Postman and Hahn both wrote intriguing pieces on communication. Postman, in “Communication Panacea,” explains that in interpersonal communication, it is more common than not that we are “dishonest.” In BridgeofIdeas writing, she includes the words of MemohisBurns in which he tells how he “tailored conversation to the individual.” Postman’s point is that in IPC we are not true to our own identities. ShinyGinger expanded on the author’s words, stating that we conceal our thoughts and feelings in an attempt to protect ourselves from the judgments of others. As MemphisBurns explains, it is not always conscious, but we leave aspects of ourselves out, as we cannot help but consider the audience before sharing. This goes along directly with the theory of impression management.
As I discussed in my analysis of the competing theories and the team projects and critiques, we are all consumed with how others view us. Therefore, as Postman articulates, we are dishonest. The worries we have of how our peers will view our writing (communication) causes us to censor, and in doing so, holding back our true identities.
While all of Postman’s ideas are valid, and the theory of impression management is more than evident in our class’ work throughout the course, it is not to discredit the value of trying to relate to others. In communication, along with holding back, we tend to search for a connection, as clarified by Hahn, in the article “Interbeing.” Everything in this world can be related to, connected to, and has a direct effect on something else (Swabbies). Jimigarcia, in his writing on this article, “Through all my interactions with my classmates I found myself using personal experiences to relate and communicate with them. This was the most effective way for me to communicate my thought.” It is true, finding commonalities (discussed by Bohm as well) can bring about successful IPC. In the critiques, we all compared and contrasted each other’s work, to our own, to the shared views and ideas of all of us. It is much easier to share, once a common ground has been established. This goes along with impression management as well because it is believed that if we agree with someone, or find something to which we both relate, they will see us in a positive light.
Both Hahn and Postman write about very true important aspects of interpersonal communication. As do most things in this class, they connect strongly to the theories presented by Steph and used to analyze and critique each other and our projects. We have continued to learn however, how to avoid holding too much of ourselves back, and sharing who we really are, while at the same time finding a connection, without forcing one for the sole purpose of playing it safe.
Tags: Add new tag, BridgeofIdeas.wordpress.com, JimiGarcia.wordpress.com, MemphisBurns.wordpress.com, ShinyGinger.wordpress.com, Swabbies.wordpress.com
