It’s important to reduce uncertainty in all communication contexts. For example, in Chapter 12 we discuss audience analysis, which allows you to learn about the people who will listen to your speech. By understanding your audience’s expectations, learning about their opinions of your topic, and carefully considering their demographics, you can reduce uncertainty and determine the most effective way to reach them.
Although we weigh the costs and rewards in all stages of a relationship, at the very beginning we do not have much information to consider. We may have excitement at the prospect of a new friendship to enjoy or romance to explore, but the uncertainty about the other person is also uncomfortable. That’s why we need to use a variety of techniques to get to know one another.
According to uncertainty reduction theory, when two people meet, their main focus is on decreasing the uncertainty about each other (Berger & Bradac, 1982). The less sure you are of the person’s qualities, the way the person will behave, or what will happen, the higher the degree of uncertainty. Thus, reducing uncertainty increases your ability to predict that person’s behavior. As two people—
In order to reduce uncertainty and increase the likelihood of a closer relationship, you must obtain information about your new relational partner. If you’re a fan of the Twilight series, you know that upon first noticing each other at school, Edward and Bella each used several strategies to find out more information about the other. Bella asked her classmates about Edward; she watched how he behaved and made observations about how he presented himself. Eventually, she questioned him directly. Edward, finding his ability to read minds useless on Bella, was forced to employ similar strategies. Unless you too can read minds, you’ve likely employed those same strategies yourself. Depending on the situation, three types of strategies may work well: passive strategies, active strategies, and interactive strategies.