Interpersonal Communication © All photo clip art copyright of Microsoft Office Online.

Interpersonal Communication

© All photo clip art copyright of Microsoft Office Online

Why Communicate?

• Communication:– Process of conveying

feelings, attitudes, facts, beliefs, and ideas

– Verbally & nonverbally– Message intended is

received

• Impacts relationships• Six possible messages

can get through when you attempt to communicate


• Discussion:– What would others say are

your communication strengths? Needs?

– What do you think your clothes communicate to others? Hair style? Body language?

The Communication Process• Parts of the

communication process:– Sender of message– Receiver of message– Content of message

• Steps of communication:– The idea– Encoding– Transmission– Receiving– Decoding– Understanding– Feedback

• Discussion:– How does “noise” impact

your communication interactions?

– How can some “noise” be controlled?

– How can individuals be more effective in each step of communication?

– How can we avoid breakdowns in the communication process?


One- and Two-Way Communication

• Two-way communication– Involves feedback

• One-way communication– Passive listening

• Communication barriers

• Discussion:– Think of a recent

conversation in which there was a communication barrier. What happened? Could the barrier have been avoided? What could you have done differently?


Nonverbal Communication• Facial expressions and

eye contact• Vocal qualities• Gestures and other body

movements• Touching• Personal space and

distance• Physical environment and

territory• Clothing and personal

appearance© All photo clip art copyright of

Microsoft Office Online

• Discussion:– What ways does your non-

verbal communication reinforce your verbal communication? Replace it? Contradict it? Give an example of each from interactions you have had this past week.

Verbal Communication

• Semantics• Assumptions• Self-concept• Emotion-packed phrases

• Discussion:– How has your self-concept

impacted your verbal communication?

– How have assumptions impacted your verbal communication?

– Give an example of a time assumptions or self-concept have negatively impacted communication with another.


Gender & Communication

• Men and women often use different styles in communication

• Discussion:– Make a list of the ways

and topics that women often communicate with each other (Fashion? Relationships?). Do the same with men (Sports? Music?).

– How are these lists different? Similar?


Listening

• Listening is a form of paying attention

• Pretending• Selective listening• Attentive listening• Empathetic listening• Hearing• Listening

• Discussion:– Have a two minute

conversation with a classmate in which you practice some of the concepts in this section of the text (pretending, attentive listening). How did each feel as a listener? Speaker?


Barriers to Listening

• Internal psychological filter

• Hidden agenda• Preoccupation and

lack of interest

• Discussion:– What barriers have

you noticed in your communication with others?

– What strategies have you used to break down these barriers?


Styles of Responding

• Evaluative or judging• Criticizing• Advising• Interpretative• Supportive• Questioning• Understanding

• Discussion:– Think of a close friend

that you often share things with. What styles of responding have you noticed in her or him?


Active Listening

• Empathetic listening• Develop a posture of

involvement• Make use of door

openers• Keep the other

person talking with minimal encouragement

• Respond reflectively

• Discussion:– Reflect on the various

styles of responding presented in the text. Which style of responding do you use? Would your close friends agree with you? Coworkers? Classmates? Significant others?


Person-to-Person Communication

• Qualities of communication:– genuineness– Acceptance and

respect of others– Empathy

• Discussion:– Is quality

communication always easy? Why or why not?

– What are challenges to being genuine, respectful and demonstrating empathy?


Interpersonal Communication © All photo clip art copyright of Microsoft Office Online.

Documents

communication discussion

impacted communication

communication interactions

interpersonal communication

step of communication

communication strengths

non verbal communication

communication process