Ch. 1 Intro to Human Communication - Reading Notes

Interpersonal Communication (basics) - Ch. 1.1

• Not one single definition

• Interpersonal communication usually involves:

  • 2 or more people

  • Intentional interaction

  • Both people sending and receiving messages

Key Debates in Interpersonal Communication

1. Number of Communicators

• usually 2 people

• outside influences (family, friends, past experiences) still matter

2. Physical Proximity

• Not limited to face-to-face

• Can happen through texting, social media, phone, etc.

3. Nature of Interaction

• Deeper conversations = more interpersonal

• Minimal actions = less interpersonal

4. Formality

• Can be informal (friends, family)

• Can also be formal (doctors, bosses)

Why Study Communications

• Most people think they are good communicators, but aren’t

• Communication is a learned skill

• Studying it helps

  • improve relationships

  • reduce conflict

  • increase effectiveness

Communication Needs

1. Physical

• talking reduces stress and improves health

2. Identity

• Communication shapes how we see ourselves

3. Social

• Relationships exist and grow through communication

4. Practical

• Needed for daily tasks, work, and problem-solving

Basic Principles of Human Communication - Ch. 1.2

What is communication?

• Latin communico = to share or connect

• Communication - the process of sharing ideas or information

• Includes

  • Words

  • Tone of voice

  • Facial expressions

  • Gestures and body language

Communication is Symbolic

• We communicate using symbols

• Symbol - something that represents something else

The Symbol is not the Thing

• Words are not the actual objects

• Ex.

  • the word ‘dog’ does NOT = and actual dog

Symbols are Arbitrary

• Symbols mean what they do because we agree on them

• Meanings can change over time

Communication is Shared Meaning

• Meaning comes form people, not words

• Same word can mean different things in different cultures

• 2 people can interpret the same message differently

• Denotative meaning - dictionary definition

• Connotative meaning - personal feelings or associations

Communication Involves Intentionality

• Communication often has purpose

• We may communicate intentionally or unintentionally

• We ‘cannot not communicate’

• Nonverbal behavior sends messages even without intent

Dimensions of Communication

• Relational Dimension

  • Shows how we fell about the other person

  • Relationship affects how messages are interpreted

  • Same words mean different things depending on who says them

• Content Dimension

  • the actual words spoken

  • Focuses on information being shared

Communication is a Process

• Communication is

  • ongoing

  • dynamic

  • changes over time

• Relationships develop through repeated interaction

Communication is Culturally Determined

• Culture is learned

• Culture shapes

  • beliefs

  • values

  • norms

  • rules

• Culture influences how we communicate

• Differences are clearer when interacting with other cultures

Communication Occurs in Context

• Context = situation, environment, setting

• Context affects meaning

• Same words can mean different things in different situations

Communication is Purposeful

• We communicate to

  • Persuade

  • Build relationships

  • Express feelings

  • Get things done

• Sometimes we are unaware of our purpose

Communication Competence - Ch. 1.3

What is Communication Competence

• Competence = being appropriate AND effective

• Appropriate - socially acceptable behavior

• Effective - achieving your goal

• You must have both to be competent

Understanding Competence

• There is no 1 way

• What works depends on

  • situation

  • culture

  • audience

• A message can work in one context but fail in another

• Communication competence

  • varies by situation

  • can be learned and taught

Characteristics of Competent Communicators

1. Skillful

• Use different strategies depending on the situation

• Adjust approach to meet others needs and goals

2. Adaptable

• Can adjust when things change

• Handle pressure, distractions, or unexpected problems

3. Involved

• Engage other and encourage action

• Motivate people to participate or respond

4. Understand Their Audience

• Show empathy

• Choose words that fit the listener and situation

5. Cognitive Complexity

• Can explain ideas in multiple ways

• Adjust messages so others understand

6. Self-Monitoring

• Aware of how behavior affects others

• Adjust communication without overthinking

Types of Human Communication - Ch. 1.4

Intrapersonal Communication

• Communication within yourself

• Includes

  • self-talk

  • thinking

  • decision-making

  • journaling

• Also includes biological factors (brain and body affect how we communicate)

Interpersonal Communication

• Communication between 2 people

• Happens constantly in daily life

• Can be

  • verbal

  • nonverbal

  • mediate (text, etc.)

Small Group Communication

• Communication among 3 or more people

• Members share a common goal

• Everyone can interact with each other

Public Communication

• One-to-many communication

• Speaker addresses a large audience

• Often planned and structured

• Audience size affects delivery style

Mediated Communication

• uses technology to send messages

• technology acts as a link between sender and receiver

• More media options exist today than ever before

Understanding Mindful Communication - Ch. 1.5

Mindfulness

• Mindfulness - paying attention on purpose, in the present, without judgment

• Focuses on awareness, openness, and acceptance

Mindfulness Model

• Mindful Awareness

  • being aware of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations

  • Observe without judging

• Mindful Practice

  • Intentionally developing mindfulness skills

3 Parts of Mindful Practice

• Attention - focus on the present moment

• Intention - know why you are communicating

• Attitude - be open, curious, and kind

5 Facets of Mindfulness

1. Observing

2. Describing

3. Acting with awareness

4. Nonjudging inner experience

5. Nonreactivity to inner experience

Mindful Communication

• Communicating with presence, flexibility, and nonjudgment

• Mindful does NOT = automatically effective

• Must combine mindfulness with communication skills