Increasing Relational Skills

Relationships are built through communication, and when communication goes awry, relationships fail. Thus, it is important to become aware of our own communication styles and to build relational skills. A first step in becoming better at interpersonal communication is to understand basic interpersonal processes. By knowing how relationships develop and by realizing some of the problems that can plague relational dyads, you will be better able to diagnose your own interactions. A second step is to observe your own behaviors as well as those of your partners. Because we are so involved in communication, our own communication behaviors are often hard for us to see. If you can develop the objectivity necessary to analyse your inter­actions, you will be well on your way to becoming a more effective communica­tor. A third step is to practice new behaviors. Many behaviors can increase our competence as communicators; two of the most important interpersonal skills are the ability to self-disclose appropriately and the ability to give effective feed­back.

II. DISCUSSION

Task 1. Discuss the following questions.

1. Speak on the definition and the main characteristics of interpersonal communication.

2. At what point does impersonal communication turn into interpersonal?

3. Analyze the main rules that govern this kind of communication.

4. What are the main reasons people enter interpersonal communication.

5. Dwell on 3 major sets of tensions individuals face in relationships.

6. What are the ways to resolve tensions?

7. What are relational cultures and relational definitions?

8. What patterns of power distribution do couples face?

9. Describe the ways communicators can disconfirm one another.

10. How do paradoxes affect communication?

11. Provide examples of progressive and regressive spirals.

12. Dwell on the main relational development stages.

13. How can partners check each other’s involvement?

14. What is bonding?

15. How are boundaries of the relationships expanded?

16. What are the stages of relational dissolution?

17. What are the phases of dealing with dissolving relationship? What phases have you ever been confronted with? How did you handle them?

18. Dwell on the filtering theory of Duck and the process people enter and move on in relationships.