Communication and its Impact

This assignment presents a collection of research papers focusing on diverse aspects of communication. The papers delve into topics such as strategic internal communication, the effectiveness of storytelling in enhancing listening skills, cultural brokerage in overcoming communication barriers, the role of non-verbal communication, and functional communication training for individuals with behavioral challenges. The assignment encourages critical analysis of these papers to understand their implications for effective communication in various contexts.

Running head: EFFECTIVE BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
Effective Business Communications
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Diagnosis and Reflection
Diagnostic tool 1- Talkaholic Scale and the findings
Tallkaholic scale is known as the measure compulsive communication. This diagnostic
tool helps to identify my skills of compulsive communication. By utilizing this particular tool, I
found some of the areas of compulsive communication, which should be avoided or controlled,
for my own benefits. I strongly agree with the fact that I tend to remain quiet when I really need
to speak. Specifically, when I am in a meeting or in a group and we are in the discussion of a
topic, where everyone is giving his or her opinions and then when my time comes, I remain
quite. In addition, there are certainly some situations; I talk a lot than usual. Such tendency
sometimes affects my verbal communication. We develop verbal communication to keep each
other informed so that we could disseminate the relevant and significant information. Moreover,
the verbal communication is required to resolve a problem. However, in some of the areas of
compulsive communication, I found myself losing control over the conversation. According to
Talkaholic Scale I scored 32, which indicates that I am not fully competent to control my
tendency of talking at most of the time. I agree with the fact that I am hardly find myself quiet
even for my own advantages. Nonetheless, it is a rare incident that I speak more than I should.
Thereby, I do not have any particular opinion on this element of compulsive communication.
Diagnostic tool –Findings of “Personal Report of Intercultural Communication
Apprehension (PRICA)”
This diagnostic tool is helpful when I identify areas of communication apprehension in
the intercultural context. I derived 65 in this particular diagnostic tool, which indicates a high
intercultural ability. I agree that in general I am much comfortable in interacting with a group of

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people belonging to different cultural backgrounds. I also disagree with the fact that I do not get
tense and nervous during the interaction of people from different culture. I agree with the fact
that I preferably get involved in a group discussion with others who belong to different cultural
backgrounds. On the other side, I also disagree with the fact that involving in-group discussion
with the people from different cultural background makes me nervous. I understand that while
communicating with the people of different culture, it is necessary for every individual to remain
calm and relaxed and this behavior or actions could make others who are involved in the
communication, uncomfortable. I strongly defend my characteristic that during the conversation
with an individual from a different culture, I do not fear. It is certain to feel nervous while
communication with a group of people of other culture but I understand the fact if I get nervous
or tense I would not be able to present my views. In order to improve communication or to get
rid of the weaknesses in communication, I should not fear or grow the anxiety of speaking.
Moreover, during the conversation with the people of other culture, I believe that the individual
should pay attention to other person speaking, as this helps to brush up listening skills.
Diagnostic tool- The findings of Non-verbal Immediacy Scale Self-Report (NIS-S)
In the “non-verbal immediacy Scale- Self Report” I scored 90. This diagnostic tool is
directly related to areas of my non-verbal communication. I agree with the statement that I
often use my hands and arms to gesture during the interaction with other people. However, I do
not grow any tendency of touching others’ shoulders while taking to people. Nonetheless, I agree
with the fact that using arms and putting hands on the shoulders of others could be effective
when I am talking to my friends or the person I know very well. I understand that the use of
monotonous tone during the conversation could affect the theme or the subject of the
conversation. I do not move when someone touches during the conversation. It is a fact that

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while communicating with an unknown individual, both the parties might not prefer to touch
each other. Touching or putting arms on shoulder only happens when both individuals known
each other or they have a friendly or comfortable zone. I tend to maintain a relaxed body position
when I talk to people. Likewise, I also believe that if I frown while communicating with others, it
could make other individual uncomfortable.
Diagnostic tool- Findings of “Tolerance for Disagreement Scale (TFD)”
It is identified that the tolerance for disagreement scale is developed to measure the range
to which a person could tolerate other people by disagreeing with what other person says or
believes to be true. The diagnostic tool based on the statements provided indicates that I have a
high TFD score. I preferably involve in a conversation where others have contradictory views.
Generally, I like to talk to people with different points view as it helps me to learn new things
and rectify my own judgment. However, I do not agree with the fact that disagreement could be
helpful always. Disagreement is not always effective in a conversation but when the situation
occurs, I do not prefer to change the topic of the discussion. Disagreement in a conversation
indicates negativity or problem; thereby, continuing the conversation could provide the solution
of the disagreement. Moreover, I also have the tendency to enjoy arguing with people about the
elements on which there is a state of disagreement. However, I also found that sometimes
disagreement leads to intense argument, which further affects the conversation. People become
assertive or they tend to show assertive characteristics such as aggression. Nonetheless, I do not
nourish any such assertive characteristic.
Diagnostic tool- Findings of Willingness to listen diagnostic
It is universally known that listening is one of the significant skills, which potential
leaders imply as being critical to effective communication. Listening can be improved by several

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ways such as attending the classes, attending in the lecture session, etc. I scored 70 in listening
skills. I usually do not dislike the individuals who are boring speakers. Hence, I believe that not
all individuals in a group can be active speakers. Listening a boring speaker helps to realize how
I can improve those areas or aspects I found in a boring speakers. In general, I may not like
attending a conversation or lecture event where is a noise or chaos but I insist on listening to
such speakers so that I could deal with my nature of being monotonous in the middle of a
conversation. However, I find it difficult to listen to speakers even if others things linger in my
mind. Nonetheless, I cannot deal with non-responsive speakers I lose my patience in the middle
of the conversation.
Two communication issues identified requiring development
Talkaholic nature
One of the major issue I found is talkaholic nature. I speak a lot when it is not necessary.
On the contrary, when I should speak or present my views, I remain silent. Moreover, during a
conversation in a group where everyone is giving their feedbacks but my mind is occupied with
other irrelevant things that are necessary in that time. This is a significant issue, as it could affect
my communication skill when I will be involved in a professional interaction.
Lack of willingness to listen
Another significant issue I found from the above presented findings and analysis is my
lack of willingness to listen. I have poor listening skills, as during a meeting or in lengthy
conversation, I often lose my patience and I start feeling bore in the middle of the conversation.
Such poor listening skills affects my professional career because several official meeting take
place in my organization where, I am not able to understand the theme of the strategies due to

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poor listening skills. Thereby, I need to develop my listening skills so that my communication
would be improved.
Reflecting on two recent professional interactions and analyzing them with the key
communication issues discussed above
Based on the findings and analysis presented in the above, I found that I face significant
issues particularly in compulsive communication. I am agreeing with the result embedded in the
talkaholic diagnostic tool. I recall one incident that makes me realize that I am talkaholic and
such characteristics bothers others. During my internship in a medium sized firm, I had a healthy
professional relationship with my operational manager. My manager used to remain quiet, which
means he does not speak much unless it is required. Whenever, he used to ask me about the
progress of the work, I usually start a long conversation with him, which makes him irritated and
he indicates that he is not interest to listen further.
Another incident I recall, which is related to lack of willingness to listen. I was supposed
to operate a promotional event about the launch of a service by my organization where I am
doing an internship. My business heads gave me a brief about the event in an official meeting but
the meeting took a lot of time and it was lengthy. Therefore, in the middle of the meeting I lost
my patience and my mind remained busy with others things. Such poor intention of listening
affected the entire event. I realized that I am not an active listener; an active listener would have
grabbed each element of the conversation and conveyed to others in a positive manner.
Moreover, in the meeting, there was a constant noise in the meeting room as there were some
construction works in the building. Thus, due to the chaos and noise I withdrew my attention
from the meeting. As I presented the findings above that noise breaks my concentration of
listening.

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Literature Review-
Topic 1: Talkaholic Nature
As put forward by Men (2014) there are some of people who are driven to talk more than
usually an individual does. Experimental data in the study conducted by Penn & Watermeyer
(2012) indicates that variability in people’s talking behavior has often been the subject of several
study studies particularly in the field of communication. Talkaholic nature is often considered as
compulsive communication disorder. Talkaholic nature universal problem that affects people’s
normal functioning in personal relation as well as social activities.
Concept of Talkaholic- According to Samuels et al., (2014) an individual who does not have
control over his/her talks is known as talkaholic and some people consider this nature as
compulsive communication disorder. The individuals who are diagnosed with talkaholic
characteristics often remain silent when they need to talk or sometimes, there could be some
situations where such individual would talk a lot when it is not genuinely not required.
A study conducted by Mataix‐Cols et al., (2016), mentioned that a co-worker, well
known for his talent and creativity was promoted to run a group of individuals in the workplace.
The promoted supervisor acquired the “gift of gab” and talked persistently with the co-worker.
The author mentioned that most of the time, the topic is not related to work. Consequently,
supervisors’ talk affected organizational productivity and employees started complaining to
senior management. Eventually, the individual had to face a demotion in the career. However,
according to the existing papers on compulsive communication a significant difference exists
between a person who talks much and an individual who is compulsive in their talk.

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As put forward by Phutela (2015), an individual who talks too much can go through the
issue of quality talk, whereas an individual with compulsive disorder has a problem of quantity
talk. However, no study has yet addressed the accuracy of their distinction. In this context,
McCroskey et al., (2014) raised the question on whether these individuals are different or they
are same as each other. Thereby, Mataix‐Cols et al., (2016) provided an example that Person A
prefers the conversation about politics and initiate a one-sided interaction with Person B.
Individual B is uncomfortable in discussing the politics as well as holds different political view
from individual A, who persistently discusses his stance on the current topic. Finally when the
conversation ends, the person B remains fully in disagreement with the argument and he
mentions to others that person A talks too much. Thus, in such a context, person A is not
necessarily talkaholic. On the other hand, Person B is uses a quantitative term to assess a
perceived qualitative issue.
Olatunji et al., (2013) also mentioned that one significant explanation for the above
mentioned discrepancy is that if an individual does not like what someone says, a significant way
of describing that particular response is refer to the person who “speak too much”. Thereby,
“speak too much” remains as a negative quantitative term for a negative qualitative reaction. So,
it might be difficult for an individual who spends a large amount of time talking to other
individual regarding A’s positive qualities, although such behavior could be embarrassing to
person “A”. In this context, McCroskey et al., (2014) commented that people who talk too much
usually have a quality issue with their communication. Phutela (2015) also raised the issue
whether the individual who speak too much are labeled in such way, as their style of
communication and level of competency are lacking. Olatunji et al., (2013) in their experimental

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study mentioned that such individuals tend to ignore cues to stop talking and discuss topics that
could be annoying as well as embarrassing.
A study conducted by Koran and Simpson (2013), also indicates the fact that people who
are by nature compulsive in communication often face a pure amount of quantity issue. Hence,
the major concern that surrounds them is the amount of time they invest in talking during the
interaction. Thus, as the purpose of the future study, Phutela (2015), believed that compulsive
speakers have an issue of quantity, which could set them apart from other individuals or
communicators.
In another study on communication conducted by Rispoli et al., (2014) mentioned that
some individuals with compulsive communication characteristics tend to believe that their
compulsive behavior helped them to become flexible with others
Compulsive Communication disorder treatment
As put forward by Mataix‐Cols et al., (2016), “cognitive behavior therapy” (CBT)
provides a significant talking treatment which focuses on addressing the connection between
one’s feelings, and behavior. It helps the individual to develop practical skills to deal with any
negative patterns of behavior that could be causing the individual difficulties. It can be
implemented with one to one pattern, or in a group. Thompson-Hollands et al., (2014) on their
experimental study is strongly recommended for compulsive communication disorder. “Exposure
Response Prevention” also helps to deal with obsession of compulsive talking and prevent the
urges to implement compulsion. As put forward by Müller et al., (2014) CBT should be carefully
managed to ignore anxiety and distress; thereby, it is significant that an individual understands
treatment completely.

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Topic two- Lack of willingness to listen
There are several reasons behind a poor listening skills but Aldera and Mohsen (2013)
mentioned that a lack of motivation remains as significant challenge to listening. The supervisors
who should be listening could be daydreaming or making individual plans. In this context,
Renukadevi (2014) mentioned that motivation or incentive often remains as the prevalent issue
in the listening technique. An experimental study conducted by Chang and Millett (2013),
showed that individual score effectively on listening achievement tests when they learn in
advanced that they are going to be examined compared to the fact when they just know are
supposed to listen. On the other side, Oduolowu and Oluwakemi (2014) mentioned that scores on
listening test increases when the incentive to listen increases. Findings provided in these papers
indicate the fact that listening could be a hard work, people can expect great amount of effort
when the goals is known and the listeners could observe a positive result of the effort.
According to Siegel (2013) lack of willingness could appear before listening even begins.
For example, if a individual intentionally or unconsciously decides not to listen, the listening
skills would be of no advantages. However, the question is why would a supervisor lacks
willingness to listen? A study conducted by Aldera and Mohsen (2013) indicates most of the
people rather prefer to talk instead of listening; in fact, when they ask a question , they could
certainly interrupt the first sentence of the response. Likewise, the listener may stereotype the
speaker as one who has very little to contribute as well as not worthy listening to. In addition, the
listener could lack intention because that person might not want to receive negative information.
As put forward by McCroskey et al., (2014), “defensive behavior” behavior sometimes
works against listening. Hence, some supervisors might consider a small attack on their opinions

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as an attack on them personally As the result, they could support the defense. Here, this defense
could involve the verbal attack that further, prevents the possibility for listening. Furthermore,
the internal noise, such as employee chaos in the workplace could be a significant barrier to
listening. On the other side, environmental noise in the external environment could compete with
the major topic of interest, which also remains as the barrier.
Limitation of the literature
The above-mentioned literatures have mainly focused on how issues of communication
appear in communication. The studies have provided a solid definition of the issues related to
talkholic communication and willingness to listening. However, the papers did not provide any
theoretical views or use of models to justify the facts. The studies have demonstrated how
talkaholic characteristics of an individual affect others but it did not term the issue with theories.
Moreover, hardly any study found an adequate solution for enhancing the listening skills.
Particularly, a study conducted by Chang and Millett (2013) discussed in the literature review
only talk about how an individual lose patience in listening but the study did not pay required to
attention to solutions of the identified barriers.
Action plan
Type of activities Current performance Things I need to
improve
Time required

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Session for controlling
Talkaholic attitude
(Compulsive talking
treatment)
I have observed that I
talk a lot on situations,
which is unnecessary.
The exaggeration of
the topic affects the
audience and thereby
results to ineffective
communication. The
social acceptance of
such communication,
which is undertaken by
me, is negligible.
I believe that I am
required to bring in
changes in the structure
of the speech. I am
required to get a hold of
the topic in order to stop
myself from
exaggerating on the
same. I suppose that
writing down the
message would also help
me in initiating the
practice. A steady speech
therapy would also helps
in outnumbering the
issue that is being faced
by me. It will be helping
me to outline the context
and speak accordingly.
2-3 months
Training to improve
Attentiveness and
concentration
Inattention has caused
several impacts on the
effectiveness of the
messages that are being
conveyed. I have
noticed that I face a
serious issue while
I am required to improve
on my attentiveness in
order to facilitate the
proper understanding and
the interpretation of the
messages that are being
conveyed. The most
4-5 months

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attending lectures due
to the inattentiveness.
It affects the priority of
the message and the
understanding of the
same. The proper
understanding of the
message helps in the
identification of the
different contexts that
are being addressed in
the lectures.
important steps that I
must undertake is to
make improvements in
the attentiveness. I have
planned a short session in
order to bring in
improvements in the
attentiveness. Meditation
sessions will be helping
in the promotion of the
attentiveness. I believe
the sessions will be
helping in bringing about
changes in the
communicative abilities
and enhance the
concentration which is
much required for
undertaking effective
communication.
Perception and
cognitive development
The lack of perception
affects the
understanding and the
interpretation of the
message that is being
conveyed. I believe
I must take steps in order
to bring in changes in the
perception and the
cognitive abilities. In
order to do so, I must
undertake a session in
6-8 months

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that I lack in the proper
implementation of
perception and the
cognitive abilities to
relate. It affects the
communication
through the
misunderstandings.
The proper
understanding of the
different issues that are
being faced by me
relating to the
perception has affected
the total idea of the
message.
order to bring in changes
in the mindset and the
perceiving power. The
clarity and brevity of the
message is useful for a
start. However, there are
issues that might be
faced by the proper
implementation of the
elements of the
cognition. The abilities
have helped in
undertaking ways for the
better functioning of the
communication systems.
Table one 1: Action plan
(Source: Self-Made)
Elements January-March April-June July-September
Compulsive
communication training
Improvement of
attentiveness

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Perception and
cognitive development
Table 2: Gantt Chart
References
Aldera, A. S., & Mohsen, M. A. (2013). Annotations in captioned animation: Effects on
vocabulary learning and listening skills. Computers & Education, 68, 60-75.
Chang, A. C., & Millett, S. (2013). The effect of extensive listening on developing L2 listening
fluency: Some hard evidence. ELT journal, 68(1), 31-40.
Jenifer, R. D., & Raman, G. P. (2015). Cross-cultural communication barriers in the
workplace. Internafional Journal of Management, 6(1), 348-351.
Koran, L. M., & Simpson, H. B. (2013). Guideline watch (March 2013): practice guideline for
the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Arlington, VA: American
Psychiatric Association.
Mataix‐Cols, D., de la Cruz, L. F., Nordsletten, A. E., Lenhard, F., Isomura, K., & Simpson, H.
B. (2016). Towards an international expert consensus for defining treatment response,
remission, recovery and relapse in obsessive‐compulsive disorder. World
Psychiatry, 15(1), 80-81.
Mataix‐Cols, D., de la Cruz, L. F., Nordsletten, A. E., Lenhard, F., Isomura, K., & Simpson, H.
B. (2016). Towards an international expert consensus for defining treatment response,
remission, recovery and relapse in obsessive‐compulsive disorder. World
Psychiatry, 15(1), 80-81.

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McCroskey, L. L., Teven, J. J., Minielli, M. C., & Richmond McCroskey, V. P. (2014). James C.
McCroskey's instructional communication legacy: Collaborations, mentorships, teachers,
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Oduolowu, E., & Oluwakemi, E. (2014). Effect of storytelling on listening skills of primary one
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Olatunji, B. O., Rosenfield, D., Tart, C. D., Cottraux, J., Powers, M. B., & Smits, J. A. (2013).
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Olatunji, B. O., Rosenfield, D., Tart, C. D., Cottraux, J., Powers, M. B., & Smits, J. A. (2013).
Behavioral versus cognitive treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: An examination
of outcome and mediators of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical
Psychology, 81(3), 415.