication theories are beneficial to personal and professional communication styles. There are different advantages to each communication theory. Communication theory provides friendship enhancements. Communication theories also enhance work relationship and bring closeness in families. This paper will reflect on Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Social Penetration and Organization Culture Theory. I will discuss how each theory is used in everyday life as well as professional careers. I will discuss how the communication process was effective and what steps can be taken in the future to ensure that communication processes are successful. Uncertainty Reduction Theory occurs mainly when a person is introduced to someone for the first time. Uncertainty Reduction theory is present when a person in introduced to a new person by a mutual friend in a personal setting. Uncertainty Reduction Theory can is also present when one employee is introduced to another in a professional setting. Uncertainty Reduction Theory is based mainly on assumptions. Assumptions are made daily during the communication process. Uncertainty Reduction Theory occurs when a person question the values of new acquaintances. Being a new person being introduced into a conversation can be difficult and communication barriers are immediately put in place. The uncertainty reduction theory helps to eliminate those barriers. One example of Uncertainty Reduction Theory at work was being introduced to a new employee that I was responsible to train. When I initially met the young lady I immediately started asking myself questions. Where did this employee come from? I hope she has a positive attitude. I hope she wants to learn. The questions that I was asking myself were based on the employee’s body language and facial expression. I will admit I was a bit apprehensive about having to work with this employee. I found that asking the new employee question that was not direct to work help her feel a little relaxed which made the communication flow easier. The communication process was effective after a few icebreakers. I basically asked about her passed experiences and what influenced her decision to come work for our employer. I also gave her a few housekeeping rules regarding the office. I can see that her facial expressions and her body language changed which made the both of us a little bit more relaxed. I feel that the communication style was effective after the body gestures were eliminated. I feel that the communication flow would have been more effective if assumptions were not made before having the opportunity to actually communicate with the employee. In the future I will focus on ways to make the other person feel comfortable. It is important to consider what the other person may be feeling so that a level of comfort is established so that the communication flow is successful. The second communication theory is Social Penetration. Social Penetration explains the differences in interpersonal relationships. An example of Social Penetration includes social networking, online dating, and online chatting. I have had an experience with chatting on social networks. Social networking allows a person to create a profile that may or may not be true. Profiles information is not verified and you as a person have to make the decision to believe the information provided via social media. Social penetration is the process of a relation developing from non-intimate to intimate. Social networking is the new communication line for the new generation. I would not say that social networking is a successful or reliable way to communicate however some people find it easier to communicate via