Interpersonal Communication Paper

Core Assessment Portfolio

Scottie Pennington

In fulfillment of course requirements for

Park University

CA104 Interpersonal Communication

Spring II Term 2012

Interpersonal Communication Report

SCOTTIE PENNINGTON

05/05/2012

Interpersonal Communication Report Outline

I. Interpersonal communication can be defined a number of ways, but it is usually described as communication between or among connected persons or those in a close relationship. I have really been able to examine my own interpersonal communication, between and among the people I am connected to or have close relationship with, over that last few weeks. Prior to this course, I felt my interpersonal communication skills were above average and very effective. However, I have discovered there are many ways I can improve my interpersonal communications and relationships with others. Through the exercises conducted during this course I have realized that I need to work on my effective listening, perception of others and how my nonverbal cues can cause barriers to interpersonal communication. I will describe the barriers I have created and how I have resolved them over the past few weeks. Understanding my own shortcomings in communication, and attempting to resolve them, has helped me improve my current and future relationships with other.

II. Main Points

A. Fundamental Elements of Communication

1. The fundamental elements of communication can sometimes be taken for granted, but they are more important to effective interpersonal communication than people realize.

2. I look at what fundamentals I have taken for granted and the effect that has had on my interpersonal communication.

B. Self-Concept

1. Your self-image, and the view you have of who you are play an integral role in how effective your interpersonal communication will be.

2. I examine how I came to have my concept of self and the sources that helped to develop it.

C. Perception

1. Becoming aware of people through your senses and experiences is what builds your perception of who they are and what you think of them.

2. My perceptions of others have not always been accurate. I need to check my perceptions to avoid inaccurate conclusions.

D. Effective Listening

1. Listening is receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluating and responding to messages from another speaker.

2. I use this five stage process to listening to help me improve my interpersonal communication skills.

E. Language Barriers

1. Even speaking the same language can cause communication to be difficult because speakers may have a different meaning for the same word depending their experiences.

2. My experience with language difficulties are from communicating with family members who do not speak the same language as I do. We are still able to communicate though nonverbal behaviors.

F. Nonverbal Cues

1. A person communicates nonverbally when they make gestures or facial expressions. Nonverbal communication is unlike verbal communication in that it is universal throughout the world.

2. Nonverbal communication plays a key role in my relationship with my non-English speaking in-laws. However, not everything can be communicated through nonverbal functions.

G. Maintaining Healthy Interpersonal Relationships

1. There are many strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship, but some are harder to implement than others.

2. I discuss the strategies I learned in this course and how the have affected my relationship.

H. Resolving Conflict

1. There will always be disagreements between connected individuals, but it is how the disagreement is resolved that determines whether or not a relationship continues.

2. Some of the strategies mentioned in this course have helped me resolve conflicts with my wife, family members and co-workers.

III. I have mentioned many aspects to interpersonal communication and how it affects my life on a daily basis. I believe the skills I have acquired during this