Preliminaries
Communication that occurs between two people
What is interpersonal communication?
A person who speaks while the other person listens, leaving little to no room for input from their conversation partner
What is a monologic speaker?
Cues used to communicate information back to the speaker and make them know you are listening without taking over the conversation or interrupting them
What are backchannel cues?
Two terms for the same type of communication, often had between strangers, and even more often had between non-strangers crossing paths but not wanting to stop
What are small talk and phatic communication?
The longest part of the interpersonal process, and often the longest part of a conversation
What is the business stage?
The principle that requires you to only be as informative as necessary to communicate your intended meaning
What is the quantity principle?
An attempt to take over the role of speaker in a conversation
What is an interruption?
The guideline for effective small talk that keeps a short conversation from turning into a long argument, or even worse a duel
What is stressing similarities and avoiding differences?
This stage of the interpersonal process may show some empathy, it may sum up the conversation, but it always signals an end of accessibility.
What is the closing stage?
The main goal of any good conversation
What is mutual understanding/empathy?
The maxim that suggests you minimize any praise or compliments you receive
What is the maxim of modesty?
The suggestion for complimenting within reason, so that people do not see you as dishonest or insincere
What is complimenting in moderation?
This stage of the interpersonal process lets the other person know the general focus/overall tone of the conversation. A lack of it (i.e., a "we need to talk" text and nothing else) can make a conversation much more stressful.
What is the feedforward stage?
The maxim that refers to praising/complimenting someone and minimizing any expression of criticism or disapproval
What is the maxim of approbation?
The maxim that suggests you confirm the other person's importance (or the importance of their time, insight, or talent)
What is the maxim of generosity?
A compliment that isn't entirely positive, usually making use of the word "but" or "however"
What is a qualified compliment?
"Impersonal" and "Interpersonal" (or highly personal) are the two ends of this range.
What is the interpersonal continuum?
The use of things like turn-taking cues to communicate about a conversation that you are currently engaged in
What is metacommunication?
A cue that shows you wish to keep the role of speaker for a little longer (i.e., continuing to gesture after you finish your sentence, not making eye contact, or using "er" or "um" to fill a silence)
What is a turn-maintaining cue?
The recommendation for apologies that suggests you don't take the easy way out and text/email somebody an apology instead of doing it face to face or over a phone call
What is choosing the appropriate channel?