COM35

Chapter  One  –  Interpersonal  Communication  

Why  we  communicate?  

Physical  Needs  

Identity  Needs  

Social  Needs  

Practical  Goals  

Maslow’s  Hierarchy  

Physical  

Safety  

Social  

Self-­Esteem  

Self-­Actualization       The  Process  of  Communication  

A  linear  View  –  Shannon  and  Weaver  

Sender  

Encodes  

Message  

Channel  

Receiver  

Decodes  

Noise  

         

Transactional  View       Communicator  (instead  of  sender  and  receiver)         Environments      

  Physiological  noise      

  Psychological  noise  

  We  communicate  with  others    

  Dynamic  

Definition  –  communication  is  a  transactional  process  involving   participants  who  occupy  different  but  overlapping  environments   and  create  relationships  through  the  exchange  of  messages,   many  of  which  are  affected  by  external,  physiological  and   psychological  noise.     Interpersonal  and  Impersonal  Communication       Quantitative           dyad,  dyadic  communication         Qualitative           Uniqueness             Irreplaceability           Interdependence           Disclosure           Intrinsic  rewards    

Communication  Principles  

Communication  can  be  intentional  and  unintentional  

Communication  is  irreversible  

It’s  impossible  not  to  communicate  

Communication  is  unrepeatable  

Communication  has  a  content  and  relational  dimension    

 

Communication  Misconceptions  

More  communication  is  not  always  better  

Meanings  are  not  in  words  

Successful  communication  doesn’t  always  involve  shared   understanding  

Communication  will  not  solve  all  problems  

  Social  Media  and  Interpersonal  Communication    

  Benefits  of  Social  Media  

    Low-­Friction  Opportunities  

    Staying  in  touch  

      Current  friends  

      Family  

      Connecting  with  old  friends  

    Diverse  social  network  

    Usually  involved  in  some  kind  of  voluntary  group  or  

    organization  

    Facebook  users  are  more  trusting,  more  close  friends,    

    receive  more  support  

   

  Challenges  of  Social  Media  

    Leaner  Messages  

    Disinhibition  

    Permanence  

 

What  Makes  an  Effective  Communicator?  

  Communication  Competence  

    There  is  no  ideal  way  to  communicate  

    Competence  is  situational  

    Competence  can  be  learned  

  Characteristics  of  Competent  Communicators  

    A  wide  range  of  behaviors  

    Ability  to  choose  the  most  appropriate  behavior  

    Skills  at  performing  behaviors  

    Cognitive  complexity  

    Empathy  

    Self-­monitoring  

    Commitment  

Competence  in  Intercultural  Communication  

  Motivation  

  Tolerance  for  Ambiguity  

  Open-­Mindedness  

  Knowledge  and  Skill  

Competence  in  Social  Media  

  Think  before  you  post  

  Be  considerate  

    Respect  others’  need  for  undivided  attention  

    Keep  your  tone  civil  

    Don’t  intrude  on  bystanders