Studies in Interpersonal Communication - Essay Example

Journal Significance of listening in interpersonal communication One major specific need that has been identified throughout the readings is the significance of listening with regard to interpersonal communication. Essentially, interpersonal communication mainly involves face to face communication between two or more individuals. Mutual understanding can be achieved if there is willingness among the parties involved to listen to each other and this can also help to solve other people’s problems.

Burley-Allen (nd, P. 183) states that “empathetic listening may solve the problem of other people.” The speaker has intended goals and they can be achieved if the targeted audiences are willing to listen to what they are saying. The same applies to preaching in different denominations. In order for the sermon to be effective, the congregants should show a desire to listen to what the preacher is saying. It can be observed that those who listen well are likely to gain more information from the people speaking at a particular period.

Basically, communication is primarily concerned with creating meaning from the messages passed from the sender to receiver and this is possible if the parties involved are willing to listen to each other. The other important aspect about listening is that it creates mutual benefits to the parties involved in the communication process. It is suggested that listening to feedback from others helps us to understand what is being said and correct any misunderstanding that may arise (Burley-Allen , 169).

Journal 2: Deception as possible contradiction in interpersonal communicationIn interpersonal communication, deception is very common. “Deception can vary from blatant lies to indirect actions such as exaggerations and false implications” (Hopper & Bell, 1984 as cited in Stewart, Zediker. & Witteborn, ND, p. 330). It can be noted that deception can be either intentional or unintentional. However, the controversy about deception is that some people believe that some motives of deception are positive while others are of the view that it “is always damaging to the relationship (Stewart, Zediker.

& Witteborn, ND, p. 329). There are various implications of deception on interpersonal communication. People often use deception for personal gain and some individuals often view it as honest lying. In order to gain something, people choose to deceive others so that they can gain the special favour. However, even this action can be good to the other party, it is viewed as damaging to the other party. This brings out the controversy where there is lack of general agreement about deception for it being good or bad.

Personal reflectionThe interactive journaling has provided certain insights about various elements of interpersonal communication that are required in order to control behaviour. First and foremost, it can be observed that listening is effective in interpersonal communication since it helps create quality relational benefits between the parties involved in the communication process. Secondly, it is important to understand that some components of non verbal communication are culture based and they may be contradictory depending on the situation and context in which they are used.

References Stewart, J., Zediker, K.E. & Witteborn, S (ND). “Deception, Betrayal and Aggression.”