Final answer:
Looking at communication critically means to engage in a thorough investigation of messages, evaluating their logic, credibility, and evidence, and considering multiple perspectives. This process is integral for becoming an active participant in discourse and developing informed opinions, a skill emphasized in academic and real-world contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
To look at communication critically means to analyze, evaluate, and interpret the messages conveyed in various forms of communication. It involves examining both the content and the methods of communication, assessing the argument's logic, credibility, and supporting evidence, and considering different perspectives. Critical analysis of communication extends to written works, visual media, and digital expressions, such as social media posts and advertisements. This approach enables individuals to discern underlying messages, biases, or rhetorical strategies and to form well-reasoned conclusions based on thoughtful scrutiny.
Engaging in critical communication involves several key strategies such as summary, paraphrase, analysis, and evaluation. Critical thinking in this context is the ability to look beyond the surface, identifying nuances and asking probing questions that challenge the initial presentation of ideas. By doing so, readers and listeners become active participants in the discourse, enhancing their understanding and contributing to a richer dialogue about the subject.
In the realm of academics and beyond, being a critical communicator also entails recognizing how ideas are interconnected, acknowledging alternative viewpoints, and building 'information bridges' across different texts and experiences. When reading or writing critically, one must exercise reason and judgment, and explore the language used, as these skills are invaluable in the academic environment and everyday life.