comm 494 - key question paper

8/3/2019 COMM 494 - Key Question Paper

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Communication and the Strength of Human Relationships

Before examining how relationships develop and flourish, it is important to survey thecomplexity of the many current means through which relationships occur. The most frequent

form of interaction across time is face-to-face communication. This includes the verbal and

nonverbal messages constantly sent and received, interpreted and analyzed, when any two or

more individuals meet and are in the presence of another. The specific use of words, phrases,

sentences, rhetoric, and transmission of messages over time operate in tandem with posture, body

language, facial expression, inflection, use of time, use of space, and many other factors to bring

forth meaning between human beings.

Through the use of technology, we have increased capability to conduct relationships

at higher speeds over long distances and for sustained periods of time than past generations.

However, relationships conducted through technology also changes and increases the complexity

of relationships development, as devices provide whole new sets of meanings and dynamics. As

one example, communication through cell phones provides new questions about meaning to the

sender and receiver such as, Should I call or text him? What does in this text mean? Do I

have to text her back? Is it okay that we text more than we talk in person? Questions like this

abound in communication through technology or face-to-face interaction. Meaning emerges and

subsequent understandings of relationship stay in flux as the use of communication changes.

In such a complex and ever-changing environment, there is no formula on how to makerelationships flourish. However, there is one skill that carries through multiple disciplines --

listening -- and one segment of people who are most valued as relational partners -- women.

Listening is key in relationships, as it grants the other a sense of worth and value. The human

need to be seen and known is revealed when they have experienced true listening based in


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presence and understanding. Listening based in presence is engaged and inclined towards the

speaker. Listening equips the listener with greater knowledge of the speaker, what he or she

values, and subsequently breeds effective communication.

Many research studies reveal women, compared to men, are more coveted relationalpartners. Largely, sisters and mothers sustain familial relationships better and more consistently

than brothers and fathers. In addition, studies of divorced couples reveal that though divorce

financially affects women more, men suffer a larger relational blow. A married mans best friend

is usually his wife, but a married womans best friend is usually another woman.

This is not a strange phenomenon, but one that can and has been explained through therealization of the different ways many men and women structure their communication. Women

often communicate with an ultimate goal of achieving connection with the other, while men seek

status. This plays out in distinct ways: men often sit side-by-side when speaking, while women

usually face each other; men usually take turns talking and hate interruptions, whereas women

conversations include much back and forth and small verbal affirmations of yes oh, me too!

throughout. Women often seek equality and dependence in relationship, whereas mens

communication often has a competitive nature to it. Though it seems stereotypical, these

characteristics of women-in-relationship and the positive results are helpful to realize practically

some attitudes that foster better relationships.

Even with an understanding of a few skills or attitudes that may make relationshipsflourish, it is necessary to remember that fallen humanitys communication is still consistently

plagued by confusion, manipulation, and abuse. Communication is the essential aspect of the

process of developing and maintaining meaningful interpersonal relationships, but it needs to be

co-opted by a more powerful, non-human, love to move beyond solely selfish gain. St.


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Augustine wrote of the necessity of love as the guiding principle of communication for the

Christian (Meynell, 144). For Augustine, the love of neighbor that guides communication

derives from God (147). Therefore, communication that best furthers healthy relationships is

that which is rooted in the love of God found in Christ.

Griffin, Emory A..A first look at communication theory. 8th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher

Education, 2011.

This textbook is fundamental for students in the communication discipline. Griffin maps out

over thirty of the most important and comprehensive theories, many which bear on the specific

study of human relationships. Chapters on Constructivism (8), Symbolic Interactionism (5), and

Coordinated Management of Meaning (6) are useful for holistically understanding how

communication is the reality that defines all human relationships. Individuals make sense of theworld through systems of personal constructs, but these are only possible through meaning that

arises out of interaction with others. Consequently, persons-in-conversation constantly construct

their own relationship realities together and simultaneously are shaped by these realities. In

addition, Chapter 11 (Walthers Social Information Processing Theory) and Chapter 25

(McLuhans Media Ecology) are important for understanding the dynamics of different

technologies, and especially that of relationships enacted and played out through computer-

mediated-communication (cmc) versus face-to-face (ftf) communication.

Meynell, H.A. ed. Grace, Politics and Desire: Essays on Augustine. Calgary: University of

Calgary Press, 1990.

This book, particularly the chapter entitled Love as a Rhetorical Principle by Christine MasonSutherland, is a helpful tool in understanding Augustines view of how communication

(particularly rhetoric) is changed upon a persons identification with Christ. As Sutherland

carefully explains, Augustine understood that a Christians communication must be rooted in

love. In short, Sutherland portrays Augustines view that a Christians relationship with God will

fundamentally change his or her approach to communication, centering it around selfless love of

others.

Brook, Peter. The Empty Space. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1980.

This book serves as a valuable tool to understanding the basics of theater, and thus the

importance of the relationship between actor and audience. Peter Brook defines the four types of

theater, distinguishing between good theater and bad theater. This source gives the averagereader an understanding of how relationship is communicated and demonstrated through the art

of theater. This source contributes to this paper well because of its distinct perspective on art and

its connection with people and their relationships.

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