Competent Interpersonal Communication
Interacting with other people and the world is a daily occurrence for most. The interaction with others meets interpersonal needs, but how do we interact? We interact through communication. Hundreds of years ago, one could only communicate with another person if they were face to face; however, since the invention of papyrus and the printing press, the human race has progressed immensely. We now have advanced technologies that aid in communication such as email, voicemail, phone calls, live-chat (like Skype or ooVoo), and text messaging. Yet, does using technology cheapen communication; does it lose its effectiveness? Do people prefer face-to-face communication or has the advancement in technology replaced the need to communicate in person?
…show more content…
The purpose of this article was to examine how people view different “channels”, or modes, used to communicate with others in order to meet interpersonal needs. They performed two studies in which to examine peoples’ views. In the first study, participants were to pick the “channel” they used in communicating normal messages and then follow-up with ratings on effectiveness and appropriateness. In the second study, participants rated the effectiveness and appropriateness of six pre-determined modes of communication based on scenarios they were given. Throughout this article, there was a common theme that everyone has a basic human need that, in order to satisfy that need, requires communication (Rosengren, 1974). So in other words, in order to meet these needs, everyone must pick a mode in which to communicate. The authors of this article believe that communication is “goal directed” and motives influence the decision we make as to which mode we use to communicate (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp. 28). A researcher by the name of William Schutz believed that peoples’ basic motives to communicate are from our desire to feel included, feel affection, and in control (Schutz, 1966). In both studies performed in the research, it was found that people preferred the oral – or face-to-face – mode of communication (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp. 42). People viewed this mode of communication as being, “most effective and appropriate for both giving and receiving communication” (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp.
The purpose of this article was to examine how people view different “channels”, or modes, used to communicate with others in order to meet interpersonal needs. They performed two studies in which to examine peoples’ views. In the first study, participants were to pick the “channel” they used in communicating normal messages and then follow-up with ratings on effectiveness and appropriateness. In the second study, participants rated the effectiveness and appropriateness of six pre-determined modes of communication based on scenarios they were given. Throughout this article, there was a common theme that everyone has a basic human need that, in order to satisfy that need, requires communication (Rosengren, 1974). So in other words, in order to meet these needs, everyone must pick a mode in which to communicate. The authors of this article believe that communication is “goal directed” and motives influence the decision we make as to which mode we use to communicate (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp. 28). A researcher by the name of William Schutz believed that peoples’ basic motives to communicate are from our desire to feel included, feel affection, and in control (Schutz, 1966). In both studies performed in the research, it was found that people preferred the oral – or face-to-face – mode of communication (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp. 42). People viewed this mode of communication as being, “most effective and appropriate for both giving and receiving communication” (DiCioccio, Rubin, Westmyer, 1998, pp.