Interpersonal Communication

You are to observe and analyze an interpersonal communication interaction in which those communicating are unaware of your presence; the occurrence should be natural, not forced. This assignment does not require outside research, but you must use the concepts and vocabulary that we have discussed in class. Before building onto our detailed understanding of interpersonal communication and the nuances that are involved, it is essential that we have a strong grasp on the fundamentals of interpersonal interaction. The purpose of this assignment is to illustrate your understanding of the core concepts within the communication process and foundations of interpersonal communication. A detailed analysis will prove to me that you are ready to move on to deeper concepts within interpersonal communication. Here is the breakdown of what I’m looking for:

Checklist

1. Give a vivid description of the interaction and context. I am not there with you, so the more detailed picture you paint for me, the easier it will be for me to understand and critique your analysis. “There was a man and a woman and they talked” is not a vivid description. Remember that messages can be sent verbally or nonverbally; you don’t have to hear everything they say to receive full credit.

2. Pick one component of the interaction and draw that moment using the communication process model that we discussed in class.

3. Answer follow-up questions.

Rules:

1. Don’t be creepy.

2. Don’t stare at people and make it obvious that you are watching them.

3. Don’t eavesdrop on personal conversations. Messages can be sent and received nonverbally; you don’t have to get close enough to hear every word someone says.

4. Pick a location that is convenient and conducive to this assignment. If you’re sitting at a coffee shop taking notes on a laptop, you will be inconspicuous. If you’re at a club in the middle of the dance floor taking a detailed account of what’s happened, it’s going to look strange.