Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication

This introductory look at interpersonal communication presents four principles that form the foundation for effective communication in everyday life. A brief look at the inescapable and irreversible aspects of communication is followed by a discussion of why communication can be so complex, and a summary of some of the ways attempts to communicate can be complicated. Five different contexts (psychological, relational, situational, environmental, and cultural) in which interpersonal interaction takes place are explained, and some examples of each type of context are included.

Topic: Communication; Interpersonal communication

URL: http://www.pstcc.edu/facstaff/dking/interpr.htm

Welcome to the Crisis Resource Center at the University of Houston!

The steps to effective interpersonal communication are broken down and explained on this web site, which offers a brief definition for each step. The discussed include: listening, self-disclosure, point of view, perceptual clarity, and effective verbal and nonverbal messages. Nonverbal communication is further broken down into kinesics, touch, physical space, and vocalics, or the vocal qualities which help a person communicate. Also included is a look at how environmental factors impact effective interpersonal communication.

Topic: Interpersonal communication; Listening; Nonverbal communication

URL: http://www.uh.edu/crc/intcomm.html

Leadership Communication

The focus of this communication tutorial is on improving leadership skills through effective interpersonal relationships. In addition to a description of the communication process, students will find a detailed list of factors which prevent effective communication. Ideas for improving listening skills are included, along with some traits displayed by active listeners. A look at the five main categories of feedback is followed by some tips for using nonverbal behaviors to improve interpersonal communication, and suggestions for becoming an effective speaker.

URL: http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcom.html

Revenge of the Introverts

This article from Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine analyzes communication methods preferred by introverts, specifically electronic mail and newsgroups. Brief definitions for both introverts and extroverts are provided, along with some typical professions for both personality types. A discussion of communication skills used by both introverts and extroverts in various settings is followed by a look at the the use of e-mail and newsgroups as a method of communication for many introverts, who feel more comfortable communicating through their computers.

URL: http://www.ibiblio.org/cmc/mag/1995/apr/livingood.html

Twelve Skills Summary

Conflict is a natural part of interacting with other people, and the ability to peacefully resolve a conflict is an important skill for effective communication. The Conflict Resolution Network offers twelve skills which make up the foundation of conflict resolution. Each of the twelve skills is accompanied by a detailed explanation and examples and ideas for implementing the skill. Some of the skills offer self-assessment questions or additional steps for skills such as mediation and negotiation.

URL: http://www.crnhq.org/twelveskills.html

Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication

This introductory look at interpersonal communication presents four principles that form the foundation for effective communication in everyday life. A brief look at the inescapable and irreversible aspects of communication is followed by a discussion of why communication can be so complex, and a summary of some of the ways attempts to communicate can be complicated. Five different contexts (psychological, relational, situational, environmental, and cultural) in which interpersonal interaction takes place are explained, and some examples of each type of context are included.

URL: http://www.pstcc.edu/facstaff/dking/interpr.htm

Verbal and nonverbal communication

When traveling to other countries, it's important for you to be aware of nonverbal communication cues so that you don't offend anyone. In Thailand, for example, it's considered rude to touch anyone on the head. Visit this site and learn about proxemics and kinesics, the studies of how people from different cultures communicate nonverbally. Examples noted in this site include facial expressions, eye gestures, use of personal space, use of time and speaking volume.

URL: http://www.artoftravel.com/02communication.htm

Introduction to Nonverbal Communicating

Visit this site and you will be able to define nonverbal communication, as well as identify different classes and functions of nonverbal communication. The site outlines eight different classes, such as culture and time; body movement and gestures; facial expressions and eye behavior; and clothing and personal artifacts. Nonverbal functions include clarifying or emphasizing, complementing by adding additional information and contradicting the verbal message. The site provides a complete list of references for you to expand your research.

URL: http://coral.lili.uni-bielefeld.de/Classes/Winter97/PhonMM/phonmm/node38.html

Cross Cultural Communication

The Northwest Regional Library classifies and compares verbal and nonverbal communication styles between African Americans and Anglo Americans. To illustrate, when African American are listening, they are expected to avert their eyes, indicating both respect and attention, but when Anglo Americans are listening, they are expected to look directly at the speaker, indicating both respect and attention. Likewise, when African Americans are speaking, they are expected to look listeners directly in the eye, whereas, when Anglo Americans are speaking, particularly in informal settings, they are expected to avert their eyes.

URL: http://www.maec.org/cross/

Non-verbal Communication: Cues, Signals and Symbols.

Gestures and body language communicate meaning just like words communicate meaning. People all over the world use their hands, bodies and heads to communicate daily; think about teachers, traffic police, and athletes and the gestures identified with each of them. Because gestures are different across cultures, if a gesture is confusing to you, it's important to ask a local person what that gesture means, especially since some gestures can indicate warning, or be informative, or just entertaining.

URL: http://www.tsbvi.edu/Education/vmi/nonverbal.htm

Frequently Asked Questions on Nonverbal Communication/Body Language

Did you know that not only what you say but also how you say it is important? Nonverbal communication, which includes everything except for the words you are speaking, is taking place whether you are aware of it or not. Visit this site to learn how you can use nonverbal communication to improve your speaking skills, so that people perceive you correctly and fully understand you. Remember, you are always sending out nonverbal communication cues.

URL: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Warfield6.html

Revenge of the Introverts

This article from Computer-Mediated Communication Magazine analyzes communication methods preferred by introverts, specifically electronic mail and newsgroups. Brief definitions for both introverts and extroverts are provided, along with some typical professions for both personality types. A discussion of communication skills used by both introverts and extroverts in various settings is followed by a look at the the use of e-mail and newsgroups as a method of communication for many introverts, who feel more comfortable communicating through their computers.

URL: http://www.ibiblio.org/cmc/mag/1995/apr/livingood.html

Manage Crisis Before It Strikes

Unfortunately, the media does not always report the news with complete accuracy. Because of this fact it is important for organizations not only to have a crisis action plan, but also have effective crisis communications. Forming relationships with the media assures that a crisis does not turn into a disaster. Real life examples of disasters are examined to demonstrate the importance of this form of communication. The examples demonstrate what organizations should do and what they should not do.

Topic: Business; Communication; Crisis management

URL: http://www.livingorganism.net/2006/04/06/manage-crisis-before-it-strikes/

Persuasion Analysis

Persuasion is at the core of rhetoric. Visit this site so you can better analyze persuasive text. The site first looks at modern advertising and the attempts it makes to target you. In persuasive advertising, the communicator attempts to intensify some information while downplaying other information. Analyzing political rhetoric is also examined. This is divided into three sections: ?Election Rhetoric?, ?Cause Group Rhetoric? and ?War Propaganda.? Visit each of these areas so that you are better able to analyze each type of rhetoric.

URL: http://webserve.govst.edu/users/ghrank/