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Chapter 1: Introduction to Interpersonal
Communication
Chapter Goals
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Explain three prevailing models of human communication.
Describe the impersonal-interpersonal communication continuum.
Define and interpret interpersonal communication
Understand the principles of interpersonal communication.
Demystify stereotypes associated with interpersonal communication.
Explain how ethical awareness relates to interpersonal encounters.
Outline
I. Communication apprehension
A. Legitimate life experience that usually negatively affects our communication
with others. (See communication assessment test).
B. This book is about improving your ability to interact with other people.
II. We engage in interpersonal communication daily.
A. Scholars have identified six kinds of situations in which human communication
exists.
III. Models of Communication—visual, simplified representations of complex relationships
in the communication process.
A. Linear model of communication (Shannon & Weaver, 1949), see figure 1.1.
B. Four types of noise can interrupt a message:
C. The linear view suggests that communication takes place in a context, which is
multidimensional, or the environment in which a message is sent.
D. Although the linear model was highly regarded when it was first
conceptualized, the linear approach has been criticized because it presumes
that communication has a definable beginning and ending.
E. Feedback and the Interaction Model (see figure 1.2).
F. Like the linear model, the interactional model has been criticized for its view
of senders and receivers.
G. Shared meaning and the Transactional Model (see figure 1.3).
H. Many interpersonal communication scholars embrace the transactional process in
their research; such as, Julia Wood (1998, p. 6) who believes that human
communication "is always tied to what came before and always anticipates what
may come later.”
I. Our notion of communication models is continually evolving.
IV. The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
A. The interpersonal communication continuum.
B. There are three important issues when determining the extent to which an encounter is
impersonal, interpersonal, or in between: relational history, relational rules, and
relational uniqueness.
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C. Defining Interpersonal Communication is the process of message transaction
between people to create and sustain shared meaning.
V. The Value of Interpersonal Communication
A. A variety of sources report that interpersonal skills top the list of skills employers are
looking for in new hires.
B. A number of recent conclusions by both academic and medical communities
show the value of communication and relationships and how they affect our
lives physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
VI. Principles of Interpersonal Communication
A. Interpersonal communication is unavoidable (Watzlawick, Beavin, & Jackson).
B. Interpersonal communication is irreversible.
C. Interpersonal communication involves symbol exchange.
D. Interpersonal communication is rule-governed.
E. Interpersonal communication is learned.
F. Interpersonal communication has both content and relationship information.
VII. Myths of Interpersonal Communication
A. Interpersonal communication solves all problems.
B. Interpersonal communication is always a good thing.
C. Interpersonal communication is common sense.
D. Interpersonal communication is synonymous with interpersonal relationships.
E. Interpersonal communication is always face-to-face.
VIII. Interpersonal Communication Ethics
A. Five ethical systems of communication are categorical imperative, utilitarianism,
the golden mean, ethic of care, and significant choice.
B. Understanding ethics and our own values.
Terms for Review
Categorical imperative
Channel
Historical context
Interactional Model of Communication
Internal feedback
Process
Psychological noise
Receiver
Relational history
Relational rules
Relational uniqueness
Relationship information
Self-actualization
Semantic noise
Sender
Significant choice
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Student Activities
1. Directions: Read each passage and identify which principle of Interpersonal
Communication is best illustrated.
A.
Now that Brian has graduated from college, his friend Tom's parents keep telling him he
should use their first names. This is awkward for Brian because his parents always told
him to address adults using their last names and a title.
Interpersonal Communication ________________________
B.
Danielle asked her roommate, Jane, if she borrowed her new pink sweater because it
smelled like Jane's perfume. Jane didn't say anything and continued reading her
book, refusing to look at Danielle. Danielle knew Jane heard her and she got her
answer even though Jane never said anything.
Interpersonal Communication _______________________
C.
When Chris came home, Terry said in an accusing tone of voice, "I thought you were
going to take out the garbage this morning. That's the third week in a row you
forgot."
Interpersonal Communication ________________________
D.
In Renee's family they were not allowed to sing at the dinner table and always took turns
telling about their day while they had dinner.
Interpersonal Communication ________________________
E.
Javier and Maria always teased each other, so when Javier told Maria he loved her she
misunderstood his feelings and thought he was joking.
Interpersonal Communication ________________________
Answers: A. learned, B. unavoidable, C. content and relationship dimensions, D.
rule-governed, E. symbol of exchange
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2.
Directions: Look at ten different want ads for jobs in the newspaper or online. How
many of them list communication or interpersonal skills as part of the job description?
Compare your results with another student.
3. Directions: Review the communication models discussed in the chapter. What would
you include in your own model of communication? Is there anything you would
omit? Draw and label your own model below. Share and compare your model with
another student.
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4. Directions: Write down 4 or 5 adjectives that you think describe the following based
on stereotypes. Do you believe these are accurate? Why or why not?
Athlete_________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Cheerleader______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Secretary________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Doctor__________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Muslim_________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Christian________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Jew____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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Interactive Activities
1.1 Interactive Models of Communication
http://pirate.shu.edu/—yatesdan/model.html
Check out Seton Hall University professor Daniel Yates’ active view of the linear, interactive, and
transactional models of communication. (Click on the "Next" link to move from model to model.) Notice
the development of the models from the early linear model to the more advanced transactional model.
1. What elements are consistent? What elements are changed or added?
2. Can you think of a communication experience in your own life where the interaction was similar to
that shown in the linear model? In this interaction, you may have been the sender or receiver with
little or no feedback. However, most communication situations are better represented with the
transactional model, in which the participants are engaged in real dialogue.
1.2 Communication in Emergency Situations
http://envstudies.brown.edu/oldsite/Thesis/2003/Jessica_Galante/pages/commemerICS.html
The communication roles illustrated by communication models vary depending on the situation. Brown
University student Jessica Galante's research indicates a changing model of communication for
environmental science and in the case of emergencies. For example, in an emergency, there may be time
only for a very brief message with little feedback.
1. Read Galante's web page "Communication in Emergencies."
2. After reading this page, click on the link "Emergencies" at left. Think back to a time when you were
experiencing great emotional stress or in an emergency situation. How did you communicate
during that situation? How did the various elements in the communication model change?
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3.
At the bottom of this page, click on "How does communication work in emergencies in time of
urgency and direction?" What happened to the transactional model of communication? In this case,
does the linear model seem most appropriate? Why or why not?
1.3 Technical versus Interpersonal Skills
http://envstudies.brown.edu/oldsite/Thesis/2003/Jessica_Galante/pages/commemerICS.html
Read the article "Which Is More Valuable: Technical or Interpersonal Skills?" as it relates to evaluating
job applicants' technical versus interpersonal skills. With a partner or small group, discuss the
following:
1. Do you think one skill, technical or interpersonal, is more important than the other?
2. What skills would you look for if you were hiring someone for a position?
3.
How do you feel about the solutions the author of the article suggests to develop a new hire's
interpersonal skills?
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4.
Do you foresee any problems with these solutions?
5.
What solutions can you offer to improve someone's interpersonal skills for this job?
1.4 Communication Skills Test
http://discoveryhealth.queendom.com/communication_short_access.html
One of the first steps in improving your communication skills is to assess and monitor your own
interpersonal skills and actions. When you honestly evaluate your skills, you will begin to better
understand interactions you have with others. Assess your interpersonal skills by taking
DiscoveryHealth.com's ten-question communication skills test. It's quick and it gives you a nice
snapshot of your communication skills. For the most informative results, remember to be honest about
your communication strengths and weaknesses.
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InfoTrac College Edition Activities
1.1 Received as Meant to be Sent?
"Where Is the `Message' in Communication Models?" by Raymond Gozzi, Jr.
ETC.: A Review of General Semantics, April 2004
This article examines the complexity associated with the term "message" in the communication model.
In the author's example of the conversation between the mother, son, and daughter, perspective and
the relationship between the sender and the receiver affect how the receiver interprets the message.
Think back to an interaction you had recently with a friend or a relative.
1. Diagram the interaction, applying the elements and roles of the communication models.
2. Who was the sender and the receiver? What was the channel of communication and the message?
3.
Was the communication linear or transactional?
4. Was the message received as the sender intended? Or did the relationship between the sender and the
receiver, or expectations of the receiver, alter the message received?
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1.2 The Communication Model at Work
"Avoiding Breakdowns in the Communication Process" by Wally Adamchik
National Driller, February 2003
To take a look at a real-life application of the communication model, this article applies our model to
today's business environment. The author stresses that in order for business interactions to be successful,
we must apply and evaluate the model of communication, especially when there is a breakdown in
communication.
1. The article states that almost half of people surveyed identified that being an effective communicator
was the most important quality of a business executive. Write out 8 to 10 other qualities you feel are
important for an executive to have. Now go back over your list and circle those that are
communication-related.
2. Can you think of a work-related situation in which there was a breakdown in communication? Now
that you are familiar with the elements of the communication model, can you identify where the
breakdown occurred? Do you think that if you or the participants would have been knowledgeable of
the communication process, it would have eliminated the breakdown or made a difference?
1.3 Interpersonal Communication and Health
"Nuances of Interpersonal Relationships Influence Blood Pressure"
Heart Disease Weekly, August 17, 2003
Did you know that interpersonal communication can affect your health? This article discusses how stress
and blood pressure increase when we communicate with people we have conflicted feelings about.
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1. Have you ever heard of anyone who had health problems because of his or her communication with
others? What about because of a lack of communication or companionship? Have you heard of an
elderly person losing a life companion? What often happens to the person left behind?
2. Think of a loved one or a close friend you enjoy spending time with. Write down how
your interactions with that person makes you feel. Now think of someone you interact with
whom you don't enjoy being around or whose behavior irritates you. Write down how you
feel about your interactions with that person.
3. We can't go through life avoiding others, but we can control our feelings and reactions to
those with whom we communicate. What strategies can you implement to respond
positively to negative influences?
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Your Turn Journal Activity
There are similarities and differences in the way we communicate with our neighbors, family, friends, and
coworkers. Write about these and use examples of the types of conversations you have with each. What
conclusions can you draw about how interpersonal communication varies based on particular sets of
people with whom you interact? Are there times you wish communication were reversible?
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Quiz
True or False
1. Interpersonal communication is a simple process. (p. 6)
True or False
2. When you debate with yourself, you are engaging in
intrapersonal communication. (p. 6)
True or False
3. There is some overlap among different types of
communication. (p. 7)
True or False
4. Communication models are visual, simplified representations of complex relationships in the
communication process. (p. 7)
True or False
5. Shannon and Weaver view communication as a transactional process. (p. 7)
True or False
6. Four types of noise may disrupt a message. (p. 8)
True or False
7. Physical noise is also called external noise. (p. 8)
True or False
8. The physical context is everything but the tangible environment in which communication
occurs. (p. 9)
True or False
9. Our notion of communication models is static. (p. 13)
True or False
10. Most employers discount the importance of interpersonal communication skills. (p.17)
True or False
Multiple Choice Questions
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1. Which of the following four components are included in the linear model of communication? (p.
10)
A. sender, receiver, encoder, and decoder
B. physical noise, semantic noise, physiological noise, and psychological noise
C. sender, Context, Channel, and receiver
D. sender, receiver, message, and channel.
2. The transactional model of communication underscores the fact that giving and receiving
messages is: (p. 13)
A. dynamic
B. reciprocal
C. deniable
D. retrievable
3. A unique feature of the transactional model is its recognition that messages: (p. 13)
A. have nonverbal elements
B. are interdependent
C. are intradependent
D. build upon each other
4. Which of the following is NOT a principle of interpersonal communication? (p. 21)
A. Interpersonal communication is unavoidable.
B. Interpersonal communication is irreversible.
C. Interpersonal communication involves noise.
D. Interpersonal communication involves symbol exchange.
5.Interpersonal communication has: (p. 24)
A. both content and relationship information.
B. both contextual and relationship information
C. both content and relative information.
D. both concrete and relative information.
6. Which of the following statements about interpersonal communication is a myth? (p. 22)
A. Interpersonal communication is rule-governed.
B. Interpersonal communication is always face-to-face.
C. Interpersonal communication is learned.
D. Interpersonal communication is unavoidable.
7. Every communication experience is: (p. 21)
A. unique
B. unrepeatable
C. irreversible
D. all of the above
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8. When you turn away from someone, you are: (p. 21)
A. communicating
B. having some effect
C. communicating
D. not having any effect
E. both a and b
9. The golden mean is an ethical system that proposes: (p. 29)
A. we should be kind to one another.
B. we should always try to compromise.
C. we should aim for harmony and balance in our lives.
D. we should try to make many friends.
10. Nilsen argued that communication is ethical to the extent that: (p. 30)
A. it maximizes people's ability to exercise free choice.
B. it maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain.
C. it maximizes people's ability to say what they feel.
D. it maximizes rules and guidelines.
11. At the core of communication are two behaviors. They are: (p. 33)
A. Collaboration and commitment.
B. Competency and civility
C. Civility and chivalry
D. Coordination and compensation
12. Varying backgrounds can affect how a: (p. 33)
A. message is sent and received.
B. message is received but not sent.
C. message is sent but not received.
D. neither sent nor received.
13. We learn how to communicate from our: (p. 23)
A. teachers
B. parents
C. friends
D. all of the above
14. Semiotics refers to: (p. 21)
A. syntax and grammar of a language.
B. how frequently silence is used in communication.
C. signs and symbols that make up a language.
D. the fixed ideas within a language system.
15. Which of the following is NOT a myth about communication? (p. 25)
A. Interpersonal communication solves all problems.
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B. Interpersonal communication is unrepeatable.
C. Interpersonal communication is always a good thing.
D. Interpersonal communication is synonymous with interpersonal relationships.
Essay Questions
1. List and explain three principles of interpersonal communication. Be sure to give examples.
2. Explain in a short essay why the concept of process is important in understanding how communication
works.
3. Discuss how studying interpersonal communication can help you succeed in your professional
career.
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4. Choose one of the five ethical systems explained in your text and discuss how it applies to your own
life.
5. Choose one of the five ethical systems discussed in your text and explain why you disagree with it and
give an example that supports your answer.
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Answers to Quiz
True or False
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. False
9. False
10. False
Multiple Choice Questions
1. D
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. A
6. B
7. D
8. E
9. C
10. A
11. B
12. A
13. D
14. C
15. B