1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Chapter topics
Why We Communicate
The Process of Communication
Communication Principles and Misconceptions
The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
What Makes an Effective Communicator

2. Why We Communicate Physical Needs Identity Needs Social Needs
Practical Goals

3. Why We Communicate Physical Needs Social isolation increases risk of:
Coronary disease
Rivals cigarette smoking, high blood pressure and lack of physical activity
Catching the common cold
Premature death
Positive communication and strong social ties lead to better health

4. Why We Communicate Identity Needs
Identity comes from how we interact with others
Acting human is a learned process
Messages influence our identity throughout our lives

5. Why We Communicate Social Needs Communication is used to:
Obtain pleasure, affection, companionship, relaxation, escape and control
Create happier relationships and social lives
Theorists argue that positive relationships may be the most important source of human satisfaction and emotional well-being

6. Why We Communicate Practical Goals
Getting others to behave in ways we want
Communication is the tool that:
Lets you explain your needs to the hair stylist
Helps you negotiate household duties
Is essential in virtually every career
Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Physical, Safety, Social, Esteem and Self-Actualization

7. The Process of Communication
A Linear View
Communication is “done to” a receiver
Figure 1.1 Page 10

8. The Process of Communication
Linear Communication
The model
Suited to radio and television
Created by scientists interested in electronic media
Affected the way we think and talk about communication
Is there really only one sender and one receiver?

9. The Process of Communication
A Transactional View
Communication as a uniquely human process
Figure 1.2 Page 11

10. The Process of Communication
Transactional Communication
The model
Messages are sent and received at the same time
Sender/Receiver become communicators
Environments
Physical location
Personal experiences and cultural backgrounds
Noise
Internal as well as external noise is represented
Channels retain significant role

11. Principles and Misconceptions
Some communication is clearly intentional
Communication can be unintentional
Overhearing another's conversation
How does the meaning change?
Nonverbal Communication
Unaware of your expressions
Sour face, restlessness, sighs of boredom
Unknowingly being observed

12. Principles and Misconceptions
Communication is irreversible
It is impossible to “unreceive” a message
Think about “unsqueezing” a tube of toothpaste
Words said and deeds done are irretrievable
It’s impossible not to communicate
Intentional and unintentional behaviors send a message
People who decode your message may not interpret it accurately

13. Principles and Misconceptions
Communication is unrepeatable
Communication is an ongoing process
It is impossible to repeat the same event
If attempted, the act of repetition will change the intended meaning
Both communicators have changed because they have lived longer
The “same” words and behaviors are different each time they are spoken or performed

14. Principles and Misconceptions
Content and relational dimension
Content dimension
Involves the information being explicitly discussed
Relational dimension
Involves how you feel about the other person
Like or dislike
In control or subordinate
Comfortable or anxious

15. Principles and Misconceptions
More communication is not always better
Excessive communication can be unproductive and can also backfire
Pestering a potential employer about a job prospect
Texting too many “call me” messages
Meanings are not in the words
Saying something is not the same as communicating it

16. Principals and Misconceptions
Communication and shared understanding
Successful communication doesn’t always involve shared understanding
Being deliberately vague
Sacrificing clarity to spare another's feelings
More satisfying relationships can sometimes come from less-than-perfect understanding

17. Principals and Misconceptions
People/Events do not cause another’s reaction
Communication is transactional, ongoing and collaborative
Communication does not occur in a vacuum
Communication will not solve all problems

18. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
Two Views of Interpersonal Communication
Quantitative Communication
Any interaction between two people, usually face to face
Can be considered routine or impersonal
Qualitative Communication
Occurs when we treat others as unique individuals regardless of context or the number of people involved

19. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
Aspects of Qualitative Communication
Uniqueness
Irreplaceability
Interdependence
Disclosure
Intrinsic Rewards
The scarcity of quality interpersonal communication contributes to its value

20. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Channels
Instant Messaging, ing, blogging, Twittering
Social networks
Facebook
MySpace
The difference between face-to-face and virtual relationships is eroding

21. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Benefits
Internet users have more social networks than nonusers
Computer-based communication encourages offline interaction by keeping relationships active
Text-only messages can:
Bring people closer by minimizing the perception of differences
Stimulate both self-disclosure and direct questioning

22. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Challenges
Leaner Messages
Face-to-face messages are rich with nonverbal cues
Without nonverbal cues, online communicators can create idealized images of one another
Disinhibition
Sending messages without considering the consequence
Messages tend to be more direct and often critical
Permanence
Messages can be archived virtually forever

23. What Makes an Effective Communicator
Communication Competence
There is no ideal way to communicate
A variety of communication styles can be effective
You can always learn new styles of communication
Competence is:
Situational
Relational
Competence varies from one situation and person to another

24. What Makes an Effective Communicator
Competent Communicator Characteristics
Behaviors
Possessing a wide range of behaviors
Ability to chose appropriate behavior based on:
Context
Goals
Knowledge of the other person
Skill at performing behaviors

25. What Makes an Effective Communicator
Competent Communicator Characteristics
Cognitive Complexity
The ability to construct a variety of frameworks for viewing an issue or situation
Empathy
Feeling and experiencing another's situation
Self-Monitoring
High Self-Monitoring
Low Self-Monitoring

26. What Makes an Effective Communicator
Competent Communicator Characteristics
Intercultural Communication
National Differences
Ethnic Differences
Co-cultures
Age
Occupation
Sexual orientation
Religion
Physical disability

27. What Makes an Effective Communicator
Competent Communicator Characteristics
Motivation
The desire to communicate successfully
Tolerance and Open-mindedness
Communicating across cultures can be confusing
Knowledge and Skill
Passive observation
Active strategies
Self-disclosure

28. Chapter Review Why We Communicate The Process of Communication
Communication Principles and Misconceptions
The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
What Makes an Effective Communicator