Abstract
This essay explores the possibilities of the varying factors that might affect the probability of one disclosing personal information and thoughts to another.

From the Paper
"Not revealing personal information reduces the chances of others using that information against oneself but inevitably, people still reveal information about themselves on a day to day basis, especially to family and friends, and sometimes even strangers or acquaintances for various reasons. Derlega (1987) describes self-disclosure as the process of telling another person about oneself; honestly sharing thoughts and feelings that may be personal or private. To a large extent, having different personalities, gender and age does affect one's reason to self-disclose. However, this does not exclude the considerations that obligation may take the form of other situational factors, such as the studies by Gouldner in 1960, Bradac, Hosman, & Tardy in 1978 and Chaikin & Derlega, in 1974a (cf. Bradac, Hosman & Tardy, 1980), which show that if one were to disclose intimate information about oneself to another, the recipient is obliged to respond in a similar manner or they might run the risk of being negatively judged. Derlega and Grzelak (1979) offered a list of five different categories of possible purposes of self-disclosure, namely self-expression, self-clarification, social control, social validation and relationship development (cf. Prager, Fuller, & Gonzalez, 1989) which it will be discussed in relation to personality, gender and age factors in this essay."

Tags:behavior, extravert, extrovert, introvert, jung, personality, psychology, social, theories, theory

Abstract
This paper identifies and discusses the various aspects of Erving Goffman's model of face-to-face communication, including impression management, discrediting information and group interaction or 'performance team'. The paper investigates these concepts and others as well as the concepts guiding the paper to the ultimate question of 'where or what is the real self?' The paper, considering Goffman's thoughts, attempts to answer this question.

From the Paper
"For centuries philosophers have attempted to explain human face-to-face interaction. It is the human's desire for the fundamental answers of existence that explain this fact. Erving Goffman, a 20th Century sociologist, essentially found face-to-face communication to be a series of dramatic performances, not dissimilar to the performance of an actor or actress in a production. Thus, Goffman's 'dramaturgical' account of face-to-face communication was born. There are several aspects to Goffman's model of communication. Firstly, impression management is an important facet to investigate. Secondly, the relationship between revealing discrediting information and tactful blindness shown by the recipient is an interesting concept. "

Tags:impression, management, discrediting, information, tactful, blindness, performance, team

Abstract
In this paper the judgment-approach method of measurement for facial expressions of emotion (one of the most widely-used types) is analyzed, with comments on its validity (the correlation between two independently-measured tests) and reliability (concerned with the consistency of the test scores obtained). Ekman and Friesen, two pioneers in this field whose work is greatly respected, are used as a basis for this analysis, with examination of some of their studies and a look at cross-cultural differences in the facial expression of emotion. The question is posed of whether there is a difference between the experience and expression of emotion in the face and how frequently 'display rules' (which interfere with the expression of emotion in the face) cause confusion in the judgment of what emotion a person is actually experiencing.

From the Paper
"The experience of emotion is integral to who we are as humans. Darwin (1872 in Ekman, 1973) defined emotion as essential to the welfare of group-living species. Without emotion, we would be unable to be attracted to one another, reproduce, or interact socially, amongst other things. Emotions also have distinct motivational properties (Izard, 1971). As humans, one of the primary ways in which we express emotion is through facial expressions (Ekman, 1975), acting as an indicator to others on whether a person is happy, sad, angry or any number of other things. Hence, it is an important nonverbal tool of communication between individuals. As there is no known physiologic test to measure the state of emotion in a given person, facial expressions are a useful way of determining this. The concepts of facial expression and the measurement of emotion were first seriously explored by Charles Darwin. Since Darwin, many people have investigated the measurement of emotion, via many different methods. Some have been met with more success than others. In this essay I will focus on a specific type of emotion measurement, that of investigators studying the recognition of facial expressions of emotion via the judgment approach."

Tags:behavior, behavioral, body, communication, language, psychology, quantification

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that today's society has a compulsion to transform the material world into the digital. The writer points out that there is a need, clearly prominent in the modern world, to take what exists now and restructure it into a digital form. For instance, the conversions of a teacher, chalk and blackboard to the materials displayed on a computer screen and the alteration of vinyl analogue music to the creation of the digital compact disc. The writer maintains that now, and perhaps most profoundly, society has begun to convert part of itself into a digital format through the development of virtual communities. The writer concludes that within the hope and optimism for virtual communities, there is a profusion of challenges and issues that they must face to succeed.

Outline:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Through the reading of studies relating to the topic, ones that were credible studies and of a qualitative nature, the extent to which the problems that virtual communities face was determined. Academic journals, online magazines and online blog columns all of a credible and relevant nature, were each used and contributed significantly to the conclusions made."
"The use of appropriately selected theory from several theorists provided the foundations from which to grasp the topic. These several theories were compared and contrasted to define what the fundamental conclusions were. The further research carried out by examining scholarly journals and other types, provided several stances on virtual communities, stances that were also compared and contrasted to determine the underlying conclusions in the studies."

Tags:digital, computer, citizen, public

Abstract
This paper examines the various methods of communication used by law firms in Australia - modern and classic. These include corporate persona, e-mail, websites, sponsorship, intranet, brochures and seminars.

From the Paper
"Arguably one of the most important assets of any institution is their ability to communicate with their designated market. Law firms in Western Australia are no different. For a firm to succeed they must establish appropriate mechanisms through which they can communicate, both internally and externally. Traditionally the preferred methods of communication where; written correspondence, telephonic conversations, and to a certain extent facsimile . Today, as one venture's into the technological era new mediums are being presented, permitting a more effective level of communication, with respect to time, cost and ease of use. These new methods of communication that allow a more effective transfer of information come in the form of the internet, namely web pages and electronic mail (e-mail). On top of the abovementioned revolutionary communication devices law firms are increasingly communication to the general public in less conventional ways, this includes the deliberate and complex construction of "corporate persona", an increased involvement in sponsorship and via the provision of free seminars for employees and clients. Law firms in Western Australia are at a unique time period where they must confront, understand and embrace more effective and less traditional means of communication. The transition is currently underway and one can now identify that the most effective means of communication while having their flaws, come in the form of e-mail, web pages, corporate persona, seminars and sponsorship."

Tags:corporate, image, mail, persona, sponsorship, technology, website, email

Abstract
This paper examines how, as more and more women enter the workforce and play more important roles, the workplace diversifies, which in turn, influences human behaviors. It looks at how gender difference in managerial communication attracts attention from scholars and professionals and how continuous research has been done on gender differences and was trichotomized according to the emphasis it is given: gender disparity; technical communication; and managerial communication.

Outline
Introduction
Research Background
Gender Disparity at Work: The Most Salient, Notorious and Stubborn Difference
Gender Difference in Technical Communication
Gender Difference in Managerial Communication
Real-World Significant Gender Differences and According Recommendations
Overrater vs. Underrater: 360-Degree Feedback to be Included for Performance Appraisal
Rapport Talk vs. Report Talk
Interruptions
Gender Stereotypes: Perception and Evaluation
Nonverbal Communications
Expansion and Conclusion
Reference

From the Paper
"Research about gender difference and feminism in technical communication can be traced back to 1989 when Mary Lay published her well reviewed article "Interpersonal Conflict in Collaborative Writing: What We Can Learn from Gender Studies." Since this was the first attempt in this field, she based her research on many other disciplines including social psychology, philosophy, linguistics, composition and rhetoric and managerial communication, etc. Since then research in gender difference in technical communication has gained momentum. Loads of articles were published."

Tags:communication, disparity, interruption, nonverbal, rapport, report, stereotypes

Abstract
This paper discusses how group dynamics are central to the effective functioning of the work group. It shows how by understanding the group processes which affect people's roles in their place of work, is an understanding of the three major aspects of groups: managing conflict, communication and trust linked with social interdependence. It reviews these three concepts in turn and shows how although some groups struggle with a new structure, the future lies in achieving good communication, managing conflicts (including the hidden agenda) and developing healthy relationships, which will lead to trust and social interdependence. The success of a group rests not only with these but also with the group members as individuals and their ability to achieve a fuller harmony and healthy balance on the physical, psychological, spiritual and social level.

From the Paper
"A conflict situation within groups can be seen as an opportunity to grow, however it can also contain risks to the healthy state of a group. It is not the presence of conflicts but the way they are managed, which determines whether they are a positive or a negative force within a group (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p.381). Martin Luther King postulated in 1964 (and the sentiment applies to small groups as much as large): "Mankind [sic] must evolve for all human conflict a method, which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." Many groups spend considerable time trying to reach agreement which "satisfies our needs and meets our goals" (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p.383). Conflicts arise in groups over the relevance of agenda. One group member may comment that he/ she is not interested in a specific program being organized by someone else."

Tags:communication, conflict, dynamics, interdependence, trust

Abstract
This essay examines the limitations of communication models by examining the writer's own communication skills and interactions. Covered are Linear & Interactive models of Communication, proxemics, gestures, body-language, non verbal communication, barriers, language, active listening, self-disclosure, Johari window & self reflection.

From the Paper
"Most of the verbal communication is from one individual to another. This is true in a family, social, or a work setting. One-on-one verbal communication affords the greatest opportunity for precise communication, because immediate feedback from the receiver can tell whether the message has been understood accurately. However communicating effectively involves more than just accuracy. The purpose of most communication is to influence the attitudes and behaviors of those whom we address. Since the human race is composed of billions of individuals, each with a different way of responding, no one approach is universally effective. It is therefore important to learn to express ones self accurately and in a way that will accomplish the purpose toward the individual being addressed. (Lewis & Slade 2000)"

Tags:communication, evaluation, johari, models, self, window

Abstract
This paper examines how communication is a process by which we produce signals ourselves and receive and interpret the signals of others, using our five senses. The senses, used for human communication, are hearing/sound production, sight, touch, smell and taste. It also discusses the importance of non-verbal communication. The film "To Live Again" about the rescue and rehabilitation of a young woman after 16 years of solitary confinement in her own room at the hands of her mentally-ill mother, is used as an example to demonstrate the importance of good communication skills.

From the Paper
"The Johari model of the self or four selves provides insight into the role of self-awareness in communication. 'The Johari Window' is a model of constant size, but each section can vary, from very small to very large. As one aspect diminishes, one or more of the others expand. Similarly, as one section grows, one or more of the others must get smaller to accommodate the growth (Luft, 1984). The model has four basic areas, or quadrants, each of which represents a different aspect of the self; not separate pieces, but interactive and interdependent parts of the whole. The areas are the open self, the blind self, the hidden self and the unknown self (DeVito, 2001)."

Tags:live, again, non, verbal, sight, touch, smell

Abstract
This paper discusses how we are constantly communicating and how silence and other methods of non-verbal communication are no more random than words. It analyzes how these are systematic expressions of meaning, which are often quite unconsciously used, in interpersonal contacts and how relationships in business and in social situations can be made and broken simply by the non verbals. It illustrates through a literature review and various diagrams, how the effective reading of body language can do much to avoid or defuse conflict situation and provides strategies which can assist in resolving these conflicts.

From the Paper
"Good communication requires that the communicators spend special or quality time together. Quality time involves that there is no time crunch and there is no crush of a crowd around you. In quality time we can search for just the right words that express what we are thinking and feeling. (Powell: 1987, 344). It follows also that in such ideal situations the non-verbal aspects of the communication will also be positive. A common attitude about silence or the absence of verbalized communication is that communication can be turned on and off, when we talk and when we do not. The reality is that we are constantly communicating, silence and other methods of non-verbal communication are no more random than words. These are systematic expressions of meaning, which are often quite unconsciously used, in interpersonal contacts (Myers: 1985, 217). Relationships in business and in social situations can be made and broken simply by the non verbals."

Tags:gestures, interpersonal, language, signals, tension