Unit One Introduction to Interpersonal Communication A first look at Interpersonal Relationships

What is Interpersonal Communication? Interpersonal Communication is defined by Redmond and Beebe as: a distinctive form of human communication that occurs when you interact with another person and mutually influence each other usually for the purpose of maintaining relationships.Interpersonal Communication is defined by Redmond and Beebe as: a distinctive form of human communication that occurs when you interact with another person and mutually influence each other usually for the purpose of maintaining relationships. Interpersonal communication is described as like breathing: It is a requirement for life and is inescapable. Because unless you live in isolation you communicate interpersonally EVERY day.Interpersonal communication is described as like breathing: It is a requirement for life and is inescapable. Because unless you live in isolation you communicate interpersonally EVERY day.

Why do we communicate? Why is communication important? Physical NeedsPhysical Needs Identity NeedsIdentity Needs Social NeedsSocial Needs Practical GoalsPractical Goals

The Process of Communication A Linear View of CommunicationA Linear View of Communication “the sender encodes a message and sends it through a channel where the receiver decodes the message and receives it.”“the sender encodes a message and sends it through a channel where the receiver decodes the message and receives it.”

The Process of Communication A Transactional View of CommunicationA Transactional View of Communication –“Communication occurs with others.” –Environments –Noise (external, physiological and psychological)

Communication Principles Communication can be intentional or unintentional.Communication can be intentional or unintentional. It is impossible not to communicateIt is impossible not to communicate –We are like “transmitters” constantly transmitting messages at all times. Communication is irreversibleCommunication is irreversible Communication is unrepeatableCommunication is unrepeatable

Communication Misconceptions Meanings are not only in wordsMeanings are not only in words Successful communication does not always involve shared understandingSuccessful communication does not always involve shared understanding More communication is not always betterMore communication is not always better Communication will not solve all problemsCommunication will not solve all problems

Types of Communication Intrapersonal CommunicationIntrapersonal Communication Interpersonal CommunicationInterpersonal Communication Mass Communication (Mediated)Mass Communication (Mediated) Small Group CommunicationSmall Group Communication MetacommunicationMetacommunication Organizational CommunicationOrganizational Communication Intercultural CommunicationIntercultural Communication

What makes and effective communicator? Communication Competence is: the ability to choose a communication behavior that is both appropriate and effective for a given situation.Communication Competence is: the ability to choose a communication behavior that is both appropriate and effective for a given situation. (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1984) (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1984) There is no “ideal” way to communicate.There is no “ideal” way to communicate. Competence is situationalCompetence is situational Competence is relationalCompetence is relational Competence can be learnedCompetence can be learned

Characteristics of a competent communicator A wide range of behaviorsA wide range of behaviors The ability to choose the most appropriate behavior based on context, goals and knowledge of the other personThe ability to choose the most appropriate behavior based on context, goals and knowledge of the other person Skill at performing behaviorsSkill at performing behaviors Cognitive complexityCognitive complexity

Characteristics of a competent communicator EmpathyEmpathy Self MonitoringSelf Monitoring Commitment to the other person and to the messageCommitment to the other person and to the message

Technology and Interpersonal Communication CMC is computer mediated communicationCMC is computer mediated communication CMC can increase the quantity and quality of interpersonal communicationCMC can increase the quantity and quality of interpersonal communication Personal and Impersonal Communication is a matter of balance with technologyPersonal and Impersonal Communication is a matter of balance with technology