In summary, although we have a clear definition of communication competence, there are not definitions for how to be competent in any given situation, since competence varies at the individual, social, and cultural level.ĭespite the fact that no guidelines for or definitions of competence will be applicable in all situations, the National Communication Association (NCA) has identified many aspects of competence related to communication. A Taiwanese woman who speaks English as her second language may be praised for her competence in the English language in her home country but be viewed as less competent in the United States because of her accent. Cultural variables such as race and nationality also affect competence. In a social situation where one person-say, a supervisor-has more power than another-for example, his or her employee-then the supervisor is typically the one who sets the standard for competence. Social variables such as status and power affect competence. What is competent or not varies based on social and cultural context, which makes it impossible to have only one standard for what counts as communication competence (Cooley & Roach, 1984). The third part of the definition we will unpack is ability to adapt to various contexts. For example, you might know strategies for being an effective speaker, but public speaking anxiety that kicks in when you get in front of the audience may prevent you from fully putting that knowledge into practice. All these factors will either help or hinder you when you try to apply the knowledge you have learned to actual communication behaviors. In terms of psychology, a person’s mood, stress level, personality, and level of communication apprehension (level of anxiety regarding communication) affect competence (Cooley & Roach, 1984). In terms of physiology, age, maturity, and ability to communicate affect competence. At the individual level, a person’s physiological and psychological characteristics affect competence. Not everyone has the same athletic, musical, or intellectual ability. Individual factors affect our ability to do anything. The second part of the definition of communication competence that we will unpack is the ability to use. As you build a repertoire of communication knowledge based on your experiential and classroom knowledge, you will also be developing behavioral competence. This will help bring the concepts to life and also help you evaluate how communication in the real world matches up with communication concepts. Since you are currently taking a communication class, I encourage you to try to observe the communication concepts you are learning in the communication practices of others and yourself. Cognitive competence can also be developed through instruction. People can develop cognitive competence by observing and evaluating the actions of others. The cognitive elements of competence include knowing how to do something and understanding why things are done the way they are (Hargie, 2011). The first part of the definition we will unpack deals with knowledge. Paul Shanks – Communication – CC BY-NC 2.0. A “Getting Competent” feature box is included in each chapter, specifically to help you develop communication competence. Since this book focuses on communication in the real world, strategies for developing communication competence are not only limited to this section. You likely haven’t heard professors or university administrators use the term communication competence, but as we learn more about it in this section, I am sure you will see how communication competence can benefit you in many aspects of your life. The ability to communicate effectively is often included as a primary undergraduate learning goal along with other key skills like writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. Discuss communication apprehension and public speaking anxiety and employ strategies to manage them.Ĭommunication competence has become a focus in higher education over the past couple of decades as educational policy makers and advocates have stressed a “back to basics” mentality (McCroskey, 1984).Discuss strategies for developing communication competence.Explain each part of the definition of communication competence.
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