Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Week 5, Blog 3, Chapter 11
While looking at phatic communication in chapter 11, I noticed that I probably use it a couple times a day. It's really mindless, pointless conversations with others and make it appear that you are interested in them and what they're doing. Sometimes small talk seems necessary but really doesn't get far in depth. At school and work I tend to do this the most. If I see a colleague walk down in the hallway or we have time to spare before class, I will start these conversations up with them. I know it might be beneficial to just not say anything at all or to just make the conversations more meaningful, but its a habit to say "whats new" when you see a peer or have nothing to say. I will try to definitely work on using more mindful communication in the future.
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I also partake in these kinds of conversations in more occasions then I would like to have to go through. It usually occurs at work. A customer will start talking to me about something going on in their life while I am ringing up their merchandise and I sometimes don't know what to say because I don't care about their life. Sometimes the conversation can be pretty personal (I don't know why people divulge such personal information to strangers) and I just let them keep talking to let it out I guess. Sometimes the conversations are interesting in a sense, but usually not and I always wonder why they brought it up.
ReplyDeleteIm guilty of doing it, but im working on no intrest, no listen. I think its absoutley rude to just "hunh" somebody. I know if im talking to somebody and their not paying attention, because ill ask them a question that pertains to what i just said. I guess if somebody is just babbling about nothing its natural to ignore it all together.This makes me become more consious of when im talking and also when im listening.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don't think there is anything wrong with small talk. I think its a good way to network and stay connected. Although, I see your point about making the conversation more meaningful. I trully believe people can sence when someone is not being genwine in their conversation or questions. Its better to make meaningful conversation rather than just any small talk.
ReplyDeleteHello! I agree with you guys. I would like to add one thing. I think that to implement successful communication, phatic and mindful communication approaches could be more effective like as a set. Generally, small talk can be a good starter for conversation because if we begin to ask somebody something without small talk, it would sound "abrupt." For native English speakers, probably to utter small talk is not difficult, but not for some nonnative English speakers, such as business people here from other countries. Therefore, teachers of English for Business Purposes inform the learners (nonnative English speaking business people) how important and useful small talk is before they start conversation with their coworkers (native English speakers) or business negotiations. So, I think if we apply both phatic and meaningful communication effectively, our communication could be more successful.
ReplyDeletep.s., G, thank you for commenting on my blog!