Chapter 1 Sample answers for in-book discussion questions

2. Why study interpersonal communication? How might you benefit?

Studying interpersonal communication has many advantages. We spend most of our waking hours communicating in some form with others, informally and formally. Effective communication skills and the ability to work with others are critical skills in the workplace. The Conference Board of Canada notes that communication skills such as relationship-building, team work, and problem-solving are valued by all employers. The ability to demonstrate effective communication skills is important for happy, healthy personal and professional relationships.

The benefits of understanding the key components of the interpersonal communication process provide us with the opportunity to stand out among our competitors for jobs by adapting our communication style to match the situation and monitor the perspectives of others with whom we are communicating. The way we communicate with others has a profound effect on what they think about us.

4. Give an example of each of the four communication misconceptions described in Chapter 1. How have these misconceptions affected you?

An example for each of the four communication misconceptions is as follows:

1. Not all communication seeks understanding. We often communicate superficially with others who we see every day or regularly. When I order a steeped tea from Tim Horton’s, I always ask the barista, “How are you, today?” She usually responds, “Great, thanks. How is yours?” As the textbook states, the primary goal in an everyday social exchange is mutual acknowledgement. It is polite to say hello to someone with whom you are interacting, just as it is expected that when you say “Hello” to someone, he or she responds back.
2. More communication is not always better. Saying too much, or “beating a topic to death” is often annoying and very unproductive. When my partner and I are disagreeing, one of us might say, “Okay, I’m done. There’s nothing more we can say here.” Often I (or he) will agree. However, a few minutes later, the disagreement starts up all over again! Sometimes we feel like we need to get the last word in. This is extremely unproductive and often we say things out of anger and regret what was said.
3. Communication will not solve all problems. Sometimes, even the best-planned, best-timed communication won’t solve a problem. Take for example, giving your honest opinion about your friend’s outfit, which you really do not like! I can recall a time when my partner told me that my outfit was “fine.” My perception of “fine” about the outfit was that it wasn’t that great! When I asked him to explain what he meant, it opened up a whole (unproductive) conversation.
4. Effective communication is not a natural ability. Some people just seem to know the right thing to say all the time, but not everyone has this skill. Even though I think that I am a good communicator, I remember the first time I met my partner. I felt awkward, didn’t know what to say or how to respond. Also, sometimes it is easier to “brush off” your feelings when communicating. There are times when I have been really bothered by a colleague at work, but never confronted her about my concern.

5. Is it important to consider interpersonal communication in the context of cultural diversity? Why or why not?

It is very important to consider interpersonal communication in the context of cultural diversity. Canada is a multicultural country that places strong emphasis on diversity. It is rare that we will interact with only individuals with similar ethnic backgrounds, personally or professionally. Having mindfulness and understanding of others’ cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values provides us with the opportunity to withhold judgment of others and adapt our perceptions and expectations about others based on cultural differences. Not attending to cultural diversity often leads to stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.