Interpersonal Communication Introduction to interpersonal communication: verbal and non-verbal face-to-face interactions; understanding messages sent and received; awareness and resolutions of communication barriers.

There are two goals for this course: To introduce interpersonal communication concepts and theories To help you learn new communication skills

Upon successful completion of this class, you should be able to 1. Identify, describe, and explain major concepts involved in interpersonal communication, 2. Understand interdisciplinary character of the subject of Interpersonal Communication 3. Analyze interpersonal communication issues with the knowledge of a basic scientific methodology.

Upon successful completion of this class, you should be able to 4. Identify and provide solutions to some commonly encountered communication barriers. 5. Gain self-awareness of your ability as an interpersonal communicator.

Experiential Learning This course combines theory and practice. For a student to benefit from the class beyond learning the basic interpersonal theories, the course requires active participation in the class and a serious attempt to integrate: conceptualizations based on the reading, observations, lectures and everyday experiences in interpersonal communication.

Why we communicate? Physical Needs Social Needs: Predicting behavior/ social participation Identity Needs: Reinforcing/building identity Practical Needs / Goals: Accomplishing something

The Interpersonal Imperative Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Physical needs Safety needs Belonging needs Self-esteem needs Self-actualization needs

Communication The transmission of information, idea, emotion, skills, etc. by the use of symbols—words, pictures, figures, etc. It involves source (sender), receiver, message, channel, context, etc. It has a purpose (is intentional) Is interactive (message elicits response)

Communication Objectives Primary: Inform, persuade, entertain, instruct, educate, inspire, undermine, refute, destroy. Secondary: Earn money, sell newspapers, attract advertisers, represent clients, etc.

Communication discipline / research Communication research examines the processes by which meanings are created and managed How people structure and interpret messages and use symbols (language) in several contexts

Communication contexts (areas of communication research) Interpersonal communication Intercultural / International Group communication Mass Communication Organizational communication Public communication

Communication Research: A Brief History Foundations in Classical Greece and Rome—emphasis on Rhetoric. Aristotle, Plato, Isocrates, Cicero. Early 20 th Century Emergence of Departments of “Speech” Emphasis on Speech and Rhetoric World War II and Post-War Era Concerns with attitude formation and change Emergence of social and behavioral science approaches Late 20 th Century Concerns with mass communication, public policy, and media Concerns with new communication technologies, cultural approaches

Significant areas of communication research: Communication and public policy Family communication Health communication Intercultural communication Interpersonal communication Media economics Nonverbal communication Organizational communication Persuasion and social influence Political and social rhetoric / Mass Communication Media effects

Examples of research interests Interpersonal communication: conflict in relationships, nature of love relationships Political communication: political campaigns, First Amendment issues, ethics Intercultural: the effect of culture on communication, understanding, relationships Mass communication: public opinion, the effect of the media on the public

Interdisciplinary character of communication studies Interpersonal communication: psychology, sociology, philosophy, ethics, biology etc. Public communication: politics, economics, law, history, international relations, etc. Intercultural: psychology, anthropology, politics, geography, etc. Mass communication: sociology, politics, media studies, literature, art, etc.

How it works?

Human Communication: A Complex Process Early models: * Linear, one-way event: Sender “does” communication to another person. *Resembles an archer shooting a message at a target. Later models: *Tennis game: Senders and receivers exchange messages. *Respond with verbal or nonverbal feedback.

Situation MES SAGE CHAN NEL FEED BACK Interference / Noise Communication Process

The Communication Process  The Transactional Model of Communication

The key concepts: encoding / decoding Encoding: ‘translating’ ideas and images into a code (e.g., language) that the audience can recognize Decoding: understanding / deciphering received messages (encoded ideas and images) Communication as: Action, Interaction and Transaction

Message / Feedback Positive / Negative Person Focused / Message Focused Immediate / Delayed Low Monitoring / High Monitoring Supportive / Critical

Feedforward Messages To open channels of communication To preview the message To prevent negative understanding To altercast: ask to approach from a specific perspective / role

Channels Verbal Spoken/written words Nonverbal cues Personal appearance Bodily action, Gestures Attitudes toward Time, Space Voice, Articulation / Dialect

Message overload Not enough time / resources to consider all messages

Noise Physical Physiological Psychological Semantic

Situation Influences on the form and content of messages: Physical setting Cultural / social milieu

Communication principles Communication is transactional Communication has a content and a relational dimension Communication can be intentional or unintentional Communication is irreversible Communication is unrepeatable

Communication misconceptions  All communication seeks understanding.  More communication is always better.  Communication solves all problems.  Effective communication is natural ability.

Definitions of Interpersonal Communication Quantitative: Interpersonal communication takes place between two persons who have an established relationship Dyadic Primacy

Definitions of Interpersonal Com. Qualitative (established relationship) Uniqueness Irreplaceability Interdependence Disclosure

Communication competence Achieving one’s goals: Effectiveness + Ethics A Large Communication Repertoire Adaptability / Ability to Choose the Right Approach Involvement / Empathy / Perspective Taking Self-Monitoring Cognitive Complexity / Knowledge: “Well-developed person”