Interpersonal Communication - CH1

Interpersonal communication is defined by the interaction between people, not location or number, and is a distinct type of interaction.

Features of Interpersonal Communication:

• Selective: Choosing specific individuals.

• Systemic: Influenced by various factors.

• Unique: Each interaction is distinct.

• Processual: Ongoing and evolving.

• Transactional: Involving mutual influence.

• Individual: Recognizing uniqueness.

• Personal knowledge: Understanding beliefs/feelings.

• Meaning created: Shared understanding.

Martin Buber; Communication Continuum:

• I-It: Treating others as objects.

• I-You: Acknowledging others but not individualizing.

• I-Thou: Deepest level, seeing unique individuals.

• Continuum: impersonal (I-It) -> interpersonal (I-You) -> profound interpersonal (I-Thou).

The Interpersonal Imperative: Fulfills physical, safety, belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization needs.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Physical -> Safety -> Belonging -> Self-Esteem -> Self-Actualization.

• Effective participation in a diverse society requires understanding and learning from others.

Models of Interpersonal Communication: Linear, interactive, and transactional.

• Linear: One-way process (source, message, transmitter, signal, receiver, destination, noise).

• Interactive: Includes feedback and personal experience.

• Transactional: Dynamic, multiple roles, includes time.

Principles of Interpersonal Communication:

• We cannot not communicate; it's irreversible, involves ethical choices, is context-dependent.

• Metacommunication affects meaning; develops/sustains relationships; not a cure-all; effectiveness can be learned.

Guidelines for Interpersonal Communication Competence: Develop skills, adapt appropriately, engage in dual perspective, monitor communication, commit to effective and ethical communication.