Friday, January 16, 2009
Phatic Communication
Chapter 11 expanded my knowledge of phatic communication. I knew about "small talk" before, but had no idea it extended beyond "hi, how are you?" "fine". For me, though, even phatic communication can be difficult. With people I am not well acquainted with, and even some that I am, I struggle through even phatic talk. I think it may also be because of the short, unleading answers people give. When you say "fine" to how are you, or "same old, same old" to what's new, they're not really participating in the conversation even if you're interested in how they are or what's new. It seems like we need to develop new questions for this type of interaction, for personal use, so they don't become scripts, like how are you and what's new, or to tailor your approach to each person you're talking to. If I'm talking with an acquaintance or someone I know, I try to actually answer these questions, and lead the conversation in a new direction. However, this can lead to one person dominating the conversation, which can be bad, but is probably better than phatic communication.
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I agree, I find this communication most common with individuals that we are keeping friendly relations with, but will never really hang out with and get to know on more than just a basic level. The people who you regularly hang out with should be able to communicate with you on a much more meaning level. They should be involved in or everyday lives to the point that Phatic communication is not even thought of. I'm not saying that it is a bad thing, as long as it is not used with people who you should already be past that point with.
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