What is communication competence? Give an example of how you can become a more competent communicator in the university classroom.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Communication competence refers to the ability to communicate in personally effective yet socially appropriate ways. In other words, to be competent communicators, we must balance our own goals with the needs and expectations of others, given the social circumstances. Students can be competent communicators in the classroom by understanding effective ways of talking to the professor both in- and outside the classroom. For example, if a student plans to be absent from class, it is expected that they will inform the instructor of that absence. A good way to do that is through face-to-face communication during class or through e-mail. A student who is absent without telling the instructor why he or she is absent may send an unintentional message that he or she doesn’t want to be in class. Students can also be more competent communicators by using appropriate formal e-mail messages. This can be done by using salutations or greetings in their e-mail, and also by ending with a closing and their name. Instructors may find it rude or too informal when a student sends an e-mail with no greeting or “Dear Dr. Jones.” While text messaging may be considered less formal, there are still expectations for how students should address instructors. Knowing these expectations can increase the likelihood of the student being seen as a competent communicator in the classroom.