1. COMM 100-Day 3

2. The Self in Human Communication
The self is a person’s essential being.
It distinguishes us from others
It is the subject of introspection and reflexive action.
It is an image of who we are.

3. The Self in Human Communication
Freud—the model of the psyche.
Ego (self)
Superego (other)
Id (drives)
Self-concept develops from
Others’ images
Social comparisons
Self-interpretation/evaluation
Cultural teaching

4. The Self in Human Communication
Johari Window—posits how we become self-aware vis-à-vis others.
The top window presents the basic Johari window.
The bottom panes demonstrate that as one self grows, other selves shrink.
How would you describe the type of communication that might characterize individuals in these two windows?
Hidden self
Blind self

5. Communication in Contexts
With family members
Direct definition
Identity scripts
Attachment styles
With peers
Reflected appraisals
Social comparisons
Self-disclosure
With society
Race
Gender
Sexual affinity
Socio-economic status

6. Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure is a type of communication where you reveal information about yourself.
Rewards of self-disclosure:
Helps you gain a new perspective on yourself
Helps you to deal with problems
Improves communication by helping you understand the nature and messages of others
It demonstrates trust, care, respect, and develops more meaningful relationships

7. Self-Disclosure Risks of self-disclosure:
The more you reveal, the more you open yourself to attack.
There are material risks—like LGBTQ children and their parents.
There are professional risks—pictures on facebook.

8. A Model of Self-Disclosure
Social Penetration Theory
Orientation stage
Exploratory affective stage
Affective stage
Stable stage
Depenetration stage (optional)

9. Impression Management
You cannot not communicate.
We are always performing our “self” for others.
Impression management is the idea that we communicate we want through a complex process of performance.

10. Richard Schechner—“Social Drama”

11. Impression Management
When do we perform?
What are the motivations to perform “self” to others?

12. Impression Management
Two types of performances:
Performances “given”—things we do intentionally
Performances “given off”—things we do unintentionally, communication “leakage”
Strategies of impression management
Affinity seeking (boasting, flattering, integrating)
Politeness (positive and negative face)
Credibility (primary, secondary, indirect)
Self-handicapping
Self-deprecation
Self-monitoring
Influencing