Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Chapter topics Why We Communicate The Process of Communication Communication Principles and Misconceptions The Nature of Interpersonal Communication What Makes an Effective Communicator

Why We Communicate Physical Needs Identity Needs Social Needs Practical Goals

Why We Communicate Physical Needs Social isolation increases risk of: Coronary disease Rivals cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and lack of physical activity Catching the common cold Premature death Positive communication and strong social ties lead to better health

Why We Communicate Identity Needs Identity comes from how we interact with others Acting human is a learned process Messages influence our identity throughout our lives

Why We Communicate Social Needs Communication is used to: Obtain pleasure, affection, companionship, relaxation, escape and control Create happier relationships and social lives Theorists argue that positive relationships may be the most important source of human satisfaction and emotional well-being

Why We Communicate Practical Goals Getting others to behave in ways we want Communication is the tool that: Lets you explain your needs to the hair stylist Helps you negotiate household duties Is essential in virtually every career 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 Page 10

The Process of Communication Linear Communication The model Suited to radio and television Created by scientists interested in electronic media Affected the way we think and talk about communication Is there really only one sender and one receiver?

The Process of Communication A Transactional View Communication as a uniquely human process Figure 1.2 Page 11

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

Principles and Misconceptions Some communication is clearly intentional Communication can be unintentional Overhearing another's conversation How does the meaning change? Nonverbal Communication Unaware of your expressions Sour face, restlessness, sighs of boredom Unknowingly being observed

Principles and Misconceptions Communication is irreversible It is impossible to “unreceive” a message Think about “unsqueezing” a tube of toothpaste Words said and deeds done are irretrievable It’s impossible not to communicate Intentional and unintentional behaviors send a message People who decode your message may not interpret it accurately

Principles and Misconceptions Communication is unrepeatable Communication is an ongoing process It is impossible to repeat the same event If attempted, the act of repetition will change the intended meaning Both communicators have changed because they have lived longer The “same” words and behaviors are different each time they are spoken or performed

Principles and Misconceptions Content and relational dimension Content dimension Involves the information being explicitly discussed Relational dimension Involves how you feel about the other person Like or dislike In control or subordinate Comfortable or anxious

Principles and Misconceptions More communication is not always better Excessive communication can be unproductive and can also backfire Pestering a potential employer about a job prospect Texting too many “call me” messages Meanings are not in the words Saying something is not the same as communicating it

Principals and Misconceptions Communication and shared understanding Successful communication doesn’t always involve shared understanding Being deliberately vague Sacrificing clarity to spare another's feelings More satisfying relationships can sometimes come from less-than-perfect understanding

Principals and Misconceptions People/Events do not cause another’s reaction Communication is transactional, ongoing and collaborative Communication does not occur in a vacuum Communication will not solve all problems

The Nature of Interpersonal Communication Two Views of Interpersonal 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 Nature of Interpersonal Communication Aspects of Qualitative Communication Uniqueness Irreplaceability Interdependence Disclosure Intrinsic Rewards The scarcity of quality interpersonal communication contributes to its value

The Nature of Interpersonal Communication Mediated Interpersonal Communication Mediated Channels Instant Messaging, emailing, blogging, Twittering Social networks Facebook MySpace The difference between face-to-face and virtual relationships is eroding

The Nature of Interpersonal Communication Mediated Interpersonal Communication Benefits Internet users have more social networks than nonusers Computer-based communication encourages offline interaction by keeping relationships active Text-only messages can: Bring people closer by minimizing the perception of differences Stimulate both self-disclosure and direct questioning

The Nature of Interpersonal Communication Mediated Interpersonal Communication Challenges Leaner Messages Face-to-face messages are rich with nonverbal cues Without nonverbal cues, online communicators can create idealized images of one another Disinhibition Sending messages without considering the consequence Messages tend to be more direct and often critical Permanence Messages can be archived virtually forever

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 Relational Competence varies from one situation and person to another

What Makes an Effective Communicator Competent Communicator Characteristics Behaviors Possessing a wide range of behaviors Ability to chose appropriate behavior based on: Context Goals Knowledge of the other person Skill at performing behaviors

What Makes an Effective Communicator Competent Communicator Characteristics Cognitive Complexity The ability to construct a variety of frameworks for viewing an issue or situation Empathy Feeling and experiencing another's situation Self-Monitoring High Self-Monitoring Low Self-Monitoring

What Makes an Effective Communicator Competent Communicator Characteristics Intercultural Communication National Differences Ethnic Differences Co-cultures Age Occupation Sexual orientation Religion Physical disability

What Makes an Effective Communicator Competent Communicator Characteristics Motivation The desire to communicate successfully Tolerance and Open-mindedness Communicating across cultures can be confusing Knowledge and Skill Passive observation Active strategies Self-disclosure

Chapter Review Why We Communicate The Process of Communication Communication Principles and Misconceptions The Nature of Interpersonal Communication What Makes an Effective Communicator