Interpersonal Communication, Self-concept, and Perception
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Interpersonal Communication, Self-concept, and Perception
Interaction involves exchanging information, emotions, and meaning through non-verbal or verbal messages. The tone of voice, gestures, words, and body language entail communication. Interpersonal communication can occur in a face-to-face context as well as through social media platforms (Wood, 2016). Interaction plays a vital role in our day-to-day encounters. For instance, in the work environment, the workforce negotiates with clients through interpersonal communication. Thus, every social course presumes a communication process. Engaging with other people, either consciously or unconsciously, involves contact (Wood, 2016). While self-concept and perception greatly influence the manner of interaction, understanding that intercommunication is unavoidable, irreversible, and involves ethical choices encourages effectiveness in communication.
Interpersonal communication is unavoidable. This principle implies that, whether we choose to engage in a conversation or keep silent, we are still communicating. However, this principle is dependent on the cultural setting as different reactions to a conversation have different meanings in diverse cultures. For example, western culture may regard silence as a sign of lack of interest, anger, or lack of comprehension. In contrast, quiet in Eastern culture signifies respect or thought processing (Wood, 2016). Communication is unavoidably continuous regardless of our intention to interact or the perception of our conversation by others (Wood, 2016). Our action during the process of interaction serves as a means of communication in different cultures. Understanding how diverse cultures interpret verbal or non-verbal communication is crucial to productive intercommunication.
Interpersonal communication is irreversible. It is crucial to consider the contents of one’s words and the tone before conveying the actual message, for it is impossible to reverse a delivered meaning. Negativity in utterances results in conflicts and consequently ruins excellent relationships (Wood, 2016). For instance, morally flawed conversations on social media platforms are hard to undo. Deleting the immoral post or shutting down the social platform account brings no remedy. The effect inevitably remains no matter the measures taken to redeem the undesirable situation (Wood, 2016). Whenever we engage in any form of interaction, it is crucial to acknowledge that communication is irredeemable and permanently becomes a part of a relationship; thus, vigilance is essential in every interaction.
Person-to-Person communication involves ethical choices. Ethics concerns itself with codes of conduct and moral principles; it entails what is wrong and what is right. In its nature, interpersonal communication is irreversible and has ethical implications on others. It affects how people perceive others, how they feel and behave, and their thoughts on other people (Wood, 2016). Always, moral choices influence our decisions ranging from how to respond to a provoking message to giving negative feedback to other persons (Wood, 2016). Ethical concerns determine our way of interacting with others in our daily contact. Every stage of communication should strictly observe moral norms to avoid offending others during interactions, thus maintaining healthy relations.
Perception involves selecting, organizing, interpreting, and conscious representation of the amassed sensory information. Preconceived thinking and understanding significantly affect how a person acts, thinks, speaks, and ultimately how they interact with other people (Lane, 2016). The relationship between perceiving and interpersonal communication is reciprocal. Communication motivates perception while, on the other hand, opinion influences interaction. The interpretation of others influences interpersonal communication (Lane, 2016). Diverse attitudes determine how we interact with people whenever we make contact. The impression we have on an idea, person, or something will ultimately influence our views during interpersonal interactions.
Self-concept determines the effectiveness of the intercommunication process. The perceptions we attribute to ourselves generate our self-perception. Thus, self-concept entails how we feel and think about ourselves. Introspection has a direct influence on how individuals communicate with other people (k. Gamble & M .Gamble, 2014). A negative self-image inhibits effective interpersonal communication because of low-self esteem, which influences biased and negative utterances. While on the other hand, individuals with a positive self-reflection engage in conversations that exhibit a positive attitude (k. Gamble & M .Gamble, 2014). Self-concept dramatically affects our opinion, behavior, attitude, and preferences, which can be evident whenever we communicate with other people.
Conclusion
Interpersonal communication entails understanding the meaning of other people’s words and trying to interpret their demeanor. The communication process is permanent, and care is crucial during a conversation. Moral values should guide our communication to avoid offensive interactions. Understanding how diverse cultures interpret different actions during a discussion is essential when communicating with someone from a different society. Perception influences our ultimate interpretation of the gathered information and determines how we interact with other persons. The opinions we attribute to ourselves, determine how well we interact with people, or how difficult we make our relationship to be with ourselves or with others. Comprehending the nature of interpersonal communication makes our interactions to be effective.
References
Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2014). Interpersonal communication: Building connections Together. Los Angeles, LA, Calif: Sage.
Lane, S. D. (2016). Interpersonal communication: Competence and contexts. (2nd ed.). Milton Park: Routledge/Taylor & Francis.
Wood, J. T. (2016).Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters. (8th ed.) .Boston, MA: Cengage learning