A First Look at Interpersonal Communication Chapter topics Why We Communicate The Process of Communication Communication Principles and Misconceptions Social Media and Interpersonal Communication What Makes an Effective Communicator?

Whip around Think about the best scar you have Be prepared to share aloud this story

Why We Communicate Physical Needs Presence or absence of communication affects physical health Wide range of health threats can result from lack of close relationships Positive relationships lead to better health Personal communication is essential for our well-being

Why We Communicate Identity Needs Identity comes from way we interact with others Deprived of communication, we would have no sense of self Gain idea of who we are from way others define us

Why We Communicate Social Needs Communication provides vital link with others Link between effective interpersonal communication and happiness Many not successful at managing relationships Positive relationships may be most important source of satisfaction and well-being

Why We Communicate Practical Goals Communication most widely used approach to satisfying instrumental needs Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Physical, Safety, Social, Esteem and Self-Actualization

The Process of Communication A Linear View Communication is “done to” a receiver Figure 1.1

The Process of Communication Linear Communication The model Created by scientists interested in electronic media Affected the way we think and talk about communication Questions led scholars to create models that better represent interpersonal communication

The Process of Communication A Transactional View Communication as a uniquely human process Figure 1.2

The Process of Communication Transactional Communication The model Messages are sent and received at the same time Sender/Receiver become communicators Environments Noise Internal as well as external noise is represented Channels retain significant role

The importance of listening http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP55nA8fQ9I What is active listening? Did Ray engage in active listening? What could have been done differently to improve the communication in this scene?

The Process of Communication Interpersonal and Impersonal Communication Quantitative Communication Any interaction between two people, usually face to face Can be considered routine or impersonal Qualitative Communication Occurs when we treat others as unique individuals regardless of context or the number of people involved

The Process of Communication Interpersonal and Impersonal Communication Differences between interpersonal and less personal communication Uniqueness Irreplaceability Interdependence Disclosure Intrinsic Rewards

The Process of Communication Interpersonal and Impersonal Communication Most relationships neither interpersonal or impersonal Fall on continuum Buber I-It Relationships are stable, predictable, and detached People do things for us E.g. pump gas, laugh at our jokes, buy products, etc. “Can you pick me up after work?” “How can I get him/her to love me?” I-Thou Encounter each person as an individual; not a group Constantly changes No persuasion or control in relationships

Principles and Misconceptions Communication Principles Communication can be intentional or unintentional It’s impossible not to communicate Communication is irreversible

Principles and Misconceptions Communication Principles Communication is unrepeatable Communication has a content and relational dimension Content Information explicitly discussed Relational Expresses how you feel

Principles and Misconceptions Communication Misconceptions More communication is not always better Meanings are not in the words Successful communication doesn’t always involve shared understanding Communication will not solve all problems

Case Study Kristie and Jacob have been dating one another exclusively for four months. They both have part-time jobs and hope to complete their college studies within two years. Jacob thinks they should move in together. Kristie is reluctant to agree until she has more commitment from Jacob. Jacob doesn’t want to make promises he can’t keep. Kristie thinks that if they just communicate more they will be able to solve the problem, but Jacob thinks that talking about it more won’t help. What needs do Kristie and Jacob seem to have? Identify one element of the communication model that might help explain some of the communication problems they are having and help them communicate more effectively. What communication principles and/or misconceptions described in Chapter 1 may be operating in this situation? What likely role with mediated communication play in the scenario? How would you advise Jacob and Kristie to proceed with their communication practices?

Next time Finish chapter 1

Social Media

Whip Around If you were stranded on an island, what two things would you bring with you? Be prepared to share aloud with the class.

Social Media and Interpersonal Communication Describes all channels that make personal communication possible The difference between face-to-face and virtual relationships is eroding

Social Media and Interpersonal Communication Isn’t threat to relationships once feared Isn’t replacement for face-to-face interaction Can increase quantity and quality of interpersonal communication Asynchronous nature

Social Media and Interpersonal Communication Challenges Leaner Messages No nonverbal cues Disinhibition Speaking or blurting out before thinking 2 forms: identity management and highly expressive E.g. “This is a pic of me at a kegger.” or “what are you thinking? You should just go and cut your wrists?” Permanence Think twice before posting If mom can’t see it, it probably should not be posted!

Fail!

Ellen and Social Media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCaKuAdKumA Facebook https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMJMftb9KL4 Auto Correct https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG-xzJZctKU Instagram What can we take away from these funny but unfortunately true experiences?

Think-Pair-Share Think about whether you believe social media is good or bad. Apply the concepts we just discussed regarding social media. Pair up with a partner. Share your thoughts and ideas with your partner. Be prepared to share aloud with the whole class.

What Makes an Effective Communicator? Communication Competence There is no ideal way to communicate A variety of communication styles can be effective You can always learn new styles of communication Competence is situational Competence can be learned

What Makes an Effective Communicator? Competent Communicator Characteristics A wide range of behaviors Ability to choose the most appropriate behavior Skill at performing behaviors Cognitive complexity Empathy Self-monitoring Commitment

What Makes an Effective Communicator? Competence in Intercultural Communication Co-cultures Age Occupation Sexual orientation Physical disability Religion Know rules of specific culture Culture-general

What Makes an Effective Communicator? Competence in Intercultural Communication Motivation Tolerance for ambiguity Open-mindedness Knowledge and Skill Mindfulness Passive observation Notice behaviors of members of a different culture and use insights for later use Active strategies Watch films, read articles, read books, etc. Self-disclosure Share info about yourself to receive info from others

Clueless http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf7MT1p1VNI Identify words used by Cher and her friends that are unique to their culture. Which words were not familiar to you? Why do teenagers create new words and/or give old words new meanings? Is it appropriate to use slang and jargon in public speeches? Discuss this scene in terms of interpersonal, intercultural, and public speaking competence.

What Makes an Effective Communicator? Competence in Social Media Think before you post Be considerate Keep your tone civil Don’t intrude on bystanders

Assessing Communication Needs Apply three concepts we discussed today to the following clip from Modern Family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfHTSFwz4No

Chapter 1 Quiz Please write the full word either “True” if the statement is true or “False” if the statement is not true. You may use your textbook and notes. Turn in your quiz when you are done and you are good to go. Next Time: Chapter 2