Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication is communication with one other person. Most often, this can take the form of the Friendship Cycle.
The Friendship Cycle
Your friends are a big deal. They influence who are you, how you spend your time, your views on important issues, and your values. Even if you have a strong sense of intrapersonal self-concept, the people that surround you help you define who you are. So how do people move from strangers to best friends? The Friendship Cycle is one way researchers have "defined" friendship. Does it seem familiar?
(1) First meeting
Let me guess--you agreed with everything until the last part, that you can only have 0-3 best friends at one time. Let's put this way: if a best friend is someone you have known a long time, has seen you at your best and worst, and has supported you
(1) First meeting
- Affected by two things: physical appearance and previous knowledge (reputations)
- Things to do: share names and small talk
- Things not to do: share personal information and argue
- Not quite strangers, but not quite friends
- Pleasant conversations, but don’t spend time together outside of work/school
- Talk more often and for long periods of time
- Discuss personal information
- Have special communication such as Inside jokes or slang terms, finishing each other’s sentences, and understand each other’s non-verbals
- Spend a lot of time together alone over a long period of time
- Through time go through fights, hard times, and rough patches
- Special relationship where you can predict each other’s reactions, and do nice things for each other
- Stand up for each other
- People typically have 0-3 best friends at one time
Let me guess--you agreed with everything until the last part, that you can only have 0-3 best friends at one time. Let's put this way: if a best friend is someone you have known a long time, has seen you at your best and worst, and has supported you
Comic Strip Activity
During interpersonal communication, we discuss the friendship cycle. Using what you know, develop a 6 pane comic-strip that explores one interpersonal relationship from the beginning (first meeting) to middle (aquaintances, friends, and best friends) to whatever the end will be. Use the website below, or a piece of paper to create your comic strip.
Remember that each comic strip pane needs:
An Online Resource
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/
Use this for simple comic strip design.
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/
This one has more options and can get more complex, but it has better selections and details.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Each slide becomes one frame. See Ms. Panther to print the slides like a comic strip
Computer Paper
Think you have what it takes to be a comic book writer and illustrator? See the front table for the supplies you will need.
Remember that each comic strip pane needs:
- 2 people That's interpersonal communication!
- 2 or more pieces of dialogue or thought Show me you know how people in that stage interact with each other
- a label Show me your knowledge of the four stages and how they can shift
- an explanation The story will help fill in details about your knowledge of the stages and how they look in real life
An Online Resource
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/
Use this for simple comic strip design.
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/
This one has more options and can get more complex, but it has better selections and details.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Each slide becomes one frame. See Ms. Panther to print the slides like a comic strip
Computer Paper
Think you have what it takes to be a comic book writer and illustrator? See the front table for the supplies you will need.
interpersonal_communication_story.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Start with the link (above) to see the rubric, a print version of the directions, and reassessment information.
interpersonal_notes.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
comic_strip_website_directions.notebook | |
File Size: | 525 kb |
File Type: | notebook |
comic_strip_examples.pdf | |
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File Type: |
The Characteristics of Friendship
Honesty: Telling the truth when you are asked to
Friendships simply cannot develop if one friends don't have the same definition of honesty. For example, My version of honesty is to be blunt. "Do I look fat in this?" "Yes." Another person's version of honesty is to only tell the truth when he has to "Do I look fat in this?" "I think you look fine." "Really?" "What about that other dress?" But some people want their friends to be dishonest. "Do I look fat in this?" "No!"
Loyalty: Being someone's friend to their face and behind their back
If you call someone your friend while you are talking to them, then you need to be their friend when they aren't there, too. Does someone say something mean about them? You speak up. Does someone not invite them to a party? You offer to stay home with them that night. Do they say something hurtful? You tell them it upset you, but you stay their friend if they appologize.
Sense of Humor: Laughing at similar things and developing inside jokes
What did the duck say to the waiter when his meal came? Put it on my bill! If you laughed at that joke, we'd probably get along! If you laugh when old ladies fall down, we probably will not get along. To have fun with a friend, it's important to have the same sense of humor. It helps you have more things in common (you like the same movies, enjoy the same people) and you're more likely to develop inside jokes.
Support: Sticking by a friend even if you do not agree with their decisions
If you support a friend, it means you stay their friends even if you don't always agree on everything. When my friend decided to quit her job and become an artist, I stayed her friend--even when she was so broke she had to live on my couch for a few weeks! Even if your friend makes a poor choice, you can still love them and still be friends with them. You also put them first by cheering them on at their basketball game, going to visit their grandmother with them, and even let them practice their boring speeches for you!
Warmth: How you make a person feel
Some people do not care to be friends with me because I'm too happy in the mornings. I come to school smiling, laughing, and ready to start the day. I like to hug people hello and I give out compliments. I give out a lot of warmth! I don't like being friends with some people because they do not have a lot of warmth. They like to be more sarcastic and have friendships based on pranking or teasing each other. Neither of these personalities is wrong, it just has to be what you want or need from your friend. Can your friend cheer you up when you're sad? Can your friend share your misery when you need to mope and complain? Your sense of warmth needs to match to get along!
Ability to Keep Secrets: Unless a person is a risk to themselves or to others, you do not share their secrets, opinions, or thoughts without permission
Nothing ruins a friendship faster than finding out that someone spilled your sercrets! It takes a lot to trust someone, and it can be scary and uncomfortable to tell someone private thoughts. If someone is vulnerable enough to share secrets with you, it's your job to keep it private. Don't tell the whole bus who he or she has a crush on! Don't tell their parents that he doesn't like his mom's cooking! Unless he or she tells you something that makes them a danger (i.e. they want to hurt themselves, they want to hurt others), keep it safe. You also can't become best friends if someone never trusts you enough to share secrets with you. You have to open up with someone to become close!
Friendships simply cannot develop if one friends don't have the same definition of honesty. For example, My version of honesty is to be blunt. "Do I look fat in this?" "Yes." Another person's version of honesty is to only tell the truth when he has to "Do I look fat in this?" "I think you look fine." "Really?" "What about that other dress?" But some people want their friends to be dishonest. "Do I look fat in this?" "No!"
Loyalty: Being someone's friend to their face and behind their back
If you call someone your friend while you are talking to them, then you need to be their friend when they aren't there, too. Does someone say something mean about them? You speak up. Does someone not invite them to a party? You offer to stay home with them that night. Do they say something hurtful? You tell them it upset you, but you stay their friend if they appologize.
Sense of Humor: Laughing at similar things and developing inside jokes
What did the duck say to the waiter when his meal came? Put it on my bill! If you laughed at that joke, we'd probably get along! If you laugh when old ladies fall down, we probably will not get along. To have fun with a friend, it's important to have the same sense of humor. It helps you have more things in common (you like the same movies, enjoy the same people) and you're more likely to develop inside jokes.
Support: Sticking by a friend even if you do not agree with their decisions
If you support a friend, it means you stay their friends even if you don't always agree on everything. When my friend decided to quit her job and become an artist, I stayed her friend--even when she was so broke she had to live on my couch for a few weeks! Even if your friend makes a poor choice, you can still love them and still be friends with them. You also put them first by cheering them on at their basketball game, going to visit their grandmother with them, and even let them practice their boring speeches for you!
Warmth: How you make a person feel
Some people do not care to be friends with me because I'm too happy in the mornings. I come to school smiling, laughing, and ready to start the day. I like to hug people hello and I give out compliments. I give out a lot of warmth! I don't like being friends with some people because they do not have a lot of warmth. They like to be more sarcastic and have friendships based on pranking or teasing each other. Neither of these personalities is wrong, it just has to be what you want or need from your friend. Can your friend cheer you up when you're sad? Can your friend share your misery when you need to mope and complain? Your sense of warmth needs to match to get along!
Ability to Keep Secrets: Unless a person is a risk to themselves or to others, you do not share their secrets, opinions, or thoughts without permission
Nothing ruins a friendship faster than finding out that someone spilled your sercrets! It takes a lot to trust someone, and it can be scary and uncomfortable to tell someone private thoughts. If someone is vulnerable enough to share secrets with you, it's your job to keep it private. Don't tell the whole bus who he or she has a crush on! Don't tell their parents that he doesn't like his mom's cooking! Unless he or she tells you something that makes them a danger (i.e. they want to hurt themselves, they want to hurt others), keep it safe. You also can't become best friends if someone never trusts you enough to share secrets with you. You have to open up with someone to become close!
characteristics_of_friendship.notebook | |
File Size: | 269 kb |
File Type: | notebook |
Interpersonal Performance
Do people always come to you with their problems? Is your nickname "Oprah" "Dr. Phil" or "Dr. Drew"? Are you known for your amazing advice? Then this project is for you!
Option One
In a group of three or four, choose one host, one expert, and two fueding friends. In a group of three, the host and expert will be the same person. You have two days to write, practice, and perform your very own reality talk show to help solve interpersonal issues between friends! Choose one of the inquiries selected below as your show's theme.
Expectations
Option Two
On your own, please select two questions from the inquiries located below. Respond as if you are an advice columnist sent to help the feuding interpersonal friends.
Expectations
Inquiries
(1) Dear (host or advice columnist),
Brothers are sisters are supposed to fight, but this is way beyond that. When Justin told all of his friends an embarrassing family secret about me, his little sister, things when from bad to worse at home. I won't talk to him, and I've insisted on spending all of my time in my room so I don't have to see him. He's a jerk! But Justin has been inconsolable ever since. Justin doesn't really care about rebuilding our friendship--we're really just acquaintances, but he would like me to stop being mad.
Signed,
The Embarrassed Sister
How do you rebuild a relationship after someone breaks your trust? (Note: you can choose the embarrassing secret: does she still suck her thumb? Leaked a video of her singing along to One Direction on YouTube? Your choice!)
(2)
Dear (host or advice columnist),
I have a problem with my best friend, Melissa. When Melissa started dating Ed, she was so excited that she had found such a great guy. They could laugh together, try new things, and go on adventures. They are both happy together except for one problem: me. I can't stand Ed! I even told Melissa that she had to choose: him or me. Now she's not talking to me! How can a best friendship survive when one friend does not agree with the other one's decisions?
Signed,
Leah
(3)
Dear (host or advice columnist),
I am lonely. Sure, I has friends she can message on Facebook and I get invited out on weekends every once in awhile, but I'm still lonely. It seems like everyone has that one best friend, and I don't. I want a best friend to call when I'm sad, to celebrate with when something exciting happens. It might be because I just moved and I don't really know anyone at the school, but it really needs to change. How can I make new friends and maybe even find a best friend?
Signed,
Lonely Leah
Option One
In a group of three or four, choose one host, one expert, and two fueding friends. In a group of three, the host and expert will be the same person. You have two days to write, practice, and perform your very own reality talk show to help solve interpersonal issues between friends! Choose one of the inquiries selected below as your show's theme.
Expectations
- Each person will have a speaking role This prepares you for public speaking! Not ready? Then read about option two, below.
- Each group will demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate ways to recognize the perspective of others. The friends must start feuding, but through mediation from the expert and/or host learn better strategies to communicate with each other
- Each group will develop and apply effective communication skills and strategies for their characters within the performance Show the process of going from acquaintances to friends, or returning to acquaintances because friendship isn't work. Or maybe you explain the characteristics of friendship and how to repair one of the missing or broken characteristics.
- Each group will rehearse, polish, and present a performance for a class and wider audience You will write and practice it, film it once and watch. Then, based on group feedback from the first viewing, film a second (and hopefully better !) time. These videos will be posted for our class to watch and you will be able to show them to your family or friends.
Option Two
On your own, please select two questions from the inquiries located below. Respond as if you are an advice columnist sent to help the feuding interpersonal friends.
Expectations
- The student will demonstrate appropriate and inappropriate ways to recognize the perspective of others Point out how the letter writer has responded in inappropriate ways (i.e. acting like a friend instead of an acquaintance, expecting honesty without giving honesty)
- The student will develop and apply effective communication skills and strategies for their readers within their advice column Then, explain how the letter writer can change their reactions to something more appropriate (i.e. not sharing personal information so early, supportive means giving advice while allowing the other person to make his or her own decision)
- The student will follow and apply the writing process to write effectively information in a newspaper advice column (After finishing your rough draft, check in with Miss Panther for a one on one revising session; this will help you with ideas, organization, and voice. She can also provide resources for the other 6+1 traits as needed and requested. NOTE: You need to come to Miss Panther for revisions; she will not track you down!)
Inquiries
(1) Dear (host or advice columnist),
Brothers are sisters are supposed to fight, but this is way beyond that. When Justin told all of his friends an embarrassing family secret about me, his little sister, things when from bad to worse at home. I won't talk to him, and I've insisted on spending all of my time in my room so I don't have to see him. He's a jerk! But Justin has been inconsolable ever since. Justin doesn't really care about rebuilding our friendship--we're really just acquaintances, but he would like me to stop being mad.
Signed,
The Embarrassed Sister
How do you rebuild a relationship after someone breaks your trust? (Note: you can choose the embarrassing secret: does she still suck her thumb? Leaked a video of her singing along to One Direction on YouTube? Your choice!)
(2)
Dear (host or advice columnist),
I have a problem with my best friend, Melissa. When Melissa started dating Ed, she was so excited that she had found such a great guy. They could laugh together, try new things, and go on adventures. They are both happy together except for one problem: me. I can't stand Ed! I even told Melissa that she had to choose: him or me. Now she's not talking to me! How can a best friendship survive when one friend does not agree with the other one's decisions?
Signed,
Leah
(3)
Dear (host or advice columnist),
I am lonely. Sure, I has friends she can message on Facebook and I get invited out on weekends every once in awhile, but I'm still lonely. It seems like everyone has that one best friend, and I don't. I want a best friend to call when I'm sad, to celebrate with when something exciting happens. It might be because I just moved and I don't really know anyone at the school, but it really needs to change. How can I make new friends and maybe even find a best friend?
Signed,
Lonely Leah
advice_column_example.doc | |
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advice_column_example_2.doc | |
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advice_column_example_3.doc | |
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advice_column_example_4.doc | |
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Grading and Assessment
See the rubrics (below) for a discussion on how you will be assessed. After receiving feedback, you may decide to reassess. Please fill out the form (also below) so notify Miss Panther of this decision.
interpersonal_talk_show.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
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rubric_for_interpersonal_advice_column.docx | |
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File Type: | docx |