LibGuides: COM300: Week 2 Resources

Week 2 Required Resources

Textbook

Interpersonal Communication

Read Chapters 6, 9.

Floyd, K. (2021). Interpersonal communication (4th edition). McGraw Hill.

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Articles, Videos, and Websites

Communicating Without Words

The Power of Nonverbal Communications
CMX. (2015, November 4). The power of nonverbal communications | Joe Navarro (Keynote) | CMX Summit West 2015. YouTube.
This is a keynote speech by Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and expert in non-verbal communication. Drawing from his extensive experience and research, he illustrates how non-verbal communication impacts our understanding of others and how we present ourselves. Navarro's insights offer valuable lessons for enhancing communication skills and human connection in various contexts.
How to Make the Best First Impressions.
Stanford Graduate School of Business. (2020, January 17). How to make the best first impressions. <YouTube.
This video provides practical advice on how to prepare for a professional interview while emphasizing the significance of first impressions. It also discusses the importance of managing one's online presence and offers essential skills for effective workplace interactions.

Forming & Maintaining Social Bonds

Interpersonal Attraction
Communication. (2020, March 22). Interpersonal attraction.
This resource encompasses various dimensions of Interpersonal Attraction such as task, physical, social, sexual, and relational attraction. It also discusses frameworks like social exchange, uncertainty reduction, and social evolutionary theories. Each of these can help us better understand the complexities behind attraction.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory: Communicating Under Conditions of Ambiguity
Knobloch, L. (2008). Uncertainty reduction theory: communicating under conditions of ambiguity. In Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication: Multiple Perspectives (pp. 133-144). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) seeks to explain how individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty about their social environment to predict and explain their surroundings. It provides insights into how individuals navigate ambiguity in everyday interactions and maintain relational stability.
Social Exchange Theory
Organizational Communication Channel. (2020, August 31). Social exchange theory [Video]. YouTube.
This video explains Social Exchange Theory, which uses an economic metaphor to describe human behavior in relationships and group dynamics regarding costs (effort, anxiety, time) and rewards (companionship, satisfaction). It also applies other theoretical concepts to real-life situations, including the minimax principle, comparison level, and comparison level alternatives. The information shared illustrates how we can evaluate and decide about our relationships.
Knapp’s Relationship Model
Julien, A. D. (2023). Knapp’s Relationship Model. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
Knapp's Relationship Model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the progression and deterioration of interpersonal relationships through ten stages divided into two main phases: escalation and termination. It provides a structured way to analyze the dynamics of relationship formation/dissolution, highlighting key behaviors and interactions that influence relational outcomes.
Equity Theory
Dainton, M. (2019). Equity Theory. In J. J. Ponzetti, Jr. (Ed.), Macmillan Encyclopedia of Families, Marriages, and Intimate Relationships (Vol. 1, pp. 272-274). Macmillan Reference USA.
Equity Theory examines fairness in the distribution of rewards and costs in relationships. It posits that individuals seek to maximize their outcomes and experience distress when relationships are inequitable. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals navigate relational dynamics, addressing issues of power, commitment, and emotional well-being.

Optional Resources

Top 5 Important Social Skills Employers Want
Doyle, A. (2021, June 2). Top 5 important social skills employers want. The Balance Money.
This resource offers a comprehensive overview of the importance of social skills in the workplace and provides actionable tips for showcasing these skills throughout the job search process. Additionally, it offers practical strategies for improving social skills and enhancing our understanding of the practical application of communication theories and enhance their readiness for the professional world.