Relational Communication- A First Look

Relational Communication-
A First Look
Nonverbal Communication
Relational Communication
Relational communication defined
Subset of interpersonal communication
Focuses on message exchange in potentially close relationships
Five principles
Relationships emerge across ongoing interactions
Relationships contextualize messages
Comm. sends a variety of relational messages
Relational comm. is dynamic
Relational comm. follows linear and nonlinear patterns
Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships defined:
Mutual influence
Repeated interaction
Unique interaction patterns

Relationships in Our Lives
Evolution
Three core needs provided:
Affection
Inclusion
Control

Interpersonal Relationships
Six principles
Consists of V and NV messages
One cannot not communicate in face-to-face settings
Fulfill goals (self-presentation, relational, instrumental)
Comm. Varies in effectiveness
Content and relational info
Symmetrical or asymmetrical

Studying Relationships
Proxemics
"the study of communication through interpersonal space and distance"
Intimate
Personal
Social
Public
Territoriality
- the notion of occupying, claiming, and maintaining territory for yourself.
Kinesics
"the study of movement in nonverbal communication"
Facial Expressions
Gestures

Haptics
"communication through touch"
Functional/Professional Touch
Social/Polite Touch
Friendship/Warmth Touch
Love/Intimacy
Sexual Arousing

Chronemics
"the study of the way we structure and the meaning we attach to time"
Physical Appearance
Our appearance and how we look communicates a lot about ourselves and our feelings to others
Vocalics
communication that is vocal but does not use words
pitch, verbal fillers, volume, speed, silence, etc.
Artifacts
"personal objects we use to announce our identities and heritage and to personalize our environments"
environmental components
Fairly new field (1960's)
Elaine Hatfield
Why study relationships?