Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is when people treat one another as unique individuals, regardless of context in which interaction takes place or number of people involved.
deminsions of relationships
context
where communication takes place
how you know the person
time
We measure the quality of the relationship often by the length of time we spent together and the length of time we CHOOSE to spend together.
Intimacy
physical
physical contact, hugging, kissing
Intellectual
closeness from Idea exchange
Emotional
When we share our feelings with one another
Spiritual
when we share connection beyond ourselves
Affinity
The degree to which we like or appreciate each other
Control
the degree to which parties have power to influence each other.
power distribution
complementary
one person has power and the other is more subordinate.
symmetrical
wo people share the power equally or they match each other
why do we form relationships?
appearence
similarity
we tend to like people who are like us
complementary
oppisites attract
reciprocal attraction
we are attracted to people who like us
competence
we like to be around talented people
disclosure
revealing things about yourself can help build liking
proximity
being near someone frequently often builds liking
rewards
we seek out people who can give us rewards that are greater than or equal to the costs we encounter in dealing with them
Functional Aspects of Interpersonal Communication
Instrumental goals
gaining compliance (getting someone to do something for us), getting information we need, or asking for support.
You ask your friend to help you move this weekend (gaining/resisting compliance).
Relational goals
striving to maintain a positive relationship.
routine relational tasks include celebrating special occasions or honoring accomplishments, spending time together, and checking in regularly by phone, e-mail, text, social media, or face-to-face communication
self-presentation goals
adapting our communication in order to be perceived in particular ways.
You say, “I don’t know,” in response to a professor’s question even though you have an idea of the answer (presenting yourself as aloof, or “too cool for school”).
Cultural Aspects of Interpersonal Communication
Relationship cultures
the climates established through interpersonal communication that are unique to the relational partners but based on larger cultural and social norms.
relationship schemata
We also enter into new relationships with expectations based on the schemata we have developed in previous relationships and learned from our larger society and culture.