Interpersonal communication and development: Interpersonal communication
We communicate with others individually, in groups, via the telephone, via electronic means, in writing, and in a variety of social, informal and formal situations. Concepts such as, values, culture, connotative meaning, private and shared meanings, non-verbal messages, body language, tone and volume of voice, personal and social space and touch all affect the meaning and interpretation of communication. In this topic we will examine all the above concepts in relation to interpersonal communication.
Meanings of communication
Learning Journal. Think of someone you know whose cultural background is different to yours. How does this difference influence your verbal and nonverbal communication?
Communication is a learned process influenced by several factors including the environment, the relationship between the sender and the receiver, the content of the message, and the context in which the message takes place. Other factors include one’s own attitude, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, family dynamics, other life experience, knowledge level, the ability to relate to others and one’s own perceptions.
Communication theory suggests that there are two roles in any interaction: the communicator (the person sending the message) and the receiver (the person receiving the message). For communication to be effective, the meaning of the message received should be the same as the meaning of the message sent.
Therapeutic communication and the establishment of therapeutic relationships in the mental health setting will be discussed in-depth in future units.
Reading
E-Reserve DeVito J., (2005) Essentials of Human Communication. Fifth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. USA. Chapter 1 pp. 2 – 27
This is an excellent chapter that covers many general aspects of communication, models and concepts, communication competence, principles of communication, culture and human communication and ethnic identity and ethnocentrism. The chapter is quite comprehensive and has a number of activities imbedded within it. I suggest you tackle each section at a time and complete the activities as you go.
E-Reserve Frisch N., and Frisch L. (1998) Psychiatric mental Health Nursing. Delmar Publishers. New York. Chapter 5 pp. 91 – 95
This reading is aimed at undergraduate nursing students. However I have included it here because the aspects and skills associated with many aspects of communication are discussed in an easy to read format. These skills are not restricted to the nursing students alone; the techniques discussed are applicable to all health care professionals.
Discussion Board
You are required to work through the activities included in the following reading: DeVito J., (2005) Essentials of Human Communication. Fifth Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. USA. Chapter 1 pp. 2 – 27
Completing the activities as you work through this reading will enhance your learning experience and understanding of the complexities of interpersonal communication.
Learning Journal. Take note of your communication pattern on a daily basis for a period of 3 to 4 days, divide the communications into those you use in your social and work life. Write down the techniques you employed in both situations. Are they effective? Were you able to apply the strategies outlined in your reading? What did you notice about other people’s communication techniques and abilities?