Movies
This biographical drama showcases the life of mathematician John Nash, focusing on his struggle with mental illness and his journey toward self-acceptance and reconciliation.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly.
A Beautiful Mind
This is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities.
Problem Solving
Expressing one's needs and opinions in a forceful and dominating manner, often at the expense of others' feelings.
Example: Yelling, name-calling, or using insults to assert dominance in a conversation. "You're always so incompetent!"
Aggressive Communication
Habitually engaging in self-criticism, which can affect how you communicate with others and contribute to low self-esteem.
Example: Constantly berating yourself internally and projecting negative thoughts onto your interactions.
Negative Self-Talk
Communication, especially active listening and engaging in thoughtful conversations, requires this. This stimulates various brain regions involved in language comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Cognitive Processing
Based on a true story, this (2000) film follows an environmental activist's fight against a large corporation accused of polluting a town's water supply.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart.
Erin Brockovich
This is a structured, interactive process where an impartial third party neutrally assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques.
Mediation
Avoiding conflict and suppressing one's needs or opinions, leading to unexpressed frustration or resentment.
Example: Agreeing with others even when you disagree, and not asserting your own preferences. "It's fine, we can do whatever you want."
Passive Communication
Assigning fault to others without taking responsibility for one's own actions or contributions to a situation.
Example: Placing all the blame on someone else while ignoring your role in the conflict. "This problem wouldn't exist if you hadn't messed up."
Blaming Communication
Communication shapes this by influencing how individuals see themselves and how they are perceived by others. Positive feedback and validation in communication can contribute to a positive self-concept.
Self-Perception
This (2011) film highlights the relationships between African American maids and white families during the 1960s civil rights movement, as they work to bridge racial divides.
Starring: Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer.
The Help
This is the quality of being self-assured and confident without being aggressive to defend a right point of view or a relevant statement.
Assertiveness
Indirectly expressing negative feelings or criticism through subtle actions or remarks.
Example: Making sarcastic or snarky comments, using backhanded compliments. "Oh, I see you're finally trying to help around the house."
Passive-Aggressive Communication
Minimizing or invalidating someone else's feelings, opinions, or concerns.
Example: Brushing off someone's emotions by saying, "You're overreacting" or "It's not a big deal."
Dismissive Communication
Meaningful conversations can enhance this by engaging multiple brain areas. Recalling information shared during conversations can stimulate memory retrieval and consolidation.
Memory Formation
The (1997) story follows a troubled young janitor with a gift for mathematics who undergoes therapy to confront his past and address his emotional conflicts.
Starring: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck.
Good Will Hunting
This is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demand.
Compromise
Using tactics to control or influence others' thoughts, feelings, or behaviors for personal gain.
Example: Guilt-tripping, using emotional blackmail, or playing mind games to get what you want. "If you really cared about me, you'd do this for me."
Manipulative Communication
Not allowing others to finish speaking and repeatedly cutting them off during a conversation.
Example: Continuously interjecting with your own thoughts and opinions before the other person can complete their statement.
Interrupting or Talking Over Others
Engaging in engaging and rewarding conversations can lead to the this, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Positive communication experiences can boost mood and motivation.
Dopamine Release
This (2010) historical drama depicts the efforts of King George VI to overcome his speech impediment with the help of a speech therapist, emphasizing communication and personal growth.
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter.
The King's Speech
This is the practice of preparing to listen, observing what verbal and non-verbal messages are being sent, and then providing appropriate feedback for the sake of showing attentiveness to the message being presented. This is listening on purpose.
Active Listening
Reacting to criticism or feedback with defensiveness and justifying one's actions rather than addressing the concerns.
Example: Denying responsibility, shifting blame, or making excuses when confronted. "It's not my fault, you're the one who misunderstood."
Defensive Communication
Refusing to engage or communicate with another person during a conflict, leading to a breakdown in communication.
Example: Ignoring someone's attempts to discuss an issue, walking away mid-conversation, or giving the silent treatment.
Stonewalling
Complex communication, such as engaging in debates or solving puzzles through discussion, can increase this. This challenges the brain and enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities.
Cognitive Load