SAGE Video: Series - Media, Communication & Cultural Studies

  • Having Hard Conversations

    Jennifer Abrams examines how to approach unexpected and sudden conversations about conflict.

    Jennifer Abrams explains how the culture of caring in education makes hard conversations difficult.

    Communications consultant Jennifer Abrams discusses the crucial factors for determining whether or not it is necessary to have a difficult conversation about a situation or issue in the classroom.

    Jennifer Abrams emphasizes the importance of using specific language in group discussions.

    Jennifer Abrams explains why defining the problem is the first step in having a difficult conversation with a colleague.

    Jennifer Abrams explains that defining a problem is only the first step. Often it is valuable to revisit the definition to see if the problem or parties have changed.

    Jennifer Abrams explains why an outcome map should be used in advance of a hard conversation. Understanding what the problem is, desired outcomes and available resources can turn the conversation into a problem solving and/or growth experience.

    Jennifer Abrams highlights language usage choices that can negatively impact hard conversations. She discusses the importance of using professional wording, avoiding generalizations, and maintaining rapport.

    Jennifer Abrams describes scripting as an important step in preparing for a difficult conversation.

    Jennifer Abrams explains what kinds of questions will move a difficult conversation forward, and she emphasizes not asking "feeling" questions.

    Jennifer Abrams explains why it is important to be quiet and leave space for colleagues to think during a hard conversation.

    Jennifer Abrams discusses the importance of posture during hard conversations.

    Educational Consultant Jennifer Abrams discusses the importance of analyzing what you have been directed to do and determine with whom you need to talk about the problem, even if it is the person who tasked you with the task or responsibility.

    Communications consultant Jennifer Abrams discusses the importance of preparedness and constructive feedback when planning a difficult conversation with a supervisor.

    Jennifer Abrams explains how having a hard conversation with a group differs from having a hard conversation with just one person.

    Jennifer Abrams works with Mylene Keipp to plan a hard conversation she needs to have with a colleague.

    Jennifer works with a school principal to plan out the difficult conversation he needs to have with a teacher.

    Jennifer checks in with a school principal after he had a hard conversation with a teacher.

    Communications professional Jennifer Abrams helps teacher Maile prepare the script for a hard conversation she must have with a friend and team member at work.

    Jennifer Abrams talks to Milene Keipp to review the hard conversation they had planned together.

    Jennifer Abrams and Kafi Payne discuss a difficult conversation Kafi needs to have with a coach she supervises; they determine what the underlying issues of the conversation are, and plan ways to move forward.

    Jennifer checks in with a manager about the hard conversation planning they did together.

    Jennifer Abrams discusses the value of having a partner while you prepare for a difficult conversation.

  • Interpersonal Communication: Building Connections Together

    This video demonstrates appropriate and inappropriate communication in the workplace. Luke wants to take a day off. Should he pose his request through Facebook, text messaging, or a verbal conversation?

    Liz and Katie demonstrate how others' low expectations can affect feelings of self-worth, and how a strong self-awareness can help combat these expectations.

    Two versions of a conversation between Liz and Ben demonstrate the importance of perceptual checking in interpersonal communication.

    Sam and Liz demonstrate how multitasking can inhibit one's ability to listen and communicate.

    Liz and Chris demonstrate how the use of regional idioms can negatively affect communication.

    Katie and Ben demonstrate how the wrong non-verbal cues can be a barrier to effectice communication.

    Generally, there are five stages to a conversation: the greeting, topic priming, the heart, preliminary processing and closing. This short role playing exercise shows some of the pitfalls of ignoring conversational structure and demonstrates effective communication skills in conversation.

    Deficient coping skills often lead to the inability to control one's emotional response which impedes effective conflict resolution. This short film shows that maintaining emotional control is an effective strategy for problem solving.

    Approaching communication and conflict resolution from the perspective of controlling another can lead to resentment and defensiveness. Conflict is more likely to be resolved when approached from a spirit of problem-solving through cooperation. This role playing clip demonstrates the efficacy of problem solving through control vs. cooperation.

    This role playing film shows how offering large incentives to help a person change his or her attitude is less effective than using small incentives and asking for a minimal justification for the attitude in need of modification.

    This segment looks at how conflict can be managed and resolved by using Describe, Express, Specify, and Consequences (DESC) scripts as a communication map to assist in the healthy expression of feelings.

    In this chapter, role playing is used to show how supportive communication can help build relationships.

    This role-playing video looks at how self-disclosure effects our relationships. On one hand, appropriate self-disclosure can reflect intimacy and closeness and can serve to deepen our relationships. Conversely, risky self-disclosure presented at inappropriate times can create distance and negativity.

    Explore how a manager's reaction to differences in manager/employee perception affects the relationship and employee initiative. Whether the manager is supportive and argumentative or unsupportive and verbally aggressive can impact employee performance.

  • Money Programme

    In the 21st century, Britain faces a pension crisis. This documentary reviews personal cases of retiring laborers and examines alternative pension strategies used abroad.

  • Panorama

    This film examines social networking sites and the dangers that lurk therein. Find out what every parent needs to know to ensure her child's safety.

  • QED

    This programme follows inventor Trevor Baylis on the path to bring his wind-up clockwork radio to reality for the people of Africa.

  • The Communication Age: Connecting and Engaging

    Professor Shawn T. Wahl presents a tutorial on interpersonal communications, introducing a scenario in which a man and woman have an argument that is clearly caused by poor communication and inattention.

    Professor Chad Edwards reviews key topics in 21st century communication, including convergence, ethics, and digital communication.

    Professor Wahl uses a dramatization to demonstrate that perception is not limited to parties in direct communication with one another.

    Chad Edwards reviews chapter 2 and the concepts of perception and self-identity.

    Professor Wahl provides an example of how personal perception plays into determining offensive dialogue.

    Chad Edwards describes theories of verbal communication development.

    Professor Shawn Wahl offers a demonstration of nonverbal communication in conversations.

    Shawn Wahl discusses the interaction between nonverbal communication and computer-mediated communication, highlighting how nonverbal codes and gestures can be interpreted differently across cultures.

    Professor Shawn Wahl sets presents a scenario in which not listening to a colleague has consequences.

    Chad Edwards defines listening, then describes barriers to effective listening and how to overcome them.

    Professor Shawn Wahl presents a scene in which passive racism causes anger.

    Professor Shawn Wahl discusses the importance of cultural competence and diversity awareness in the global communication age.

    Prof. Shawn Wahl introduces a role-play on interpersonal communication. A man and woman both use indirect communication to avoid conflict.

    Chad Edwards describes the intricacies of establishing and maintaining relationships.

    Professor Wahl provides a role-play demonstration of ineffective group communication.

    Professor Wahl showcases an example of disorganization in the workplace and how it affects the working environment at large.

    Dr. Shawn Wahl uses a humorous role-play to provide a window into how our online aliases can affect our overall identity.

    Shawn Wahl touches on many of the ways new media are affecting communication, including identity formation, communication ethics, and the dispersal of content production.

    Professor Chad Edwards remarks on points to remember when constructing a public presentation in the communication age.

    Professor Chad Edwards discusses the importance of preparedness, sound logic and source citation when preparing original material for public presentation.

    Chad Edwards outlines the importance of having logical structure in a public speaking presentation.

    Chad Edwards reviews lesson points and underlines the significance of adjusting presentation styles to meet the prospective audience.

    To demonstrate proper methods for public speaking, a speech regarding death with dignity is shown. Annotated explanations accompany the speech, offering key information for speech preparation and presentation.

    Chad Edwards describes the various types of informative presentations.

    Using a student speech about poverty, this video outlines how to engage and keep an audience's interest throughout a public presentation.

    Chad Edwards outlines the importance of persuasive speaking.

    Dr. Shawn Wahl introduces a role-play about job interviewing. Robin seeks advice on how to manage her Facebook page to prevent potential employers from gaining a poor impression of her.

    Professor Shawn T. Wahl presents a tutorial on job interviews, focusing on the importance of understanding the goals and motivations of an interviewer.

  • The Tool-Kit to Communicating

    Journalist Matt Allwright enlists the help of communication coach Judi James in working with a teacher and art promoter who is having issues with confidence and assertiveness.

    A sports club manager is surprised by a team of communication experts who teach him how to effectively interact with his variety of multicultural clients and prospects by taking cues from others and being aware of how his behavior affects them.

    A young IT professional has become increasingly frustrated by his inability to find employment and ascribes this to his poor first impressions and interview techniques. Communication experts lead him through a series of training exercises to help him make a positive first impression with appropriate body language, clear unique selling points and solid self-confidence.

    Communication experts Matt Allwright and Sara Rowe help a young woman with self confidence issues learn the skills to be assertive, confident and to get what she wants.

    Communication experts Matt Allwright and Judi James help a young woman overcome the performance anxiety that is negatively affecting her presentations at work. Through a series of training activities, the experts express the importance of self confidence, solid presentation structure and provide pointers on how to overcome the discomfort of public speaking.

    Matt Allwright and communications specialist Judi James work with a customer service representative who is suffering from extreme stress and frustration. The team gives him tools for becoming more assertive, positive and effective at his day job without having to take the stress home with him.

    A restaurant sales and marketing manager learns how to effectively receive and give feedback through expert training and critiques of real-life situations.