Civil Communication and Interpersonal Relationships
Almost every second of every day in our lives revolves around relationships. Understanding the different types of communication and how to communicate effectively in our interpersonal relationships with others are very important parts of everyday life. The relationships we have with our friends and family shape how we think and act; therefore, in order to get the most out of these relationships, we must learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently. Communication plays an integral part in our everyday lives; we’re constantly communicating with those around us, even when we don’t realize it. In turn, we’re forming new relationships with people around us all the time. Because forming …show more content…
A relationship can be defined as any voluntary commitment that is constantly in process. It is marked by continuing, significant interdependence between specific individuals (Lane 113). The relationships we form can either be personal or impersonal, depending on what role the other person plays in our lives. Regardless of the type of relationship, we must know how to communicate effectively with others in order to keep the relationship healthy and civil. Even in impersonal relationships, we must learn how to communicate in a way that gets our point across without being hostile and causing tension between both parties. When there is tension and hostility between parties in any relationship, communication is affected, and messages may not be delivered properly, leading to miscommunication and conflict between those involved. Take for example John has an internship with new company. He would like to impress these people in order to get a job after he graduates. John needs to communicate with these people in a new internship in a healthy and civil manner so he leaves a good impression. By having civil and clear communication the likelihood of John receiving a job after he graduates increases. By learning how to civilly communicate with others, we are able to better ourselves to become better students, workers, and relationship …show more content…
However, metacommunication can be an effective tool to help improve our communication skills in order to prevent the rise of conflicts in future relationships. Metacommunication is defined as “communication about communication” or “communication about relationships” (Lane 125). Metacommunication is a form of civil communication because it is based on restraint, respect, and responsibility (Lane 125). When using metacommunication, we show respect by asking our conversation partners about the meaning of their messages and demonstrate responsibility by acknowledging that our interpretations may be incorrect (Lane 126). For example, John was given a memo by his employer that was supposed to only be for full time employees. The memo said “URGENT WORK: NEED BY THE END OF THE DAY!” John received this email by mistake and began to do the work in the memo during the beginning of the day. By the end of the day John went to his employer and gave him the paperwork needed. His employer, although thankful, stated that John was sent that memo by mistake. Using metacommunication John and his employer were able to clarify what was needed to get done. By using metacommunication, we are able to fix and adjust our communication skills in order to help us become more effective communicators and develop more successful and healthy
Almost every second of every day in our lives revolves around relationships. Understanding the different types of communication and how to communicate effectively in our interpersonal relationships with others are very important parts of everyday life. The relationships we have with our friends and family shape how we think and act; therefore, in order to get the most out of these relationships, we must learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently. Communication plays an integral part in our everyday lives; we’re constantly communicating with those around us, even when we don’t realize it. In turn, we’re forming new relationships with people around us all the time. Because forming …show more content…
A relationship can be defined as any voluntary commitment that is constantly in process. It is marked by continuing, significant interdependence between specific individuals (Lane 113). The relationships we form can either be personal or impersonal, depending on what role the other person plays in our lives. Regardless of the type of relationship, we must know how to communicate effectively with others in order to keep the relationship healthy and civil. Even in impersonal relationships, we must learn how to communicate in a way that gets our point across without being hostile and causing tension between both parties. When there is tension and hostility between parties in any relationship, communication is affected, and messages may not be delivered properly, leading to miscommunication and conflict between those involved. Take for example John has an internship with new company. He would like to impress these people in order to get a job after he graduates. John needs to communicate with these people in a new internship in a healthy and civil manner so he leaves a good impression. By having civil and clear communication the likelihood of John receiving a job after he graduates increases. By learning how to civilly communicate with others, we are able to better ourselves to become better students, workers, and relationship …show more content…
However, metacommunication can be an effective tool to help improve our communication skills in order to prevent the rise of conflicts in future relationships. Metacommunication is defined as “communication about communication” or “communication about relationships” (Lane 125). Metacommunication is a form of civil communication because it is based on restraint, respect, and responsibility (Lane 125). When using metacommunication, we show respect by asking our conversation partners about the meaning of their messages and demonstrate responsibility by acknowledging that our interpretations may be incorrect (Lane 126). For example, John was given a memo by his employer that was supposed to only be for full time employees. The memo said “URGENT WORK: NEED BY THE END OF THE DAY!” John received this email by mistake and began to do the work in the memo during the beginning of the day. By the end of the day John went to his employer and gave him the paperwork needed. His employer, although thankful, stated that John was sent that memo by mistake. Using metacommunication John and his employer were able to clarify what was needed to get done. By using metacommunication, we are able to fix and adjust our communication skills in order to help us become more effective communicators and develop more successful and healthy