AFTER STUDYING THE MATERIAL IN THIS CHAPTER . . . You should understand: You should be able to: 1. The working definition and characteristics of communication. 2. The types of communication covered in this book. 3. The needs satisfied by communication. 4. The characteristics of linear and transactional communication models. 5. The characteristics of competent communication. 6. Common misconceptions about 1. Define communication and give specific examples of the various types of communication introduced in this chapter. 2. Describe the key needs you attempt to satisfy in your life by communicating. 3. Use the criteria in this chapter to identify the degree to which communication (yours or others’) in a specific situation is competent and suggest ways of increasing the competence level. 4. Identify how misconceptions about communication can create problems and suggest how a more accurate analysis of the situations you describe can lead to better outcomes. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

It occurs between humans It is a process It is symbolic CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS Communication, as we will study it in this book, possesses three important characteristics: It occurs between humans It is a process It is symbolic There are several different types of communication introduced in this chapter: Intrapersonal Dyadic/interpersonal Small group Public Mass Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Communication helps satisfy a number of needs in our lives: CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS Communication helps satisfy a number of needs in our lives: Physical needs Identity needs Social needs Practical needs Models of communication help us understand what is involved in this process: The linear model is familiar, but overly simplistic The transactional model better describes how people communicate Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Defining the nature of competence and how it is acquired Communication competence is a measure of a person’s effectiveness. This chapter explores competence by Defining the nature of competence and how it is acquired Outlining the characteristics of competent communicators Clarifying certain misconceptions about communication helps us understand how the process works effectively. We will consider the following clarifications of common misconceptions: Communication doesn’t always require complete understanding Communication isn’t always a good thing No single person or event causes another’s reaction Communication won’t solve all problems Meanings rest in people, not words Communication isn’t as simple as it often seems More communication isn’t always better Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Figure 1-1 Linear Communication Model Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Figure 1-2 Transactional Communication Model Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.

Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Understanding Human Communication, Ninth Edition Adler/Rodman Copyright © 2006 by Oxford University Press, Inc.