Intro to Communications Chapter 2
Closure Principle
We tend to fill in missing elements to form a more complete impression of an object, person or event
*Simplicity Principle*
We tend to organize information in a way that provides the simplest interpretation
Similarity Principle
We tend to perceive elements or people as part of a group if their characteristics are similar.
Proximity Principle
We tend to perceive objects, events, and people as belonging together when they are physically close to one another.
Relational involvement
it is really important to someone else
Private Roles
Best friend, child, significant other.
Strategies to manage communication anxiety
Prepare, cognitive restructuring, visualization, systematic desensitization.
*Cognitive restructuring*
A method for reducing anxiety by replacing negative, irrational thoughts with realistic, positive self talk.
Interpretation
A number of factors influence your interpretation of experiences: Past experiences, knowledge, expectations, attitudes, relational involvement
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
A scale to measure perceptions of self esteem
Public roles
A student, a server, a mechanic
Two forms of self appraisals
Actual Performance and social comparison
Roles
Adapted patterns of behavior
Past experiences
After volunteering, you feel good
*Communication Apprehension*
An individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons. It is not just "in your head". It is a type of stress that causes real psychological responses such as sweaty palms, rapid pulse, and nausea
*Self-Awareness*
An understanding of your core identity. It requires a realistic assessment of your traits, thoughts, and feelings. The ability to monitor your feelings from moment to moment.
*Self-Monitoring*
Awareness of your thoughts and feelings. Helps you modify or control what you are feeling rather than allowing your feelings/ emotions to highjack your mind and body. For example, self monitoring helps you differentiate between love and lust, disappointment and depression, and anxiety and excitement.
Organization
Context influences the way you organize information.
Other self definitions
Demographic characteristics: Race, ethnicity, gender, age, etc. Life experiences, attitudes, cultural perspectives, and personality traits.
*Self appraisals*
Evaluations of yourself concept in terms of your abilities, attitudes, and behaviors.
Low self-monitors
Express themselves in ways that they see as their true selves. They see themselves as forthright and honest. Stubborn, insensitive, unwilling to compromise.
Systematic desensitization
Focus: Think Communication, not performance. The message, not the anxiety Practice: The best way to reduce anxiety. PREPARE.
Reference Groups
Groups that you identify with. They vary strongly, shape how you feel about yourself
Visualization
Imagining yourself communicating successfully
High self-monitoring
Modify their behaviors in different situations to be appropriate. They can be seen as flexible and adaptive.
*Self fulfilling prophecies*
Predictions that directly or indirectly cause themselves to come true. You believe something is going to happen so you behave in a way to make it happen
Prepare
Practice, plan ahead
What comm strategies and skills can improve your self esteem?
Prctice self assertiveness, practice personal integrity, practice self talk.
The four principles that influence how you organize/ categorize information
Proximity Principle, Similarity principle, closure principle, simplicity principle
Three components to perception
Selection, Organization, and Interpretation
The Influence of Others
Significant others, reference groups, your roles, and the rewards you receive from others are powerful determinants of your self-concept.
Expectations
Sounds fun, might meet new people
Actual performance
The most influential source of self-appraisal
Social comparison
The process of comparing yourself to others in your reference groups
*Perception*
The process through which you select, organize, and interpret sensory stimuli in the world around you. The accuracy of your perceptions determines how well you evaluate and interpret experiences and people you encounter.
Self Concept
Who are you? What makes you YOU? It represents the sum total of beliefs you have about yourself
Attitudes
You believe that its important
Knowledge
You have a useful skill to contribute
Selection
You use your senses to notice and choose from the many stimuli around you. What you will select is largely determined by needs, wants, interests, moods, and memories.