INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION Interpersonal Analysis Paper

SUMMARY: As you know, there are many aspects to any communication situation. Aside from the obvious, such as verbal and nonverbal messages, there are many other things which impact communication, such as conflict styles, emotions, self-concept, listening, etc. We bring with us everything that makes us who we are to every situation, whether it is at home, at work, at school, or with our friends.

PAPER TOPIC AND PURPOSE: You are to analyze an interpersonal relationship that you are currently in. This could be a significant other, sibling, parent, extended family member, co-worker, or friend. The goal is to take a deep dive into this relationship and analyze the communication as it occurs in the relationship.

!!!!Note: this this paper is reflective, so it will be written in first-person narrative. However it should
still be written with proper form. ——-PLEASE WRITE IN A MALE POV and about any relationship you would like to write about, so its kind of a free write for you but just make sure to follow the paragraph structure listed below.

2. Interview the person you will be writing about. Ask the other person as many questions as you can that might help you write your paper. This requires excellent listening, no interrupting, and the ability to take what is being said in order to process the information to truly learn about how someone else sees you, and how you might use that information to improve your communication. If you choose this option, you could take a more conversational approach, however it may help to prepare some open-ended questions beforehand, such as how this person sees your relationship, what kinds of communication behaviors she or he believes has made your relationship successful or unsuccessful, etc. (see separate handout for possible interview questions).

-pick one or two areas of the course that you feel apply to the dynamics of the relationship. For example, concepts may include listening, emotions, use of language, dealing with conflict, etc.
-Your paper must incorporate quotes, document sources, and include a works cited page. In addition to the textbook and/or lecture notes (see above), you will need to reference at least one outside scholarly source.

1. In your first paragraph, provide a clear introduction and explain the aspects of communication you will be covering. This means the paper should have a clear thesis and preview.
2. In your second paragraph (the start of the body of your paper), provide an overview of the relationship you are analyzing so the reader can understand the analysis.
3. Then, go through the body and within each paragraph analyze the various areas of communication as they apply to your relationship:
a. Define the first concept (assume your reader has never heard these concepts before). To do this, you will need to cite the textbook and/or lecture notes.
b. Describe how the communication variable has impacted the relationship. Discuss why you believe the relationship has been so successful or unsuccessful. Make sure you cite specific examples of actual communication events to support your viewpoint.
c. Finally, discuss how you think the relationship might change, or improve, if you or the other person involved would change communication skills for this particular variable. What specific skills that you have learned in this class could impact the relationship? (You may need to cite sources here as well.)
IF YOU FOCUS ON TWO COMMUNICATION CONCEPTS, DO EACH OF THESE THREE STEPS FOR BOTH CONCEPTS YOU COVER.
4. Finally, end your paper with an overall conclusion of your perception of the relationship.