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.