Communication is a fancy way of saying you tell people what you are thinking or feeling. We do this all the time — when we talk to our friends, listen to our teachers or even write a note. You may even know that we have fancy ideas, like interpersonal communication theories, to explain our talking.
A set of theoretical abcenses that are like maps to the ways people connect and talk Now, before you start losing interest and thinking that this has nothing to do with a 10-year-old kid like yourself — let’s dive into what these theories are and why they matter.
What is Interpersonal Communication
But before we proceed towards Theories, Let us know what is Interpersonal Communication. Certain conversations had to be delivered with no space between: this is called interpersonal communication, where a certain amount of separation becomes impossible by speaking out one’s mind directly to at least one other person.
Whether through speech or writing, facial expressions and body language This is like a bridge, where you connect with someone making it more understandable between both parties.
Why Do We Communicate?
There are a lot of reasons why people communicate. Other times, we just talk to tell (e.g., telling our friends what happened at recess). There are also times we communicate to convey emotions, such as telling someone “I am happy” or informing them of what is bothering us.
Closely tied to connection, communication is the method with which we develop friendships, do our jobs together and solve issues. This is something we all do every day which makes our understanding and relations with ourselves as well as others better.
Interpersonal Communication Theories
Having understood what interpersonal communication is, here are a few theories or ideas to help us understand how it functions. These theories form a framework for why conversation can sometimes be easy and others difficult.
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory is one of the most important theories suggested. It’s the theory of return in kind, right? Picture you are exchanging toys with a pal. You hand them a toy car, and off goes the doll. It is the same in communication. Speaking with others is offering your presence to them, and in return, they give you their own.
According to the Social Exchange Theory, individuals communicate because they anticipate a return that will benefit them personally; for example, new friends and satisfaction or even just amusement.
This explains why some people are just easy to talk with. When we have happy sentiments or when the person treats us well, it is natural that we will want to return for more. It is as if you choose to play with a friend who lets you have an equal share in their toys and also treats you nicely.
Symbolic Interaction Theory
Symbolic Interaction Theory: This theory teaches us that communication is not just what we say in our words, but also the way it makes sense to those who hear it. If for instance every time something good happens and you & your best friend say “cool beans”: then these words mean a whole lot more just between the two of you. The theory posits that our communication is influenced by the symbols we use (words, body language — and yes, emojis) as well as what these words mean to us.
The Symbolic Interaction Theory is similar to the secret language you and your friends may develop. So when you are speaking, it is more detailed and meaningful as not just the word by itself but rather what that word means to yourself too.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory
Do you find yourself struggling with what to say or do when meeting someone new? This is where Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) comes in. This theory addresses that when we initially start meeting someone new, it is to become more comfortable figuring out who they are. Help us to pose questions like, “What is the one game you love? or “Do you have any pets?” to get to know them better.
According to the theory, as we learn more about someone and are provided with plenty of information that is repeated over and over again (thanks in part to text messages), there should be less uncertainty between us — which makes it easier for us to talk. It is akin to exploring a foreign land; initially, you are unsure of what everything is or where anything goes but as it opens up to you, the more likely original inhabitants start telling stories. This is the theory behind why we ask questions and make common ground when meeting new people.
Communication adaption theory
If you are talking to someone, then that person is not likely to express what you really should state. Well, those with actually no distinction as per the above-mentioned people and this conduct will frequently alter how they communicate in light of whom it was being said. This can be portrayed by Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT).
Pretend you are speaking with your teacher. You might be more respectful in your words and formal. When you are with your friends though, it’s cool to be more relaxed and throw around some slang.
The theory of communication accommodation has suggested to us that we adjust our way of communicating based on the situation or even who we are speaking with. You change what you wear just like that depending on where you are going — fancy clothes for a party day, to casuals when all makes sense with outside playing.
Adapting our communication slightly to make the other person more comfortable or understood, creates a better connection.
Relational Dialectics Theory
It is one of those opposite things in relationships. you want to be close but you need your space as well. The presence of these types of feelings can be explained in terms of Relational Dialectics Theory. The contradictions in the balance of opposites within us need to extend itself into a relationship. Even where you certainly love your best friend but also would now like to be together on a nice quiet island, or whatever alone-time means.
This theory makes us realize that it’s okay to have two different feelings at the same time. It needs to be treated as chocolate and vanilla ice cream — sometimes you might want one more than the other, but they are both crucial. Knowing this also makes us better at navigating our relationships; we can identify when the desire is actively growing and recognize that it will be satisfied, as long as there is a balancing force within the person.
So why is it important to know these theories?
Learning about these communication theories is what makes us socially awkward people able to talk to others. It is sort of having a lot many tools in your toolkit Wrench you can fix nuts and bolts Damage done so here is the same. Each one allows us a new lens with which to view how and why it is we communicate in the ways that we do.
Or, you might be more careful about your wording to ensure that the conversation is equally as rewarding for both parties (based on Social Exchange Theory). You might feel like you can be more at ease when encountering new individuals if you know about the Uncertainty Reduction Theory and how asking questions is going to make it easier for yourself.
A guide like these theories makes the world of communication much more comprehensible and can help establish an effective way for people to connect with others and build better relationships.
In Our Everyday Lives; How We Use These Theories
You may not even legitimately recognize them, but you practice these theories daily! You get into Social Exchange when sharing something unique with another friend. Very well, when you use a fun phrase that only you and your friends know then all of repetition is really in practice for Symbolic Interaction.
You start to learn about a new person, so you ask even more questions with all those “get-to-know-you” gathering threads Maybe you are employing Uncertainty Reduction. And when you change the way that you speak based on who YOU are with, it is major Communication Accommodation in itself.
This is beside the point, since these theories are occurring around us at every move we make invisibly and enabling us to communicate more effectively even without a thought. They are invisible instruments that guide our conversations, allowing us to relate and incredibly connect.
Final Words: Be a Better Communicator
Interpersonal Communication theories are like the secrets to better conversations. They provide us with insight into what we are saying, and how we are speaking and help bridge the gap to more effectively communicate. These theories shape your communication in various contexts, such as when you talk with a friend, ask questions in class or meet someone new.
If you know these theories, it will certainly make you a better communicator, and that in turn means more pleasant conversations and happier relationships. So, the next time you converse with someone else remember that it is not merely words exchanged but an opportunity to create meaningful connections that will stay forever.
