Transcript Document
Unit 6 CM115 Interpersonal Communication Communication Communication - the evoking of a shared or common meaning in another person Interpersonal Communication - communication between two or more people in an organization Communicator - the person originating the message Receiver - the person receiving a message Perceptual Screen - a window through which we interact with people that influences the quality, accuracy, and clarity of the communication Functions of Interpersonal Communication Gaining Information Building a Context of Understanding Establishing Identity Interpersonal Needs Functions of Communication Gaining Information One reason we engage in interpersonal communication is so that we can gain knowledge about another individual. Social Penetration Theory says that we attempt to gain information about others so that we can interact with them more effectively. Self-disclosure Self-disclosure Self-disclosure is not simply providing information to another person. Instead, scholars define self-disclosure as sharing information with others that they would not normally know or discover. Self-disclosure involves risk and vulnerability on the part of the person sharing the information. For discussion How do we know what amount of selfdisclosure is appropriate? The Johari Window A useful way of viewing self-disclosure is the Johari window. The Johari window is a way of showing how much information you know about yourself and how much others know about you. The window contains four panes, as shown below. Johari Window Known to others Unknown to others Known to self Unknown to self Open Pane known to self and others Hidden Pane open to self, hidden from others Blind Pane blind to self, seen by others Unknown Pane unknown to self and others Functions of Self-Disclosure Self-disclosure performs several functions. It is a way of gaining information about another person. We want to be able to predict the thoughts and actions of people we know. Self-disclosure is one way to learn about how another person thinks and feels. Risks of Self-Disclosure While there are several advantages to self-disclosure, there are also risks. For discussion What are the cultural elements that are necessary to understand for appropriate self-disclosure? For discussion How can the self-disclosure process positively and negatively influence your relationships? Try this quiz http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/inter personal/infunctionsquiz.html Building a Context of Understanding We also engage in interpersonal communication to help us better understand what someone says in a given context. Establishing Identity Another reason we engage in interpersonal communication is to establish an identity. The roles we play in our relationships help us establish identity. Interpersonal Needs Finally, we engage in interpersonal communication because we need to express and receive interpersonal needs. William Schutz has identified three such needs: inclusion, control, and affection. Defensive Communication - communication that can be aggressive, attacking & angry, or passive & withdrawing Leads to injured feelings communication breakdowns alienation retaliatory behaviors nonproductive efforts problem solving failures Nondefensive Communication communication that is assertive, direct, & powerful Provides basis for defense when attacked restores order, balance, and effectiveness Nondefensive Communication: A Powerful Tool Speaker seen as centered, assertive, controlled, informative, realistic, and honest Speaker exhibits self-control & self possession Listener feels accepted rather than rejected Catherine Crier’s rules to nondefensive communication Define the situation Clarify the person’s position Acknowledge the person’s feelings 4. Bring the focus back to the facts 1. 2. 3.