Communication Barriers

Phrases like "communication barriers" are such an accepted part of the American lexicon that we rarely give them a second thought. Sure, communication barriers exist, but what are they exactly? Today's APR study session caused me to ponder a conventional list of these barriers and develop a corresponding list of current examples.

Barrier - Example:

Fuzzy language - Collateral damage
Misalignment with culture and values - Smoking in public in California
History of distrust - Big tobacco
Distractions - Blackberry/iPhone
Negative influencers - Global warming
Spokespeople with no credibility - John & Kate on marriage
Unreliable media - Polarizing radio talk show hosts
Gatekeepers - Apple's management team
Unfamiliar media - Twitter for the majority of Americans who don't tweet

Just Two Communication Theories?

I've been reviewing the "APR Study Guide" in preparation of my upcoming exam. As I finished the section on "Communication Theory," I was surprised to note that only two theories were identified: Agenda-Setting Theory and Diffusion Theory. Brief descriptions follow:

The Agenda-Setting Theory describes a process that is an interplay between three elements: the media, the public, and the policy-makers. At first, it was hypothesized that the media set the agenda, giving the public an issue to advocate for and the policy-makers the approval to legislate. Today, the application of this theory is regarded as multi-dimensional, where any one of the three elements can set the agenda and garner the attention of the remaining two.

The Diffusion Theory examines the sometimes lengthy process of getting humans (creatures of habit) to accept a new idea or product. It uses terms like "word of mouth," "innovators," and "early adopters" to describe its everyday application.

What would my revered professor from Saint Mary's College, Kusum Singh, think of this? I recall an interesting semester spent poring over several different communication theories, challenged by Professor Singh to examine how each played out in our everyday lives. My APR pursuit (back to the PR textbooks) has me looking back fondly on those college years and especially on the classes taught by Professor Singh. I hope she is happy, healthy, and inspiring a new generation of Communications majors at Saint Mary's.

Quest for APR Begins Anew

As you can see from my posts below, I was excited to pursue Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) four years ago. However, a busy client schedule with exciting projects put my professional development plans on hold. The APR would have to wait.

Today, I am happy to report that I am now half-way to attaining my APR. I recently received the official news from PRSA National that I had passed the Readiness Review portion of the accreditation process. A standardized test, like the AP exams my son has been taking for the past three years, is the remaining step in the process.

I plan to chronicle my studies for the APR exam here in my blog as a professional courtesy to my colleagues. From time to time, you'll find comparisons between the headlines and my textbook lessons. These brief case studies will illustrate the relevance of this refresher course to the day-to-day practice of public relations.