Common Threads in Communication Common Threads in Communication TheoriesTheoriesTara Wilkinson-McCleanTara Wilkinson-McCleanMedia & Communication LecturerMedia & Communication Lecturer

10 Reoccurring 10 Reoccurring PrinciplesPrinciples

MotivationMotivationSelf-ImageSelf-ImageCredibilityCredibilityExpectationExpectationAudience AdaptationAudience AdaptationSocial ConstructionSocial ConstructionShared MeaningShared MeaningNarrativeNarrativeConflictConflictDialogueDialogue

3 Principles of Thread3 Principles of Thread

It must span 2 different traditions

It must apply to at least 2

communication contexts

It must be a significant

feature in at least 5

different theories

# 1 - Motivation# 1 - MotivationCommunication is motivated by our basic social need for affiliation, achievement, and control as well as our strong desire to reduce our uncertainty and anxiety.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseIf we are driven by these forces, are we incredibly selfish and do we have any responsibility or free will?

# 2 - Self Image# 2 - Self ImageCommunication affects and is affected by our sense of identity, which is strongly shaped within the context of our culture.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseHumans naturally commit a fundamental attribution error by being less stringent on themselves and more judgmental of others

# 3 - Credibility# 3 - CredibilityOur verbal and nonverbal messages are validated or discounted by others’ perception of our competence and character.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseCredibility may cause us to loose sight of the intrinsic value of what’s being said.

# 4 - Expectation# 4 - ExpectationWhat we expect to hear or see will affect our perception, interpretation, and response during an interaction.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseExpectations are projections of those perceptions into the future we anticipate a repeat performance.

# 5 - Audience # 5 - Audience AdaptationAdaptationBy mindfully creating a person-centered message specific to the situation, we increase the possibility of achieving our communication goals.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseToo much adaptation may mean we lose the authenticity of our message or the integrity of our own beliefs.

# 6 - Social # 6 - Social ConstructionConstructionPersons-in-conversation co-construct their own social realities and are simultaneously shaped by the worlds they create.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseIs there a foundational reality that language can describe, however poorly?

Are you willing to give up the notion of a Truth you can count on for a linguistically created social reality that has no existence apart from how it’s talked about?

# 7 - Shared Meaning# 7 - Shared MeaningOur communication is successful to the extent that we share a common interpretation of the signs we use.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseShared interpretation is an accomplishment of the audience rather than the clarity of the message.

# 8 - Narrative# 8 - NarrativeWe respond favorably to stories and dramatic imagery with which we can identify.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseThere are bad stories that can effectively lead people astray or destroy others.

# 9 - Conflict# 9 - ConflictUnjust communication stifles needed conflict; healthy communication can make conflict productive.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseCultural considerations must be made. In societies where giving face to others is the cultural norm, straight talk creates great embarrassment.

# 10 - Dialogue# 10 - DialogueDialogue is transparent conversation that often creates unanticipated relational outcomes due to parties’ profound respect for disparate voices.

Cause for PauseCause for PauseDialogue is hard to describe and even more difficult to achieve.