7. Conducting the Interviewa. Inter

7. Conducting the Interview
a. Interviewing requires an understanding of basic communications theory.
1) A sender transmits an idea through a message.
2) This message is encoded in a writing, in an oral statement, or in body language.
3) The encoded message is transmitted through a channel or medium to a receiver.
a) Barriers in the channel may interrupt or distort the message.
4) The receiver decodes the message and interprets the message in accordance with his or her experience and knowledge.
a) Technical jargon should be avoided so as to increase the chance that the message will be accurately decoded.
5) The receiver may then undertake action or respond to the message.
6) The words or actions of the receiver provide feedback to the sender.
a) Feedback is vital because it tells the sender whether the message has been understood and acted upon.
7) Nonverbal communication (body language) consists of facial expressions, vocal intonations, posture, gestures, appearance, and physical distance. Thus, by its nature, nonverbal communication is much less precise than verbal communication. However, in some cases, it may convey more information than verbal communication. But it is not necessarily more truthful.
a) Nonverbal communication is heavily influenced by culture. For Example, a nod of the head may a nod of the head may have opposite meanings in different cultures..