Question

The communication principles impact our communication. It is important to recognize and understand the eight basic principles for effective interpersonal communication. Select on the principles and describe a situation where this principle impacted you in a significant manner.

Describe an I–It, I–You, and I–Thou relationship in your life (one each). Analyze differences in communication and personal knowledge in the three relationships.

Answer 1

1. One of the important principles that I learnt is effective listening. Listening in interpersonal communication is as important as speaking, body language, mutual respect etc. Listening was hard for me as I kept interrupting before other people complete. I also kept misunderstanding whatever people told me because of this habit. Now, I wait till others complete, listen actively and receive the communication well. This has helped me build my relationship with other people.
2. I-It relationship is very impersonal in a sense we don’t hold any respect to the one with whom we communicate. We don’t have any personal relationship in this category and we treat others as objects. Normally, we hold this communication with people below our status.

In I-You relationship, we move one step ahead and treat other as equals. Our day today conversations happen at this level. We give respect and take respect making it mutual. Disrespect is disregarded in this communication.

I-Thou level communication refers to the highest level of communication. This is like conversing with God and People accept others with all their shortfalls. It happens at a metaphysical level.