Communication Context #1 Interpersonal Communication Context #1

Interpersonal Context-Defined “Interpersonal Communication is a special form of human communication that occurs when we interact simultaneously with another person and attempt to mutually influence each other, usually for the purpose of managing relationships” Mediated interpersonal Communication-Communication that occurs when two people influence each other through the use of a mediated channel, usually for the purpose of managing relationships At the heart of this definition is the role of communication in developing unique relationships with other people.

Please Print (goes with slide #3)

Success in Openness: Primary willingness to open up Empathy: Ability to understand the other person’s feelings Supportiveness: Supporting the other person’s view of point Positiveness: A positive feeling for the other person Equality: Differences between persons to be ignored Homophily: The degree of similarity between the parties engaged in interpersonal communication Redundancy: By repetition and illustration of the same point in different ways, one can drive home a point/idea effectively

Communication principles for a lifetime

Attributes in Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal communication involves quality-Treating others as unique human beings and not as objects. (impersonal Communication) Quality and meaning must be at the forefront of the communication Interpersonal communication involves mutual influence-is when you affect each other in some way. You both should be engaged and really trying to influence each other Interpersonal communication helps manage relationships-ongoing connections we make with others should be used in interpersonal communication Relationships of circumstances-formed situationally because our lives overlap with other’s lives in some way or because the situation brings us into contact. Relationships of choice-A relationship that is sought out and intentionally developed

Elements of Interpersonal attraction Attraction-A motivational state that causes someone to think, feel, and behave in a positive manner toward another person Interpersonal Attraction-the degree to which one desires to form or maintain an interpersonal relationship with another person. Physical Attraction-based on another person’s physical self Similarity-Attraction increases if our characteristics, values, attitudes, interests, and personality traits are similar to those of another person Proximity-We are more likely to be interpersonally attracted to people who are physically close to us Complementary-We may be attracted to someone whose abilities, interests, and needs differ from but balance or round out our own

Maintaining Relationships Self-Disclosure- Revealing yourself to others: 8 Reasons to disclose Deepens relationships Improves quality of relationships Validate our perceptions of reality Clarifies our understanding of ourselves The expression of feelings and reactions is a freeing experience We may disclose or withhold information as a means for social control Is an important part of managing stress and adversity Fulfills a human need to be known intimately and accepted

Properties of Reciprocity-Sharing information about one-self with another person, with the expectation that the other person will share information that is similar in risk or depth (Power shifts can happen) Appropriateness-Make sure that you share information that is appropriate for the right situation and at the right stage and/or time. Be sensitive when you choose what and when to disclose. Consider how the recipient will react. (gently be assertive to the information disclosed by either party) Risk-comes in the form of possibly offending, hurting or insulting others or you yourself MAY be offended, hurt or insulted. this can damage relationships. Vulnerability and forfeit of control of information is a risk.(Balance is key)

Social Penetration model

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqRXDZobRrQ

hOMEWORK GIVE ONE EXAMPLE OF THE MUTUAL INFLUENCE OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION FROM YOUR OWN LIFE IN THE PAST 24-HOURS. WHAT ARE THREE UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION? PLEASE NAME AT LEAST THREE FACTORS THAT INTERFERE WITH INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION? BASED ON YOUR ANSWERS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO NOT INTERFERE WITH INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION?AND HOW? PLEASE GIVE EXAMPLES DUE: 6/1/18