Communication
The spiral-convergence model
So another model, called the spiral-convergence model, describes, how different point of views can be
changed during communication. Finally, by respecting feedback’s, an agreement could be achieved.
1st step:
Person A wants to communicate
with person B, therefore person A
encodes his message and transmits
the message to Person B, which
receives the message, decodes and
considers the meaning.
2nd step:
Person B reacts and encodes his
feedback, an approach of opinions
can occur.
3rd step:
Person A decodes the feedback and considers the meaning, also an approach of opinion can occur.
Therefore person A gives also a feedback to person B. That process can be continued up to the level of
mutual agreement. In that way a problem discussion can be described.
Here we have to discuss the concepts of one-way- communication and two-way communication.
One-way communication means, the sender transmits a message
and does not expect feedback from the receiver. The sender speaks
?
and is convinced, that his message is understood clearly and the
receiver is well informed.
But the sender (encoding the message by words etc.) will never know, in which way the receiver
decodes the message. Usually the message is distorted and diminished. Therefore the most
misunderstandings arise from that.
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Concluding that, always it is necessary to get a feedback in order to make the communication a twoway process.
The receiver responding gives the sender the information , that the message is understood or not. If
not, a few questions will lighten the comprehension.
Axioms of communication
There are some rules - called axioms of communication, which derived from the practice. They try to
give some statements to problems of communication. Maybe you will be surprised, but these rules are
worthwhile to be discussed and could cause different opinions:
True is not , what the sender says, but what the receiver understands...
Those axiom means, the sender should be always aware, that the transmission of his message could be
distorted as well as could be different understands by the receiver. Consider the problems of encoding
and decoding - if you do not respect it, you have to accept the very first source of misunderstandings...
If the receiver does not grasp the message, the „guiltiness“ is always with the sender...
That axiom means, the sender should always have the responsibility for an exact communication - do
not say: „Why did you not understand?“ - say better, „Why could I not express myself clearer...“
The sender has always the responsibility to convince himself about the right transfer of information.
You can’t not communicate... (it is impossible not to commnicate!)
That axiom tries to explain the problems arising from messages by non-verbal signals - even if you do
not say anything, you have an effect of your environment and you express at least disinterest, what
means something...
Mind as well : your body talks...or in other words:
Nothing is also something...
Examples of being silent could mean:
 I do not want to talk, because I am tired...
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 I do not want to talk, because I am frustrated...
 I do not want to talk, because I am not interested in the topic...
 I do not want to talk, because I have actually nothing to say...
 I do not want to talk, because you do not understand myself...
 I do not want to talk, because I do not like you...
Barriers of communication
There is a great variety of barriers of communication. Mind - barriers to
communication can occur very quickly .
Knowing them, means respecting them...
Physical barriers:
Noise, invisibility, environmental and physical discomfort, distraction and
illness
Language barriers:
Verbalism, verbosity and unclear graphics and symbols, strange, wrong and unknown concepts,
foreign language
Psychological barriers
prejudice, disinterest, inattention, redundancy, unrewarding experience, feeling of anxiety and
unfulfilled curiosity
Background barriers
previous learning problems, cultural disparities and previous environment of working whereby one
expects authenticity of the message
The ability to communicate of a trainer or teacher depends on recognising barriers of communication,
to search for causes and to react appropriately. If barriers of communication occur , you have to solve
the problems firstly.
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Non-verbal communication
The total interpersonal message is the combined effect of the spoken word, the vocal expression and
the non-verbal expression. According to research, the total feeling or reaction one has another’s
communication is approximated by the equation:
Total feeling = 7% verbal + 38% vocal + 55% non-verbal
It shows that the non-verbal expression is far more important than the verbal content of the message!
Non-verbal communication can be expressed by following:
 go red, go pale, tremble from head to foot, sweat
 movements of hands, feet, head
 body positions: relaxed, tensed up, weak, lean forward,
lean backward, slide around
There is also an influence by
 power, status
 clothes
 depth of knowledge, capability, educational background
 need for personal space (intimate zone 0-1m , personal zone 1-2m,
social zone 2-4m)
A trainer and teacher should know his own non-verbal signals, he should know the effects and he
should command the signals send by him. A nod in agreement, active listening and watching, a upright
body position are positive signals.
Opposite to that hectic movements, uncontrolled movements of hands and arms, frowning could be
understand as negative signals. Therefore we can state a lot of misunderstandings - if those factors will
not be respected.
Practical hint:
A very good possibility in finding out the own non-verbal signals is the using of a video-camera
during a lesson. Place the camera in the back of the room and conduct a complete lesson - after that
watch the recording...
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The four sides of a message
Every message has four sides, which are simultaneously in relation and must be properly taken into
consideration while communicating.
Regardless of whether you are sending or receiving a message, it is important to learn how to
communicate with all four sides. This holds true in particular for people who rely on communication
as a tool, such as trainers, teachers and moderators.
1. factual contents
Every message contains the factual contents of
information, the message by itself, but the facts
from the point of view of the sender.
2. relationship
A message also reveals the senders and receiver's
sentiments for each other. A message therefore
contains information on the relationship between
sender and receiver. This side of a message is often manifested in the tone of voice,
gestures; and other non-verbal signals, as well as in the way the message is worded.
3. self-revelation
In addition to information on the facts to be communicated, every message contains information on the
sender. It is possible to infer from a message how the sender views himself and how he would like to
be viewed by others. It is possible to infer characteristics from a message of which the sender himself
is not even aware. Self-revelation therefore encompasses intentional self-portrayal as well as
unintentional self-disclosure.
4. appeal
A message is not usually "just sent" by the sender for no special reason. Every message is almost
always connected with the attempt to influence the other person. The sender does not only want his
message to be understood; he also wants to achieve a specific effect.
Consider:
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The aspect of relationship has more weight than the aspect of factual contents during
communication!!!
(If you do not like the sender, he can tell you everything - you will not even accept the truth...)
It follows from that, conflicts have to be solved at first - otherwise teaching and learning can not take
place.
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