Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

OBJECTIVES Understand the three main models of

human communication (linear, interactional, and transitional models)

Understand the impersonal-interpersonal Communication Continuum

Understand the principles of interpersonal communication

Understand the myths of interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication is just one type of communication.

INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION MASS COMMUNICATION PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

Linear Model of Communication

Here’s the whole picture… It is as if communication is something we “do” to someone else. In the next few slides I’ll explain each component.

INFORMATION (SOURCE/SENDER)

The whole communication act starts with the sender who has something to share.

MESSAGE

The sender has a MESSAGE to share—this is some idea, concept, etc. that can be written, oral, or even unspoken (nonverbal).

CHANNEL

The sender will choose a means by which to share their message. This is the CHANNEL. According to M. McLuhan “the means is the message.”

Ending an “Intimate Relationship”

The Channel, which is usually represented by our senses actually says something about the SENDER and the RECEIVER.

What CHANNELS might be used to say “I don’t want to see you anymore?”

What do the CHANNEL Choices say about the sender and how the sender views the receiver?

TARGET (RECEIVER)

The sender will encode the message (make sense of what they receive) through their very own perspective and here is how we may run into misunderstanding.

NOISE/ENTROPY/INTERFERENCE

There are four major types of noise. Entropy, noise, interference are all things that impede a message from being understood as meant.

FOUR TYPES OF NOISE PHYSICAL/EXTERNAL NOISE

is noise that occurs outside of the sender and receiver. For example, if a man dressed in an ape costume came running through our classroom then this would be an example of physical noise.

PHISIOLOGICAL NOISE

Is noise of a biological nature. For example, if you are not feeling well, you are influenced by this noise.

FOUR TYPES OF NOISE CONTINUED

PSYCHOLOGICAL/INTERNAL NOISEis noise comprised of a communicator’s biases, prejudices, and feelings toward a person and message. I think of them as also thoughts that may be running through your mind.

SEMANTIC NOISEis noise that comes from our attributing different meanings to words.

CONTEXT of Linear Communication Physical

This is where the communication actually transpires (the environment)

CulturalAre the rules, roles, norms, and patterns of a culture.

Social-EmotionalRelates to the relationship (and climate) between individuals.

HistoricalEach message is influenced by those from the past.

Interactional Model of Communication

Feedback (internal & external) is added to this model.

Transactional Model of Communication

We are communicators coming to a shared meaning

The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

The Nature of Interpersonal Relationships

Defining Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Communication Is a

Process(Fluid rather than static---it doesn’t happen in a vacuum)

Messages Are Exchanged(Verbal and nonverbal messages are being sent simultaneously between communicators)

Meaning Is Central(Individuals come to their own meanings together)

Principles of Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Communication Is

Unavoidable Interpersonal Communication is

Irreversible Interpersonal Communication Involves

Symbol Exchange Interpersonal Communication is Rule-

Governed Interpersonal Communication is Learned Interpersonal Communication Has Both

Content and Relationship Information

Myths of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication Solves All Problems

Interpersonal Communication Is Always a Good Thing

Interpersonal Communication Is Common Sense

Interpersonal Communication Is Synonymous with Interpersonal Relationships

Interpersonal Communication Is Always Face-to-Face