Communication & Interpersonal Skills

1. Communication & Interpersonal Skills Chapter One: A First Look at Interpersonal Communication Ronald B. Adler, Russell F. Proctor II

2. Communication • Communication is the transferring and understanding meaning • A process of sending and receiving symbols with messages attached to them.

3. Effective Communication • Occurs when the intended meaning of the sender is identical to the interpreted meaning of the receiver. • The best idea, or suggestions, or plans cannot take form without communication • Communication can take many forms: • Oral vs. written • Verbal vs. non-verbal

4. Effective Communication • Effective communication occurs when two important things take place. The expression of a thought or feeling and the effective listening of thatexpressed concept. • Talking is easy; communication requires greater skill. It demands that we listen and speak skillfully, not just talk mindlessly.

5. The Importance of Communication The Power of Silence Fredrick II The Power of Isolation Five Subjects to be paid to remain alone in a locked room Contact and Companionship

6. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Physical Needs • Link Between Communication and Physical Well-being • Quality and Quantity Vary By Individuals “We must love one another or die.” W.H. Auden

7. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Identity Needs • We Learn Who We are Through Communication • We Come to See Ourselves as Others See Us

8. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Social Needs Pleasure Affection Companionship Escape Relaxation “Who can enjoy alone?” John Milton Paradise Lost

9. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Practical (Instrumental) Goals Communication Skills Top Factor in Getting Jobs Keeping Job and Advancement Tied to Communication Skills

10. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Maslow’s Basic Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

11. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Maslow’s Basic Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

12. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Maslow’s Basic Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

13. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Maslow’s Basic Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

14. We Communicate to Satisfy Needs Maslow’s Basic Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

15. The Process of CommunicationA Linear View

16. The Process of CommunicationA Linear View Sender Encoding Message Channel Decoding Receiver Noise External (physical) Physiological Psychological Environments

17. The Process of Communication A Transactional View

18. The Process of Communication A Transactional View Communicator Replaces Sender We Send and Receive Messages Simultaneously Communicators Often Occupy Different Environments

19. The Process of Communication A Transactional View (con’t) Communication Channels Retain Importance Noise Continues to Be Important Communication is With Others, Not To Them Relational Communication is Unique

20. The Process of Communication

21. Question: When Tomas failed his calculus exam, he was so upset that he couldn’t understand the explanations provided by his professor. This example best illustrates: a. external noise b. physiological noise c. psychological noise d. feedback noise

22. Communication Principles Communication Can Be Intentional or Unintentional It’s Impossible Not to Communicate Communication is Irreversible Communication is Unrepeatable

23. Communicating About RelationshipsContent and Relational Messages The Content is the Subject The Relational Dimension Makes Statements About How the Parties Feel Toward the Other

24. Avoiding Communication Misconceptions Meanings are Not in Words Successful Communication Doesn’t Always Involve Understanding More Communication is Not Always Better No Single Person or Event Causes Another’s Reaction Communication Will not Solve All Problems

25. Interpersonal communication is contextual communication does not happen in isolation. • Psychological context: Who you are and what you bring to the interaction. Your needs, desires, values, personality, etc. ("You" here refers to both participants in the interaction.) • Relational context: Your reactions to the other person. • Situational context: Deals with the psycho-social "where" you are communicating. • Cultural context: Includes all the learned behaviors and rules that affect the interaction. If you come from a culture (foreign or within your own country).

26. Nature of Interpersonal Communication-Two Views Quantitative—Dyadic Qualitative When people treat one another as unique individuals, regardless of the context in which the interaction occurs or the number of people involved.

27. Nature of Interpersonal Communication • Uniqueness • Irreplaceability • Interdependence • Disclosure • Intrinsic Rewards • Scarcity

28. Question: Qualitatively interpersonal communication is different from less personal interaction in which of the following ways? a. Qualitatively interpersonal relationships are characterized by the development of unique rules and roles. b. In a qualitatively interpersonal relationship, you spend time with the other person because you find the time personally rewarding. c. In a qualitatively interpersonal relationship, you feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. d. All of the above statements are true.

29. Technology and Interpersonal Communication • Computer-Mediated Communication • May Reduce Face-to-Face Communication • May Enhance Interpersonal Communication

30. Personal and Impersonal Communication:A Matter of Balance • Most Relationships are not Either • Interpersonal Or Impersonal • Personal Elements in Impersonal Encounters • Impersonal Elements in Interpersonal Encounters

31. Communication Competence Involves Achieving One’s Goals While Preserving Relationships Competent communication is; Effective & Appropriate No “Ideal” Way to Communicate Competence is Situational Competence is Relational Competence Can Be Learned

32. Characteristics of Competent Communicators Wide Range of Behaviors Ability to Choose Most Appropriate Behavior Context Your Goal Your Knowledge of the Other Skill at Performing Behaviors

33. Communication CompetenceSkill at Performing Behaviors Beginning Awareness

34. Communication CompetenceSkill at Performing Behaviors Beginning Awareness Awkwardness

35. Communication CompetenceSkill at Performing Behaviors Beginning Awareness Awkwardness Skillfulness

36. Communication CompetenceSkill at Performing Behaviors Beginning Awareness Awkwardness Skillfulness Integration

37. Characteristics of Competent Communicators Cognitive Complexity Empathy- Perspective Taking Self-Monitoring Commitment

38. Competence in Intercultural Communication • Motivation • Tolerance for ambiguity • Open-mindedness • Knowledge and Skill