COM 114: Interpersonal Communication — Exam 2 Study Guide

You-language example

 → “You make me angry.”
✅ Pro: direct
❌ Con: sounds judgmental

You-language

blames or criticizes.

I-language

takes responsibility for feelings.

I-language example

 → “I feel frustrated when I’m interrupted.”
✅ Pro: respectful, clear
❌ Con: takes more effort

Six Connections Between Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

Repeating – “Yes” + nod.

Regulating – body cues signal turn-taking.

Substituting – shrug instead of words.

Accenting – emphasize part of message (“I said now!”). 

Complementing – tone matches meaning.

Contradicting – nonverbal conflicts with words (“I’m fine” with angry face).

Listening Styles 1

Relational listeners focus on people’s emotions (Pro: empathetic; Con: emotional overload).

Task-oriented listeners focus on completing goals (Pro: efficient; Con: may ignore feelings).

Analytical listeners focus on understanding all details (Pro: analytical; Con: overthink).

Critical listeners focus on judging accuracy (Pro: evaluates logic; Con: can seem judgmental).