Essentials of Human
Communication, 6/e
Chapter Two:
The Self and
Perception
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Chapter Two Goals
Define “self-concept”
 Define “self-awareness”
 Define “self-esteem”
 Discover the process of selfdisclosure
 Learn the nature and workings of
perception
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The Sources of Self-Concept
Other people’s images of you
 Social comparison
 Cultural teachings
 Self-interpretations and selfevaluations
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Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008
Human Communication
Self-awareness
Who am I?
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The Four Selves of Johari
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The OPEN self
The BLIND self
The UNKNOWN self
The HIDDEN self
Images of self are constantly changing.
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Copyright (c) Allyn & Bacon 2008
Growing in Self-Awareness
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Listening to others
Increasing your open self
Seek information about self
Dialogue with yourself
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Suggestions for Increasing
Self-Esteem:
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Attack self-destructive beliefs
Seek out nourishing people
Work on projects that will result
in success
Remind yourself of your
successes
Secure affirmation
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Factors Influencing
Self-Disclosure
Who you are
Your culture
Your gender
Your listeners
Your topic and channel
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Rewards of Self-Disclosure
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Better self-knowledge
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Stronger coping abilities
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Improved communication
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Meaningful relationships
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Dangers of Self-Disclosure
Personal risks
 Relationship risks
 Professional risks
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Your Rights in Self-Disclosure
 Resist pressure to self-
disclose if you are
uncomfortable.
 Do not be pushed into
disclosing.
 Be indirect and move to
other topics.
 Be assertive in
protecting yourself.
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Stages of Perception
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Perceptual Processes
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Implicit Personality Theory
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Primacy-Recency
Stereotyping
Attribution
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Increasing Accuracy in
Perception
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Analyze your perceptions.
Check your perceptions.
Reduce your uncertainty.
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