Lesson 2 Pragmatic Approach to Interpersonal Communication

The traditional approach to interpersonal relationships focuses on whether two people are “compatible.” This trait-like approach can be contrasted to the pragmatic approach, which focuses on what people “construct” between them through ongoing patters of interaction. Here’s a simple breakdown of what pragmatics means in interpersonal communication.

The word pragmatic means practical or applied.

In human interactions pragmatics focuses on how people jointly construct relationships through ongoing patterns of interactions and choices.

Pragmatists:

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•       Believe that the relationships you have with others are your communication with them.

•       Focuses on behavior (what people do), not what they think or intend.

•       Believe that relationships are patterns of behavior, not isolated incidents.

•       Decide on the meaning after the behavior takes place.

•       Use the social and physical context to help interpret meaning.

•       Ask “how” not “why” behaviors are done.

Through the pragmatic viewpoint, communication IS your relationship- it is the same thing. Relationships are constructed; it’s not (“are we compatible?”) but choices (actions) that make the difference. People can construct whatever relationships they want to through social interaction.

Question

If your communication is your relationship (if they are one and the same) them what does that suggest about the solution to dysfunctional relationships? Are relationships a matter of compatibility of fixed traits or of controllable behaviors? Explain your answer.

Lesson 1 Intro to Human Communication

Overview of Effective Communication

"Effective communication requires a solid understanding of the process by wich humans attempt to communicate. Communication models help us to visualize the process. Effective communication skills are valuable in all walks of life: at home, on the job and in the community. Intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication and public speaking each offer the potential for personal and professional growth, leading to increased levels of self-confidence, sensitivity to others, and self-satisfaction" (Chase & Shamo, 2009)

The Importance of Communication

GREAT COMMUNICATORS ARE THE CATALYST TO CHANGE!

As stated in the Introduction, we all communicate, but we all can communicate better. Every day you are going to encounter a variety of situations that must be interpreted and handled differently. The more you are able to an effective communicator, the more opportunities you will have to be successful. 

It is important to understand that communication is NOT just speaking. Effective communication encompasses speaking, listening, understanding and interpreting non-verbal skills, critical thinking, and much much more.


One definition of communication that I like is: "communication is the simultaneous sharing and creating of meaning through human symbolic interaction" (Seiler & Beall, 1999). As you can see, communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous (I am influencing you as you are influencing me). You could say that effective communication is a "journey and not a destination."


Remember, every opportunity has its roots in a relationship, and every relationship is built through effective communication? Communication is precisely the process of by which we conduct relationships, and if our communication is poor, our relationships will be poor.


Please answer one of the following questions:
1. How do you think your life will get better by being able to communicate better?
2. What does it mean to you that "communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous."?