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linear communication model, 8 noise, 8 interactive communication model, 9 transactional communication model, 9 interpersonal communication, 11 |
intrapersonal communication, 13 impersonal communication, 13 self-presentation goals, 18 interpersonal communication competence, 21 self-monitoring, 22 You can watch brief, illustrative videos of these terms and test your understanding of the concepts by clicking on the VideoCentral features in the chapter. |
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Scholars have studied communication for thousands of years. The message is the basic unit of communication, and we exchange messages during interactions with others. During communication, contexts shape how we create and interpret messages, and messages are conveyed through a variety of channels and media.
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The linear communication model describes the basic set of components necessary for communication to occur, including a sender, a message, a channel, noise, and a receiver. The interactive communication model builds on the linear model, adding both feedback and fields of experience. The transactional communication model presents the notion that communication participants collaboratively create meaning.
What Is Interpersonal Communication?
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When most people think of interpersonal communication, they think of dyadic communication. This allows us to distinguish it from intrapersonal communication.
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Interpersonal communication differs from other types of communication in that it changes (and is changed by) participants’ emotions, thoughts, behavior, and relationships. One way to understand interpersonal communication is the difference between I-Thou and I-It. Interpersonal communication also enables us to connect with others in ways that are more meaningful and profound than through impersonal communication.
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Whenever we interpersonally communicate with others, we exchange both content and relationship information. Because relationship information influences how others interpret the content of what we have said, it can be considered a form of meta-communication.
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Interpersonal communication is characterized by four principles: it has content and relationship information, it can be intentional or unintentional, it’s irreversible, and it’s dynamic.
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We use interpersonal communication for a broad range of purposes, including fulfilling a hierarchy of needs and pursuing self-presentation, instrumental,and relationship goals.
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Scholars conduct research and create theory to better understand how people communicate interpersonally. Both qualitative approaches and quantitative approaches to research and theory involve the creation and testing of hypotheses, although the manner in which such tests are conducted is quite different.
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What Is Interpersonal Communication Competence?
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While there is not one way for achieving it, interpersonal communication competence means consistently communicating with others in ways that are appropriate, effective, and ethical. To strengthen your interpersonal competence, you must translate this understanding into action in the form of communication skills, and consistently strive for excellence in your communication.
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Competent interpersonal communicators are sensitive to norms of appropriateness.People use self-monitoring to observe and judge how appropriate (or not) their communication is to norms. To be truly competent, you must strike a balance among appropriateness, effectiveness, and attention to ethics in your communication. Too much concern for appropriateness can render your communication ineffective.
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We often consider people who demonstrate effectiveness in achieving their interpersonal goals as being interpersonally competent. But people can be exceptionally effective communicators and still be unethical or inappropriate. In such cases, their communication is incompetent.
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The final component of competence is ethics. Although a minimum standard for ethical communication is “do no harm to others,” many people feel that true competence can be achieved only through consistent demonstration of respect toward others.
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For competent online communication, adhere to these five suggestions: match your message to your medium, don’t assume online communication is always more efficient, presume your posts are public, remember that your posts are permanent, and practice the art of creating drafts.
Issues in Interpersonal Communication
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Certain topics are becoming increasingly relevant for students and teachers of interpersonal communication: culture, gender and sexual orientation, online communication, and the dark side of interpersonal relationships.
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What is the definition of interpersonal communication? Find the answer on page 11-14.
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How might you shift your communication from I-It to I-Thou? Try the Skills Practice on page 13 to find out.
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What is the fundamental connection between communication knowledge, communication choices, and relationship outcomes? Review the answer on page 13-14.
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What are the two practical implications of viewing interpersonal communication as dynamic? Review the answer on page 17.
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How can you use research methods to analyze online communication challenges? Try the Skills Practice on page 20.
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Interested in becoming a more competent interpersonal communicator? Learn about the characteristics of competence on page 21-24.
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How sensitive and adaptive are you to situational appropriateness norms? Discover the answer by taking the Self-Quiz on page 23.
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Curious about how to incorporate ethics into your interpersonal communication? Review the National Communication Association’s “Credo for Ethical Communication” on page 24.
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Have you had difficulty communicating competently online? Discover suggestions for improvement on pages 24–27. Then complete the Skills Practice on page 27 to put these principles into action.
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What challenges from the dark side of interpersonal communication can be better managed through building your interpersonal skills? Find the answer by taking the Self-Quiz on page 32.
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How would you deal with the ethics surrounding a changing friendship and communication you weren’t supposed to see? Complete the Making Relationship Choices exercise on page 30-31 to find out.
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