1. 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?

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. The importance of listening
What is active listening?
Did Ray engage in active listening?
What could have been done differently to improve the communication in this scene?

12. 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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

18. 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?

19. Next time
Finish chapter 1

20. Social Media

21. 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.

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

23. 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

24. 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!

25. Fail!

26. Ellen and Social Media
Facebook
Auto Correct
Instagram
What can we take away from these funny but unfortunately true experiences?

27. 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.

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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.

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

34. Assessing Communication Needs
Apply three concepts we discussed today to the following clip from Modern Family.

35. 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