Interpersonal Communication is at the centre of human relationships. It is therefore a course of study that as humans, we cannot do without. In this text, the author has x-rayed what the course is all about within the purview of Mass Media and Communication Studies. There are nine chapters in all. The first chapter starts with the definition and overview of Interpersonal Communication. It describes how Interpersonal Communication is a means of shared meaning, as interpersonal relationship and as a means of transaction. It looks at the importance of nonverbal communication in the context of Interpersonal Communication. Chapter two specifies different types of Interpersonal Communication including Dyad, Micro-group, Macro-group and mediated; the principles guiding Interpersonal Communication and its relationship with extra-personal communication. It also situates the communication contexts of ATMs, POS and such like.
The third chapter explores the characteristics of Interpersonal Communication, the elements of Interpersonal Communication such as people, messages, channels, effects and feedback. It goes further to present the different Interpersonal Communication contexts including physical, psychological, social, cultural, and temporal. In the fourth chapter, the functions of Interpersonal Communication such as influence, social, psychological, and information are specified. What to do to enhance Interpersonal Communication skills, including the ten tips for good Interpersonal Communication and the Axioms of Interpersonal Communication are found in this chapter.
Table of Contents
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
Objectives and Key Themes
This textbook aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of interpersonal communication within the context of mass media and communication studies. It explores the nature of interpersonal communication, its various forms and contexts, relevant theories, and its impact on attitudinal and behavioral change. The book also emphasizes the development of effective interpersonal communication skills.
- Definition and nature of interpersonal communication
- Types and contexts of interpersonal communication
- Theories and principles of interpersonal communication
- Interpersonal communication and behavioral change
- Self-disclosure and listening skills
Chapter Summaries
Chapter One: This chapter introduces interpersonal communication, defining it as a means of shared meaning, relationship building, and transaction. It highlights the importance of nonverbal communication within interpersonal interactions, laying the groundwork for subsequent chapters that delve deeper into specific types, contexts, and theories.
Chapter Two: This chapter details various types of interpersonal communication, differentiating between dyadic, micro-group, macro-group, and mediated communication. It outlines guiding principles and explores the relationship between interpersonal communication and extra-personal communication, providing examples such as ATM and POS interactions to illustrate mediated communication.
Chapter Three: This chapter focuses on the characteristics and elements of interpersonal communication, examining components like people, messages, channels, effects, and feedback. It also explores various communication contexts, including physical, psychological, social, cultural, and temporal factors, demonstrating how these elements interact to shape communication dynamics.
Chapter Four: This chapter specifies the functions of interpersonal communication, including influence, social, psychological, and informational roles. It presents practical strategies for enhancing interpersonal communication skills, offering ten tips for effective communication and outlining key axioms of interpersonal communication, providing a practical guide for improved interaction.
Chapter Five: Chapter five differentiates interpersonal communication from other forms, such as impersonal, intrapersonal, group, and mass communication. This chapter clarifies the distinctions between these types, highlighting the unique characteristics of interpersonal communication and its boundaries within the broader spectrum of communication processes.
Chapter Six: This chapter delves into group dynamics, exploring different group types, reasons for group formation, group characteristics, structure, norms, power dynamics, and leadership styles. It provides a framework for understanding the complexities of communication within group settings and how these factors impact communication effectiveness.
Chapter Seven: This chapter examines theories directly relevant to interpersonal communication, including interpersonal needs theories, individual differences theories, and attitude change theories. It applies these theoretical frameworks to real-world interpersonal communication situations, enhancing the reader's understanding of underlying mechanisms and predicting outcomes.
Chapter Eight: This chapter explores the connection between interpersonal communication and attitudinal and behavioral change. It examines the philosophy of humanism and highlights relevant theories, such as cognitive dissonance, social learning, and social cognitive theories, illustrating their influence on individual and group interactions.
Chapter Nine: This chapter focuses on self-disclosure, examining its components (attitudes, beliefs, and values), dimensions, characteristics, and guidelines. It introduces the Johari Window model and analyzes listening skills and common faulty listening behaviors, providing practical advice for improving communication through self-awareness and effective listening.
Keywords
Interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, communication contexts, communication theories, group dynamics, self-disclosure, listening skills, attitudinal and behavioral change, mediated communication.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal Communication
What is the overall scope of this textbook?
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of interpersonal communication within the context of mass media and communication studies. It covers definitions, types, theories, and the impact of interpersonal communication on attitudes and behaviors. The text also emphasizes practical skill development in interpersonal communication.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of interpersonal communication. These include foundational concepts, different types and contexts of communication, relevant theories, group dynamics, self-disclosure, listening skills, and the relationship between communication and behavioral change.
What are the key objectives and themes of this book?
The main objective is to provide a thorough understanding of interpersonal communication. Key themes explore the nature of interpersonal communication, its various forms and contexts, relevant theories, and its impact on attitudinal and behavioral change. A significant emphasis is placed on developing effective communication skills.
What are the key themes explored in each chapter?
Chapter One: Introduces interpersonal communication, defining it and highlighting the importance of nonverbal communication. Chapter Two: Details various types of interpersonal communication (dyadic, micro-group, macro-group, mediated). Chapter Three: Focuses on the characteristics and elements of interpersonal communication (people, messages, channels, effects, feedback). Chapter Four: Specifies the functions of interpersonal communication and offers strategies for improvement. Chapter Five: Differentiates interpersonal communication from other forms of communication. Chapter Six: Explores group dynamics and communication within group settings. Chapter Seven: Examines relevant communication theories. Chapter Eight: Explores the connection between interpersonal communication and attitudinal and behavioral change. Chapter Nine: Focuses on self-disclosure and listening skills.
What are some key theories discussed in the textbook?
The textbook explores several key theories, including interpersonal needs theories, individual differences theories, attitude change theories, cognitive dissonance theory, social learning theory, and social cognitive theories. These theories are applied to real-world communication situations.
What practical skills are emphasized in the book?
The book emphasizes the development of practical communication skills, including effective listening, self-disclosure, and strategies for improving interactions in various contexts. Ten tips for effective communication are provided.
What are the key distinctions between different types of communication covered in the book?
The book differentiates between interpersonal, impersonal, intrapersonal, group, and mass communication, highlighting the unique characteristics of interpersonal communication and its boundaries within the broader spectrum of communication processes.
What is the role of self-disclosure and listening skills in the book?
The book dedicates significant attention to self-disclosure, exploring its components, dimensions, and characteristics. It also analyzes listening skills, identifying common faulty listening behaviors and providing practical advice for improvement.
What are the key terms and concepts used in the textbook?
Key terms include interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, communication contexts, communication theories, group dynamics, self-disclosure, listening skills, attitudinal and behavioral change, and mediated communication.
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- Anthony Uche (Author), 2018, Interpersonal Communication for Tertiary Institutions, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1130380
