1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

2. OBJECTIVES
Understand the three main models of human communication (linear, interactional, and transitional models)
Understand the impersonal-interpersonal Communication Continuum
Understand the principles of interpersonal communication
Understand the myths of interpersonal Communication

3. Interpersonal Communication is just one type of communication.
INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
MASS COMMUNICATION
PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

4. Linear Model of Communication
Here’s the whole picture… It is as if communication is something we “do” to someone else. In the next few slides I’ll explain each component.

5. INFORMATION (SOURCE/SENDER)
The whole communication act starts with the sender who has something to share.

6. MESSAGE
The sender has a MESSAGE to share—this is some idea, concept, etc. that can be written, oral, or even unspoken (nonverbal).

7. CHANNEL
The sender will choose a means by which to share their message. This is the CHANNEL. According to M. McLuhan “the means is the message.”

8. Ending an “Intimate Relationship”
The Channel, which is usually represented by our senses actually says something about the SENDER and the RECEIVER.
What CHANNELS might be used to say “I don’t want to see you anymore?”
What do the CHANNEL Choices say about the sender and how the sender views the receiver?

9. TARGET (RECEIVER)
The sender will encode the message (make sense of what they receive) through their very own perspective and here is how we may run into misunderstanding.

10. NOISE/ENTROPY/INTERFERENCE
There are four major types of noise. Entropy, noise, interference are all things that impede a message from being understood as meant.

11. FOUR TYPES OF NOISE
PHYSICAL/EXTERNAL NOISE
is noise that occurs outside of the sender and receiver. For example, if a man dressed in an ape costume came running through our classroom then this would be an example of physical noise.
PHISIOLOGICAL NOISE
Is noise of a biological nature. For example, if you are not feeling well, you are influenced by this noise.

12. FOUR TYPES OF NOISE CONTINUED
PSYCHOLOGICAL/INTERNAL NOISE
is noise comprised of a communicator’s biases, prejudices, and feelings toward a person and message. I think of them as also thoughts that may be running through your mind.
SEMANTIC NOISE
is noise that comes from our attributing different meanings to words.

13. CONTEXT of Linear Communication
Physical
This is where the communication actually transpires (the environment)
Cultural
Are the rules, roles, norms, and patterns of a culture.
Social-Emotional
Relates to the relationship (and climate) between individuals.
Historical
Each message is influenced by those from the past.

14. Interactional Model of Communication
Feedback (internal & external) is added to this model.

15. Transactional Model of Communication
We are communicators coming to a shared meaning

16. The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

17. The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

18. The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

19. The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

20. Defining Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication Is a Process
(Fluid rather than static---it doesn’t happen in a vacuum)
Messages Are Exchanged
(Verbal and nonverbal messages are being sent simultaneously between communicators)
Meaning Is Central
(Individuals come to their own meanings together)

21. Principles of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication Is Unavoidable
Interpersonal Communication is Irreversible
Interpersonal Communication Involves Symbol Exchange
Interpersonal Communication is Rule-Governed
Interpersonal Communication is Learned
Interpersonal Communication Has Both Content and Relationship Information

22. Myths of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication Solves All Problems
Interpersonal Communication Is Always a Good Thing
Interpersonal Communication Is Common Sense
Interpersonal Communication Is Synonymous with Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal Communication Is Always Face-to-Face