Introduction to Human Communication - Chapter 1

Introduction to Communication

  • Course: Comm 100, Introduction to Human Communication
  • Lecture Focus: Chapter One
    • Importance of understanding communication dynamics.
    • Instructor's engagement with students.
    • Visual aids and resources provided for better learning.

Definition of Communication

  • Challenges in offering a singular definition:
    • Scholars have not reached a consensus on a single definition of communication.
    • Effective definitions rather deal with components that encompass common understandings.

Key Considerations in Communication

  • Impact of Communication Style on Outcomes:
    • Communication style influences the outcome - e.g., a hostile tone can escalate situations.
    • Example: Approaching someone aggressively could lead to intensified conflict or emotional distress.
    • Contextual relationship between types of communication (playful vs. serious).

Core Definition of Communication from the Text

  • Definition: "The process through which people create messages using various modalities and sensory channels to convey meanings within and across contexts."
    • Key Components:
    1. Process: The unfolding nature of communication over time.
    2. Messages: Information exchanged involves both parties sharing and interpreting.
    3. Modalities: Different methods of communication (face-to-face, text, email).
    4. Sensory Channels: Engagement of senses (auditory, visual, tactile) to receive messages.
    5. Context: Situational factors that impact communication interpretation.

Understanding the Process of Communication

  • Process: Involves evolving interactions.

    • Communication shapes relationships over time, illustrated by meeting someone that becomes a best friend through consistent engagement.

  • Creating Messages:

    • Determining what to share based on comfort levels.
    • Example: New job interactions typically begin with work-related discussions.

  • Modalities of Communication:

    • Exploring various communication settings.
    • Example: Breaking up over text versus face-to-face.
    • Texting can amplify emotional distress.
    • Choosing the appropriate medium is vital for message reception.

  • Sensory Challenges:

    • Utilization of senses helps in understanding messages.
    • Engaging auditory (hearing), visual (sight), and tactile (touch) senses enhances communication depth.

  • Context:

    • Understanding situational dynamics is crucial.
    • Example: Miscommunication occurs in the movie 'Legally Blonde' where context doesn't match the conveyed message.

Goals of Communication

  • Three Primary Goals:
    1. Self-Presentation:
    • Targeting how others perceive us based on our communicated image.
    • Example: Carrying books to project a scholarly image.
    1. Instrumental Goals:
    • Focus on achieving practical objectives.
    • Example: Pursuit of a promotion through strategic dialogues and demonstrating capability.
    1. Relationship Goals:
    • Building, maintaining, or ending relationships through thoughtful communication.
    • Significance of respectful dialogue in relationship closure.

Communication Models

  • Three Models of Communication:
    • Models progress in complexity and understanding communication nuances.

  1. Linear Model:

    • Components: Sender → Message → Receiver
    • Attributes a simple one-way transfer of information.
    • Noise affects message reception.
    • Limitation: Does not account for feedback or interactive exchange.

  2. Interactive Model:

    • Components: Sender ↔ Receiver with Feedback
    • Introduces feedback and interaction into communication.
    • Takes into account the field of experience and interpretation.

  3. Transactional Model:

    • Simultaneous Sending and Receiving:
      • Emphasizes the dynamic, ongoing process of communication.
      • Highlights the continuous exchange and interpretation of messages.
      • Acknowledges noise and contextual influences that shape communication.
    • Limitation in mediated contexts (e.g., texting), where non-verbal cues are absent.

Types of Communication

  • Mediated Communication: Communication through technology (texts, calls, social media).
  • Interpersonal Communication: Direct communication between two individuals, significant in building interpersonal relationships.
  • Small Group Communication: Engages groups of 3-15 individuals with a shared objective, allowing multiple conversations.
  • Public Communication: Involves delivering messages to a large audience, often for persuasive or informative purposes (e.g., speeches).

Communication Competence

  • Definition: The ability to communicate in ways that are appropriate, effective, and ethical according to Brian Spitzberg.
    • Key Aspects:
    1. Appropriateness: Matching communication expectations based on context.
      • E.g., expressing personal feelings in suitable settings like private versus public.
    2. Effectiveness: Achieving communication goals (self-presentation, relational, and instrumental), ensuring clarity and mutual understanding.
    3. Ethics: Adhering to moral principles in communication, ensuring truthfulness and respect.
  • Emphasis on self-monitoring:
    • High Self-Monitors: Contextually aware, adjust communication styles based on social cues.
    • Low Self-Monitors: Less aware of social appropriateness, which can lead to inappropriate disclosures in certain settings.

Conclusion

  • Communication is foundational to human interaction, impacting mental health, relationships, and well-being.
  • Continuous engagement and practice of effective communication techniques are vital for personal and social success.
  • Call to action: Stay engaged with assignments and course materials.