Talking Styles

Article Critique: Talking Styles

Com 200

Article Critique: Talking Styles
At times nonverbal communication can be more important in an interpersonal relationship than shared words. The better the communication the better it is to be understood which is also very important. The intention of this essay is to discuss my views on the article, Shared Talking Styles Herald New and Lasting Romance written by Bruce Bower in 2010, as I do agree with the fact that certain people click. In this paper I will also discuss my score I received from the Language Style Matching website and why I do not believe that is an accurate measure of communication. The measuring of communication cannot be measure by a Language website because the difference in how people communicate.
In the article “Shared Talking Styles”, experts agree that when two people are engaged in face to face conversation, only a small fraction of the total message they share is contained in the words they chose to use. The article claims that the use of function words hint as to the consideration that each person is giving to what is being said. This writer believes that when two people involved in an interpersonal relationship and are closely connected, words are often not effective communication. Bower states that people who click have a better chance at a lasting relationship. Most of the ideas in this study were based on a study led by Molly Ireland and James Pennebaker of the University of Texas at Austin. Bower suggest that similarity in the usage of function words such as pronouns, articles, conjunctions, prepositions and negations are representative of how drawn individuals are to each other (Bower,2010).
Forming an opinion from Bruce Bower’s article, I do agree with the article suggesting that people who click will understand each other and have longer lasting relationships. That’s statement goes for friends and spouses, I have friends that understand my since of humor and others who may find it offensive. Communications shall be structured depending on the person you are communicating with at that time. Therefore it makes sense that people who “click” would have a better chance at a lasting relationship. My LSM score received from the Language Style Matching website is a .seventy-four. The website tells me that is a below average score. My analysis was based upon an online message between my cousin and myself. According to the website, an average LSM score is between .seventy-five. I disagree with the Language Style Test due to the reason that it is impossible for a computer to understand in anyway or form how to interpret communication in today’s day in age. I copied and pasted the information as indicate in the instructions. However I used a conversation with my cousin that is a little slower in some areas, therefore his text contained a lot of spelling errors. Just because the computer is not designed to correct and understand those does not necessarily mean I am not able to read and understand his messages as if he never made a mistake. When texting, messaging or talking to someone close to you we tend to chop words or sometimes they may have many errors. That’s why I feel there is no possible way for the computer to understand that. Also like stated in our current text, culture has a lot to do with communication. Therefore what I may understand dose not necessarily mean others will.
In closing communication is a great asset to have because the better you communicate the more you expand your learning capability. Having Good communication skills leads to a happier and fulfilled life. Thus “ You become a more effective communicator when you become a more responsible creator of messages, and you become more responsible by making sure that your language is appropriate for the situation, and the purpose of the communication” (Sole K, 2010 sec 4.4).

Reference

Bower, B. (2010, November). Shared talking styles herald new and lasting romance. U.S. News & World Report, 1. Doi: 2223940991
Sole, K. (2011). Making Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication. San Diego, Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved 14, 2012 from https;//content.asford.edu