Unit 2: Interpersonal Communication

2a: Identify competencies in interpersonal communication.

2a.1. Verbal and nonverbal communication are competencies that are universal to human communication as a process. Four other competencies that are important to master as part of interpersonal communication include listening, negotiation, conflict management, and self-disclosure.

A. Define each of these four competencies.

B. Provide examples of these competencies.

2a.2. How we share information and what information we share with others influence our success in developing interpersonal relationships. Using the Johari window model, name and describe the four quadrants of self-disclosure.

For a review of the competencies necessary for interpersonal communication, see the resources from subunit 2.1: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies: “Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication Processes” and Survey of Communication Study: “Chapter 9: Interpersonal Communication.”

2b: Demonstrate the ability to use language accurately, expressively, and appropriately in communication settings.

2b.1. Interpersonal communication is communication between individual people, like conversation. We also call it dyadic communication. How we use language in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues at work or in school can have a powerful influence on our relationships and the outcome we hope to get from the interaction or transaction.

A. Explain three types of messages that create confirming and disconfirming communication climates.

B. Explain when it is most appropriate to use each of the above types of messages.

C. Name six common types of unsupportive messages or use of language.

D. Explain how nonverbal communication can be used to support verbal communication.

A number of resources in Unit 2 emphasize these positive and negative message behaviors. For a review of the competencies necessary for interpersonal communication, see the resources from subunit 2.1: Survey of Communication Study: “Chapter 9: Interpersonal Communication” and Dr. Isaacson’s lecture Conflict I and You Messages. You may also want to reflect on the Glass in the Class session “Interpersonal Communication with Guest Larry Fournellier.” You may also want to review the impact of nonverbal communication addressed in subunits 1.3 and 2.4.

2c: Identify relationship development, both personally and professionally.

2c.1. Relationships are important to all humans. We use communication to develop relationships at the personal level (friends and romances) and at the professional level (with coworkers, superiors, and subordinates).

A. Name and define the six basic stages of relationship development.

B. Name the seven stages of romantic relationship development and the five stages of relationship deterioration.

C. Compare and contrast how personal relationships and professional relationships are developed using the relationship development model.

D. What makes relationships within families more complex than relationships between friends or coworkers?

If you need to refresh your recall of the relationship development model and its many applications, review the following resources in subunit 2.1: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies: “Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication Processes” and Survey of Communication Study: “Chapter 9: Interpersonal Communication” or re-watch Dr. Isaacson’s lecture “Stages of Relationship Theory.”

2d: List the components of conflict and identify strategies for conflict management.

2d.1. Conflict between individuals is inevitable. We cannot expect to agree with everyone all of the time. And sometimes we need to be able to defend our ideas with others.

A. Describe how conflict between individuals can be both destructive and productive.

B. Describe the following five types of conflict in interpersonal relationships: affective, conflict of interest, value, cognitive, and goal.

C. Describe five major strategies for managing conflict in interpersonal relationships. Which of the five conflict management strategies do you favor when dealing with interpersonal relationships? What factors affect the strategy that you choose?

For a review of conflict as a concept as well as strategies for managing your response while in conflict with others, review the following resources in subunit 2.1: Communication in the Real World: An Introduction to Communication Studies: “Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication Processes”, Survey of Communication Study: “Chapter 9: Interpersonal Communication” and Dr. Isaacson’s lecture Conflict I and You Messages.

2e: Explain the role of critical and active listening in various communication climates.

2e.1. Listening is a skill we learn through practice. It is also a process.

A. Describe the five stages of listening and two types of feedback.

B. Describe the four listening styles.

C. How do we balance critical listening with responding to others in each of the communication climates?

2e.2. Understanding that people satisfy their individual needs from interpersonal relationships of which they are part, describe the three relational dialectics: autonomy-connection; novelty-predictability; and openness-closedness.

2e.3. Relational dialectics become the foundation for both stronger relationships and conflict between individuals. Name three ways to manage relational tensions.

Listening is a critical component of human communication in general and specifically for interpersonal communication. It is through our thoughtful and gracious acts of listening that we come to know other people and learn. Listening is highlighted in a number of the resources in this course and Unit 2. To review the concept of listening and its practice, review resources in subunit 2.2: read Stand Up, Speak Out“Chapter 4: The Importance of Listening” or re-watch Dan Lok’s "5 Simple Ways to Become a Better Listener".

2f: List barriers to effective listening and strategies to improve critical listening.

2f.1. Reflect for a moment on the stages of the listening process and the components of the communication model.

A. Describe the four types of noise and how each can be a barrier to being a good listener.

B. How do personal bias and attention span affect our listening skills?

C. What are six strategies for improving critical listening?

It is a compliment to be called a good listener and a quality that everyone can benefit from in our personal and professional relationships. Based on how confident you are with your understanding of the process and barriers of effective listening, you may consider reviewing resources in subunits 2.2 and 2.3: Stand Up, Speak Out“Chapter 4: The Importance of Listening” and Dennis Rivers'Communication Skills for Personal and Professional Development: The Seven Challenges Approach.

Unit 2 Vocabulary List

communication climate

conflict

dyad

proximity

self-identity