Ethics Statement Unit 4 Assignment 2 - Verbal and Nonverbal Communication As an assignment in my Human Communications class we were asked to make

an Ethics Statement concerning Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. I believe that people without knowing it are capable of communicating something even if they didnt intend to do it. Its the way that the motions of our body is able to tell the real story, even if what were saying with words is completely different. Most people who take the time to study your disposition enough are able to gather more information about you than if they just listened to you. I know I have to be careful that Im not meaning one thing but say another. What people hear and what is actually said is sometimes very different.

If were not careful we can all have unethical behavior that demeans others. For example, if you speak in a patronizing vocal tone, if you scream at the less powerful, or if you touch people inappropriately, you are engaging in unethical nonverbal communication. Similarly, if you respond to others' communication in a way that misrepresents how you actually feel, you are being unethical. Thus if you laugh at a racist joke even though you dislike it, your behavior is unethical both because it derogates others, and because it misrepresents your true reaction to the joke.

Nonverbal behaviors reflect your real attitudes, beliefs, and feelings. Without being aware of it we could be using our nonverbal behavior to intimidate, coerce, or even silence someone. Always try to remember that you are just as responsible for your nonverbal communication as you are for your verbal communication. I think if you do this you will make better, and more ethical choices.

When exploring verbal communication in todays society we at least have to consider three areas of concern; One, Language and the perception people get from what we say. Language and Power attained thereby. Plus Power and words used. Many people have used dishonesty to simply not have things happen to them that should have happened to them. Perhaps all theyve done is not told the whole story, or even just said that the information theyre sharing is: subject to change. There are several Components of Language: Phonology, how sounds contribute to meaning Syntax; how word order contributes to meaning. Semantics, which is how words themselves contribute to meaning. But following the simple rules of language using both conversational rules and contextual rules can and will contribute to proper communication.

Assistance in this with the use of our text book; Human Communication in Society, by: Jess K. Alberts Custom 2nd Edition.