Interpersonal Communication Chapter 1: A First Look at Interpersonal Communication

interpersonal communication

a selective, systemic process that allows people to reflect and build personal knowledge of one another and create shared meanings

model

a representation of a phenomenon such as an airplane, a house, or human communication

summary

definition, different models, basic needs, eight principles, competent ICs

interpersonal communication competence

the ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and ethically

ethics

the branch of philosophy that focuses on moral principles and codes of conduct; ethical issues concern right or wrong

monitoring

the capacity to observe and regulate your own communication

*Eight basic principles for effectiveness in interpersonal communication read about in summary (p.39)

1. We Cannot NOT Communicate 2. Interpersonal Communication Is Irreversible 3. Interpersonal Communication Involves Ethical Choices 4. People Construct Meanings in Interpersonal Communication 5. Metacommunication Affects Meanings 6. Interpersonal Communication Develops and Sustains Relationships 7. Interpersonal Communication Is Not a Panacea 8. Interpersonal Communication Effectiveness Can Be Learned

five skills tied to competence in IC:

1. developing a range of communication skills 2. adapting communication appropriately 3. engaging in dual perspective 4. monitoring communication 5. committing to ethical interpersonal communication

*Abraham Maslow (1968) developed Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

1. physical 2. safety, protection 3. belonging 4. self-esteem 5. self-actualization (see more on each in the book)

three general dimensions of relationship-level meanings

1. responsiveness 2. liking, or affection 3. power, or control

Martin Buber (1970) distinguished among three levels of communication

I-It, I-You, I-Thou

noise

anything that distorts communication or interferes with people's understandings of one another 1. physiological noise (hunger, fatigue, headaches, medications, etc.) 2. physical noise (interference in our environments, such as noises made by others, dim or bright lights, pop-up ads, etc.) 3. Psychological noise (qualities in us that affect how we communicate and how we interpret others) 4. Semantic noise (when words themselves are not mutually understood)

interpersonal communication is an ongoing, continuous process

communication evolves over time, becoming more personal as people interact

systemic

communication takes places within various systems, or contexts, that influence what happens and the meanings we attribute to interaction

low-context cultures

communicators do not assume a great deal of shared, collective knowledge

content meaning

deals with literal, or denotative, meaning

I-Thou Communication

each person affirms the other as cherished and unique meet others in their wholeness and individuality we open ourselves fully, trusting others to accept us as we are, with our virtues and vices, hopes and fears, strengths and weaknesses Buber regarded this as the highest form of human dialogue

high-context cultures

great emphasis is put on holistic understanding of meanings based on a collective understanding of context

metacommunication

meta- "about" communication about communication

transactional model

more accurate because it emphasizes the dynamism of interpersonal communication and the multiple roles people assume during the process

linear models

one-way, process in which one person acts on another person

I-You Communication

people acknowledge one another as more than objects, but they don't fully engage each other as unique individuals

interactive models

portrayed communication as a process in which listeners give feedback recognize that communicators create and interpret messages within personal fields of experience

feedback

response to a message

symbols

such as words, have no inherent or true meanings; we interpret them

person-centeredness

the ability to adapt messages effectively to particular people

interpersonal communication fosters personal knowledge and insights

to connect as unique individuals, we have to get to know others personally and understand their thoughts and feelings

dual perspective

understanding both our own and another person's perspective, beliefs, thoughts, or feelings three guidelines to help you increase your ability to take the perspective of others (p. 37)

William Schutz (1966) developed interpersonal needs theory

we create and sustain relationships to meet three basic needs: 1. affection 2. inclusion 3. control

selective

we don't communicate intimately with the majority of people we encounter

*the heart of interpersonal communication is shared meanings between people

we don't merely exchange words when we communicate; we create meanings as we figure out what each other's words and behaviors stand for, represent, or imply

I-It Communication

we treat others very impersonally, almost as objects we do not acknowledge the humanity of other people; we may not even affirm their existence

relationship meaning

what communication expresses about relationships between communicators 'Clean your room now' 'Would you clean your room now'

Participating effectively in a diverse society

with different cultures and backgrounds