INTERPERSONAL

COMMUNICATION
Chapter 1
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
 How do we define communication?
COMMUNICATION IS…
 The process through which people use messages to
generate meanings within and across contexts, cultures,
channels, and media. (p.6)
FIVE FEATURES CHARACTERIZE
COMMUNICATION
 Message
 Interaction

 Contexts

 Channel

 Media

 Let’s look at each…

MESSAGE
 A message is the “package” of information that is
transported during communication.
INTERACTION
 Exchanging a series of messages is called an interaction.
CONTEXT
 Context refers to the “setting” in which we are
communicating. For example, do you talk differently
with someone at a ball game versus at work?
 Let’s think about different contexts and how we
communicate.
How might you communicate in the Student
Center with other students?
How might you communicate with those same
students if you were in the library?
CHANNEL
 A channel is the sensory piece…
 Did you hear it?
 Did you see it?
 Did you touch it?
 Did you taste it?
 Did you smell it?

 What types of messages might we get through each of our

senses?
 What types of messages have you had this week?
MEDIA
 Media is the “tool” we use to exchange information.
 What are some tools we commonly use to “exchange
information”?
COMMUNICATION MODELS
 Linear communication – sender to receiver
 Interactive – sender to receiver but sender receives some
feedback from the receiver
 Transactional – constant exchange of messages and
feedback, collaborative

 What might be examples of each?

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
 Dynamic form of communication between two or more
people in which the messages exchanged significantly
influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors and
relationships.

 How is interpersonal communication different than some

other types of communication?
 Email
 Newspaper articles
A speech
THE DYAD
 Interpersonal communication is primarily dyadic. We
communicate in pairs most often.
 Interpersonal communication has an impact…it makes
us THINK…FEEL…and BEHAVE some way.
 “when we embrace the fundamental similarities that
connect us with others, strive to see things from others’
points of view, and communicate in ways that emphasize
empathy and kindness, we feel closer to others.”
 Do you recall our exercise in discovering things we had
in common with one another?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FOCUS ON
OUR DIFFERENCES?
LET’S WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS
Focusing on differences Focusing on common interest

 What are the pros?  What are the pros?

 What are the cons?  What are the cons?

COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal Impersonal
YOU DETERMINE THE OUTCOME
 Do you want to develop a deeper understanding or
relationship?

 Do you want to contain the conversation?

YOU HAVE SOME CONTROL

OVER THE SITUATION!
TYPES OF INFORMATION IN
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
 Content information
 Relationship information

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed7C3gAXQNA
WHAT DID YOU SEE/HEAR?
 What was the content information?
 The actual words being said.

 What was the relationship information?

 What type of emotion is elicited?
 What clues did you find?

 Intentional and Unintentional Messages

 Was this “information” communicated intentional or
unintentional?
 Sales women
 Julia Roberts
HOW DO WE INTENTIONALLY OR
UNINTENTIONALLY SEND INFORMATION TO
PEOPLE?
 What are some intentional examples?

 What are some unintentional examples?

COMMUNICATION IS IRREVERSIBLE
HUMAN NEEDS
 Physical needs
 Security needs

 Social needs

 Ego needs

 Self-actualization needs
DETAILS OF MASLOW’S PYRAMID
 Self Actualization Needs
 making a lasting and
significant contribution
 maximizing personal
potential
 Esteem Needs
 self respect
 recognition
 self confidence
 appreciation
 competence
 status
 Social Needs
 friendship
 a feeling of belonging
 acceptance of the group
 Safety / Security Needs
 protection from physical
threat
 psychological safety
 Physiological Needs
 basic survival elements:
CHECK IT OUT!!!
 Did you see the DARK SIDE OF INTERPERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS LIST?

 When you get time, fill out this chart for yourself. It will
help guide you as we go through information in this
course.
CHANNELS AND TOOLS
Reminders
 Quiz on these notes on Thursday, Feb 3.
 We will address Chapter 2 on Thursday (and have the
quiz for Chapter 1 at the end of the class period).
 We will have the quiz for Chapter 2 as scheduled on Feb
8th. Notes for Chapter 2 will be available on-line by
Sunday Feb 6th if you wish to look them over before
class.
 Don’t forget to get your journal notebook and start your
observations!