ITSINTER_ch01_lecppt.pptx

1. CHAPTER 1
The Importance
of Interpersonal
Communication
Copyright © 2022 W. W. Norton & Company

2. What is interpersonal communication?
• Interpersonal communication (IPC) is the process
of assigning meaning to the messages you share with
potential and established relational partners.
• A relational partner is someone you know and
share a connection with on some level, such as a
parent, sibling, relative, friend, coworker, or
romantic partner.
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3. The four stages of skill development (2)
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4. 1.1 Interpersonal communication is purposeful
• An interpersonal need is an inner drive that is
essential to your well-being and relational in nature.
• Along with reducing uncertainty and sharing
affection, other interpersonal needs include
socializing and having fun, fitting in, influencing
others, offering and receiving support, etc.
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5. Interpersonal needs
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6. Interpersonal goals (1)
• An interpersonal goal is what you’re striving to
accomplish with your communication.
 Practical goals
 Relational goals
 Self-presentational goals
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7. Interpersonal behaviors
• An interpersonal behavior is what you say and/or
do to convey a message.
• An interpersonal behavior is meant to help you
achieve an interpersonal goal and satisfy an
interpersonal need.
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8. IPC involves choices
• Your communication is other-centered when you
consider your relational partner’s needs and goals as
much as your own.
• Your communication is relationship-centered when
you make communication choices that are good for
your relationship.
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9. 1.2 Interpersonal communication is consequential
• Interpersonal communication can affect well-being in POSITIVE
ways.
• Satisfying social interactions and close relationships are major
sources of happiness.
• Research suggests that relationships are particularly beneficial if
the communication you have with a relational partner is:
 Positive
 Healthy
 Meaningful
 Supportive
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10. IPC and well-being (1)
• Interpersonal communication can affect well-being in
NEGATIVE ways.
• Interpersonal conflict is a perceived struggle or tension
between two or more relational partners.
• Conflicts can linger or multiply when you’re unwilling or unable
to resolve a disagreement.
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11. 1.3 Interpersonal communication is skills-based
• Interpersonal communication competence is the ability to
communicate effectively and appropriately on a relational
level.
• Along with being effective and appropriate, competent
interpersonal communication is associated with
accommodation and ethics.
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12. IPC communication and accommodation
• According to Howard Giles’s communication accommodation
theory (CAT), a relational partner may perceive your
communication as effective and appropriate when you alter
your communication to reflect your relational partner’s
communication style and emotional state.
• An important aspect of accommodation is empathy, the ability
to understand, appreciate, and value what someone else is
feeling.
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13. IPC communication ethics
• Interpersonal communication ethics are your beliefs
about the communication behaviors you consider right (good
or moral) or wrong (bad or immoral) within a relationship.
• A desire to adhere to a strong set of ethics and the ability to
think critically when ethical situations present themselves
may affect how others perceive your communication
competence.
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14. Growth requires self-monitoring (1)
• Self-monitoring is the process of thinking about and
analyzing your communication with others.
• A good time to self-monitor is right after you finish a
conversation, while it’s fresh in your mind.
• In addition to your own communication, analyze
someone’s communication with you.
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