The most noticeable definition of interpersonal communication is defined in the book as "the good of the relationship between and among a small number of people (two to four)" (120). Meaning, interpersonal communication is a conversation that requires both people to be active participants. The book explains that "[it's] not about "me" or "you"; it is about a co-constituted communicative benchmark or standard that calls both parties to accountability for something that defines interpersonal communication - the relationship" (120). It's imperative to be respectable and attentive when communicating with another person. We're not necessarily looking to further advance political agendas or careers, but maintain and nourish the relationship.
Two critical aspects of interpersonal communication are distance and interpersonal responsibility. Distance is defined as "the ontological home of a particular relationship that is nurtured and permitted to change naturally" (124). It takes time and commitment to build a lasting, formidable relationship. It is more difficult to maintain a relationship if distance is a problem. However, sometimes too close of distance can be damaging to a relationship as well. Interpersonal responsibility requires a good personality. We have to react to situations and take action that we feel is appropriate.
The importance of each participant contributing equally is crucial to holding an effective conversation. However, how does one know the exact demands and expectations of the other person? How does someone navigate a conversation with another person whom they don't know? There are a lot of things to consider and a lot of variables that need to be sorted out before you can have an effective conversation with another person. For example, in some countries it is disrespectful to look people in they eye, but in the U.S. eye contact is the respectable thing to do. Next, in the beginning of getting to know someone and their customs it is important to test the water by really observing what the other person finds respectful. Hence, when I first meet someone I tend to let them dictate the conversation until I get an idea of the type of narrative this person comes from. Additionally, once learning more about what people stand for and how they communicate, interpersonal communication becomes a more fluid conversation.
ReplyDeleteThe component of distance in interpersonal communication is an important variable to manage when creating an effective conversation. When meeting people online, often times there is difficulty in maintaining or creating a strong relationship. However, sometimes long distance can be a blessing in a relationship because then each individual has to become independent and grounded within their own narrative. A big component for long distance to work can really depend on the type of person someone is. Hence, someone's narrative or values can really be a deciding factor of whether or not long distance can work. A big question is could a long distance relationship work forever? or would the relationship via long distance start to fade? In the end, I think that it is important to consider your own narrative and observe other peoples narratives to decipher whether or not the relationship will or won't work.
Hello Daniel! Thank you for our posting. I agree with two key concpets that you mentioned. Distance and responsibility. For responsibility, both of I and partner in relationship should be aware that it is not simply built on, but we as communicators should make efforts to develop or improve it. For example, I and my boy friend had an argument because of our different ideas. If one try to fix the problem but not the other one, our relationship will never be further developed. Both of us should have a certain sense of responsibility to make us bond even stronger. The book says, "Interperosnal responsibility begins with each person's commitment to active care for the interperosnal relationship." In this sense, interpsoanl communication doesn't mean all dyad exchanges, but it comes true when we commit ourselves to improve each single relationship with peopel throughout interpersonal communication.
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