AN OVERVIEW OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

DEFINING COMMUNICATION What is communication? “A giving or exchanging of information” (webster) “communication involves the conveyance of something to someone else- our ideas, our aims, our wants, our values, our very personalities.” (Robinson and lee)

Why is it important? Personal development and identity Quality of life Physical and emotional health Coping with stress Career success Part of being human

Types of communication Intrapersonal Interpersonal (versus impersonal) extra-personal

Process of interpersonal communication

Effective interpersonal communication Appropriate self-disclosure Cultural sensitivity Concreteness An ability to express feelings (verbally and nonverbally) Attending and listening An ability to respond in an effective manner An ability to deal with conflict effectively

Self-disclosure and interpersonal effectiveness

What is self-disclosure? “Revealing information about oneself, including thoughts, feelings, desires, needs, and goals” (Wilson)

What is appropriate self-disclosure? Fitting and suitable (egan) It is the Right amount, depth, time, person, situation Over disclosure versus under disclosure

How do we self-disclose? Verbally Nonverbally Writing actions

Why is self-disclosure important? Self understanding Sharing of concerns Self-revelation Nurturance of a relationship

What are the risks of self-disclosure? Rejection Being judged Having disclosure used against you Feeling emotionally naked dislike

Guidelines for self-disclosure At what stage is the relationship? What are the risks? Is it reciprocated? Here and now versus there and then How will it affect the other person?

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