Chapter 1: Interpersonal Communication

why do we communicate

to survive

what are the physical affects of good communication

better mental and physical health

why are interpersonal relationships vital

• longer life span

• lower risk or heart and weight gain problems

• better physical health

how does communication help with learning who we are

You gain a sense of who you are from the ways others define you.

What are some of the social needs of communication

• Communication is the foundation of life satisfaction

• children who grow up in families that communicate well have better and healthier relationships as adults

• even small connesctions can make a difference is someones mood

What are some practical needs for communication

• good communication is essential for success in nearly every career

• doctors and medical staff who don’t communicate well end up with more instances of accidental deaths.

communication

using messages to generate meaings’s

transactional communication

The dynamic process in which communicators create meaning together through interaction

enviornment’s(contexts)

fields of experience that help them make sense of others’ behavior

What do environments refer to `

Physical location, personal experiences, and cultural background that bring others into a conversation

Noise

anything that interferes with the transmission and reception of a messgae

what are 3 types of noise

external

physiological

psychological

channels

the medium thorough which messages are exchanged

transactional

• communicators create meaning through their interactions with one another

• successful communication depends on the behavior of both parties. Both parties must adapt and coordinate with each other

all communication has meaning whether it’s ______ or _______

intentional or unintentional

content dimension

information being explicity discussed

example of content dimension

please pass the salt

relational dimension

express how you feel about the other person

example of relational dimension

the tone of your voice

not all communication needs ______

understanding

what is the unstated message in asking someone “hows it going”

you consider the person important enough to notice even though there is no serious attempt to exchange information

when we attempt to influence others what don’t we have a desire for?

understanding, just for complacence with our wishes

what is the meaning behind deliberate ambiguity and deception

saying you cant make it to plans because often times people lie about their remarks in order to hide their true thoughts or feelings

why isn’t more communication always better

More and more negative communication leads to more and more negative results.

what are two ways that make communication interpersonal

1. number of people interacting

2. quality of the interaction

example of a two person exchange

• ordering at a coffee bar

• asking a stranger for directions

example of a quality interaction

talking with an old friend.

Dyad/ Dyadic

what social scientitis call two people interacting

interpersonal examples

• having a friendship where you joke by insulting each other

• sharing important thoughts and feelings

• having a relationship where the reward is being with the other person

impersonal examples

• having a friendship where you are careful not to offend one another

• revealing little about yourself

• listening to teachers in class

interpersonal communication

Interactions distinguished by qualities of uniqueness, interdependence, self-disclosure, and intrinsic rewards.

communicatio competence

The ability to achieve goals in a manner that is both effective and appropriate

characteristics of competence.

• having a large set of skills

• adaptability

• ability to perform skillfully

• understand and empathize

cognitive complexity

the ability to construct a variety of different frames for viewing an issue.

example of cognitive complexity

trying to come up with reasons a friend might not be answering a text

self-monitoring.

The process of playing close attention to one's own self-behavior and using observations to shape it.