Unit Three Communication and the Self

How do we define ourselves? Moods Appearance Social Traits Social Roles Beliefs (Religious, Political) Talents Physical Condition

Self Concept The relatively stable set Of perceptions you hold of yourself. Self esteem – the part of the self concept that Involves evaluations of self Worth.

How does Self – Concept Develop? Reflected Appraisal Significant Others Social Comparison Reference Groups

Characteristics of Self - Concept Subjective Flexible Resists Change Cognitive Conservatism

The Self Fulfilling Process and Communication Self Fulfilling Prophecy is When a persons expectations About an event and his Or her subsequent behavior Based on the expectations Makes the outcome more likely to occur than would otherwise be true.

Changing your Self- Concept Have realistic expectations Have a realistic perception of Yourself Have the will to change Have the skill to change

Identity Management The communication strategies which people use to influence how others view them.

Public and Private Selves Perceived Self Presenting Self

Characteristics of Identity Management We strive to construct multiple identities Collaborative Deliberate or Unconscious People differ in degrees of ID management

Why Manage Identities? Social Rules Manners Accomplish Personal Goals Relational Goals

How do we manage identities? Face-to-Face Management Mediated Communication

Conclusion End of Virtual Lecture Unit Three