Introduction
In the previous post I introduced the 12 signal systems of communication: verbal, written, numeric, pictorial, artifactual, audio, kinesic, optical, tactile, spatial, temporal, and olfactory. Today we are going to take a look at the signal systems in use!
How cool is it that our subconscious brain automatically processes and analyzes all of this incoming information and then reports to us whether or not to believe it? When two or more signal systems are supportive of each other we believe the message is sincere and if they contradict each other we believe the mesage is insincere.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and just "felt" like you couldn't trust what they were saying but you didn't know why? Most likely it was because your brain was processing contradicting information and "we tend to believe the less consciously used system" (Smith, 1992).
In the previous post I introduced the 12 signal systems of communication: verbal, written, numeric, pictorial, artifactual, audio, kinesic, optical, tactile, spatial, temporal, and olfactory. Today we are going to take a look at the signal systems in use!
How cool is it that our subconscious brain automatically processes and analyzes all of this incoming information and then reports to us whether or not to believe it? When two or more signal systems are supportive of each other we believe the message is sincere and if they contradict each other we believe the mesage is insincere.
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and just "felt" like you couldn't trust what they were saying but you didn't know why? Most likely it was because your brain was processing contradicting information and "we tend to believe the less consciously used system" (Smith, 1992).
Signal Systems In Use In a teaching environment we especially want to make sure we are not sending the wrong messages to our students. When in a traditional classroom it is much easier to observe when we have not communicated effectively, puzzled looks, repeated questions etc., and we can correct the miscommunication quickly; but in online classrooms this is not an easy task, which is why online instructional units must ensure proper use of the signal systems. I would like to share with you an example of an instructional unit I have found that uses the signal systems effectively, well at least the ones you can utilize in an online instructional unit. Psyched in 10 (click here to view), is a quick psychology based instructional unit about the Milgram Study done in 1961. As you watch, take note of the signal systems used. Which signal systems did you find? Be sure to provide an example of where you observed each signal. Use the form below to submit your answer. |
Summary
Once you have completed both assigned tasks you should have a clearer understanding of the 12 signal systems of communication. The more signals we are able to use in conjunction with one another the more effective our communication should be; as long as those signals agree with each other. As soon as we have conflicting messages our audience will find us insincere and not believe what we have to say. Understanding this concept will help you become a better communicator, not just in the classroom but in everyday experiences.
But this is just the beginning! When developing effective multimedia instructional units you have to understand the principles of design, not just the principles of communication. In my next series of blogs we will take a look at the principles of design and how they correlate with the communication principles.
Once you have completed both assigned tasks you should have a clearer understanding of the 12 signal systems of communication. The more signals we are able to use in conjunction with one another the more effective our communication should be; as long as those signals agree with each other. As soon as we have conflicting messages our audience will find us insincere and not believe what we have to say. Understanding this concept will help you become a better communicator, not just in the classroom but in everyday experiences.
But this is just the beginning! When developing effective multimedia instructional units you have to understand the principles of design, not just the principles of communication. In my next series of blogs we will take a look at the principles of design and how they correlate with the communication principles.
References
Smith, D.K. (1992). Creating Understanding. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Contradiction Image retrieved from: Jonathan Billinger [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Child with iPad image retrieved from: By Intel Free Press [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Smith, D.K. (1992). Creating Understanding. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
Contradiction Image retrieved from: Jonathan Billinger [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Child with iPad image retrieved from: By Intel Free Press [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons