Essay on Communication Theories

Submitted By mr_perkinss
Words: 594
Pages: 3

My name is Michael John Perkins II and I decided to investigate and apply these three theories: group norms, open minded, and the differentials and similarities between people’s listening orientations. These theories stood out to me for multiple reason, the main of which the severity in which the reasoning why people choose to pay more attention to some rather than others highly interests me, something I would very much enjoy learning more about. Allowing oneself to maintain an open mind and willingness to consider other, or possibly opposing ideas is a trait I believe is very necessary in today’s youngest generation due to technologies hindrance on many people’s face to face communication skills. Along with social capabilities, this idea should aid in avoiding negative group norms forcing specific members to be uncomfortable or possibly exclude their self from the situation or activity at hand.

For our Service Learning Project my group decided to volunteer at the local Poverllo House, an organization which key purpose is to provide a “private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that serves the hungry, homeless, and destitute of Fresno, California”. Throughout our time helping the local homeless shelter `I plan on observing both my group members and the employees of the corporation analyzing there behaviors determining why or why not they include one of my three theories in their characteristics. Maintaining an open minded outlook during day to day conversations isn’t necessarily a trait someone is born with, why someone is unable to both voice out and absorb/contemplate others perspectives is unknown to me. The definition given by the book assigned to the class is, “Critical thinkers are open-minded, or willing and eager consider new information and ideas, even if that information contradicts what they previously believed.” (Adams and Galanes, 2012, 169-70) giving the reader two very important ideas to think about.
To begin with he starts defining open-minded with a specific type of person, critical thinkers, meaning by definition to be classified as a a critical thinker you must allow yourself to be open to new or different ideas. This is primarily important in a group setting in which to be successful you must be cooperative with your peers allowing them to input their ideas into the discussion.

Unwillingness to collaborate with your peers is detrimental to a progressive outcome, especially when dealing with unfamiliar people. If these tendencies are