INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION - Essay Example

Interpersonal Interaction One of the most common forms of communication that we experience frequently in our lives is the interpersonal communication. This kind of communication involves five Communication Principles. The beginning of effective communication has its beginning from self-awareness. The interaction of people makes it easier for one to learn several experiences which may allow them to develop their personal communication skills. This process keeps happening as people continue to reassess their lives.

The second principle is the ability of people to appreciate both verbal and non-verbal messages that are presented in the communication. Understanding these messages allows people to form relationship, develop those relationships and at some point, break relationships that they have formed. The chapter has addressed a way of initiating a relationship. There are relationships of circumstance and those of choice. (172) the former is characterized by individuals’ lives overlapping, which enhances contacts, while the later is defined by the relations made with friends or partners.

Both relationships are however not mutually exclusive. In the same page, the author reveals a number of issues that would define personal attraction particularly what is referred to as short term initial attraction and long-term maintenance attraction. Away from sexual and physical attraction, it is also noted that intellectual, spiritual and personality attraction plays a huge role in personal attraction. In their further arguments, the author identifies a few more things that they believe plays a very important role in defining interpersonal attraction.

Some of these issues that have been identified include; similarity. By this, it is noted that there are things that brings individuals together based on characteristics, attitudes, values as well as interests, which are common among them. Others that have also been noticed are physical attraction, sexual attraction, the proximity with which one is to another, the complementarity of others specifically people whose interests and activities differ but complement one another. The chapter looks in details, what one would say first and in what context does one say something.

In the process of saying things for the first time, one would certain ask questions. The chapter is quick in highlighting things that are believed to come out in questions and therefore provides some clue on how one can ask great questions. The author describes what he believes to mean a great question. Asking a great question is noted to mean tailoring the question to the person as much as possible then using what one has learnt and observed to formulate the question. The chapter provides a hint on how people can avoid self-absorption.

When people get themselves preoccupied with what is referred to as conversational narcissism, and then it portrays an outgrowth of their personality. The chapter addresses issues of self-disclosure and the communication ethics. In summation, the chapter has dwelt in lifetime skills and how people can be able to apply them in real life situation. The chapter has successfully and accurately captured the theme of interpersonal interaction. Work CitedCommunication Principles for a Lifetime, Books a La Carte Plus New Mycommlab.. New York: Pearson Education, Inc., 2012. Print.