Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication
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CHAPTER TOPICS
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Why We Communicate
The Process of Communication
Communication Principles and Misconceptions
The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
What Makes an Effective Communicator
Looking Out/Looking In
Thirteenth Edition
Why We Communicate
• Physical Needs
• Identity Needs
• Social Needs
• Practical Goals
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The Process of Communication
• A Linear View
• Communication is “done to” a receiver
Figure 1.1 Page 10
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The Process of Communication
• A Transactional View
• Communication as a uniquely human process
Figure 1.2 Page 11
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Principles of Interpersonal Comm.
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Some communication is clearly intentional
Communication can be unintentional
Communication is irreversible
It’s impossible not to communicate
Communication is unrepeatable
There is a content and relational dimension
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Misconceptions
• More communication is not always better
• Meanings are not in the words-Saying
something is not the same as communicating it
• Successful communication doesn’t always
involve shared understanding
• People/Events do not cause another’s
reaction
• Communication will not solve all problems
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The Nature of Interpersonal
Communication
• Two Views of Interpersonal
Communication
• Quantitative Communication
• Any interaction between two people, usually face
to face
• Can be considered routine or impersonal
• Qualitative Communication
• Occurs when we treat others as unique individuals
regardless of context or the number of people
involved
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The Nature of Interpersonal
Communication
• Mediated Interpersonal Communication
• Mediated Channels
• Instant Messaging, emailing, blogging, Twittering
• Social networks
• Facebook
• MySpace
• The difference between face-to-face and
virtual relationships is eroding
• What are the benefits & challenges?
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What Makes an Effective
Communicator
• Communication Competence
• There is no ideal way to communicate
• A variety of communication styles can be effective
• You can always learn new styles of communication
• Competence is:
• Situational
• Relational
• Competence varies from one situation and
person to another
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What Makes an Effective
Communicator
• Behaviors
• Possessing a wide range of behaviors
• Ability to chose appropriate behavior based on:
• Context, Goals & Knowledge of the other person
• Skill at performing behaviors
• Cognitive Complexity
• The ability to construct a variety of frameworks for
viewing an issue or situation
• Empathy
• Feeling and experiencing another's situation
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What Makes an Effective
Communicator
• Self-Monitoring
• Motivation
• The desire to communicate successfully
• Tolerance and Open-mindedness
• Communicating across cultures can be confusing
• Knowledge and Skill
• Passive observation
• Active strategies
• Self-disclosure
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