1.1 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to
- Articulate communication principles and how they make you a more effective communicator
- Explain how communication models help address communication challenges
- Explain how the influence of others, past experiences, and cultural background shape a person’s communication skills
- Explain what an effective communicator looks like in various settings, including workplace and intercultural contexts
- Describe the importance of cultural diversity in communication
Chapter Overview
Communication is an integral and ongoing part of everyday life. As such, knowledge of communication and an understanding of how it develops and evolves throughout the lifespan is necessary, both for those studying communication and for all other professionals as well. This chapter endeavors to provide you with the basic knowledge and theoretical foundations needed to continue your learning about the subject throughout this book. The discussion will focus on communication principles, theories, models, types of communication, and what makes a competent communicator. This chapter, and book, will provide opportunities for you to gain knowledge, practice using that knowledge, and develop the ability to adapt your communication across a wide range of interpersonal interactions.
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been reproduced or adapted from the following resource:
University of Minnesota. (2016). Communication in the real world: An introduction to communication studies. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except where otherwise noted.
