Exhibit 2.

1 Discussion Prompt #5 for Senior Seminar in Communication Theory

Rob Converse
Professor Berkos

COM-491
10/3/2016

Chapter 5 in, Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life, discussed the
different definitions for interpersonal communication, as well as four theories which are essential
in understanding interpersonal communication and the relationships that develop as a result of
these communication experiences. The four theories which the book looked into include
Politeness Theory, Social Exchange Theory, Dialectical Perspective and Communication Privacy
Management Theory. In defining interpersonal communication, the book combined a number of
the definitions provided by scholars on the subject, stating that, IPC includes those messages
between two interdependent persons, with a particular focus on how IPC messages are offered to
initiate, define, maintain or further a relationship. IPC is more than just saying a polite hello...
(Dainton, M & Zelley, E. p. 76) What is interesting about interpersonal communication is that it
is far deeper than a simple means of speaking in a shared language with basic intentions. While
interacting with others, people communicate with deeper, underlying meaning and typically
attempt to create or disengage a relationship with another. The four theories mentioned in this
chapter seek to provide an understanding behind the deep nature of interpersonal
communication; and how it can provide a vehicle for which individuals can develop relationships
with others. In doing so, these theories not only seek to describe specific ideas and concepts
behind interpersonal communication, but the interconnection between them as well. When
people interact, they use different strategies to save their face or threaten the face of others, they
communicate with goals while evaluating relational rewards and costs, they display different
communication patterns based on a number of contradictions that push and pull individuals in
different ways, and they communicate with regards to the privacy and disclosure of personal

Exhibit 2.1 Discussion Prompt #5 for Senior Seminar in Communication Theory

information of themselves or others they know. Different communicative events can include a
combination of, or individual use of the different concepts cited in the four theories.
In the deeper analysis of the different theories, I found some very interesting concepts
behind our interpersonal communication with others. Each of the theories presented something
that makes you think deeper about the communicative experiences you have engaged in, as well
as those which others might potentially engage in. In watching a show called, Shameless, it
brings up some interesting interpersonal communication experiences that made me question
some of the ideas presented in the different theories. The family which the show is based on is
poor, living in a low-income area, raised by an alcoholic, drug abusing father and mother who
completely neglected their responsibilities as parents and leaving the eldest daughter, Fiona, who
is 23, to look after the 5 others. In reading about Politeness Theory and the two dimensions to the
concept of face, it said that, it is difficult to achieve positive and negative face simultaneously
that is, acting in a way so that you gain others approval often interferes with autonomous and
unrestricted behavior. (Dainton, M. & Zelley, E. p. 78) Since the family in the show was raised
in this environment, the family members, as well as many of the other characters in the show
engage in these behaviors that are either illegal, immoral, dangerous or reckless. In the show,
since these behaviors are generally accepted, it leads to people engaging in them together. It also
shows the gaining of approval through negative behaviors that one would consider autonomous
or restricted. Would this lead to the simultaneous achievement of both positive and negative
face? Is the facilitation of negative behavior or the gaining of approval in this way considered
this simultaneous achievement of the two? Some specific examples in the show include one of
the boys in the family becoming involved in armed robberies to gain the approval of a girl,
constant gaining of approval through the facilitation of the use of drugs and alcohol, people

Exhibit 2.1 Discussion Prompt #5 for Senior Seminar in Communication Theory

constantly insisting on others using them socially, and the facilitation of illegal, immoral and
simply bad behaviors of the father, Frank, upon all of the younger children, getting them to
supply him with drugs, alcohol and money, as well as other things. These examples provide
evidence of peoples need to be liked and appreciated by certain people, leading them to act in
ways that will ensure that these people will view them in a positive way, in order to save their
positive face. Additionally, these behaviors contribute to their negative faces too, because the
behaviors that are being facilitated include those which would display their desire to act freely
without constraints or imposition from others.
Additional Discussion Questions:
1. Considering this type of culture, would this affect their concept of the dramaturgical
approach? While most people put on different masks to differentiate from a better
and a worse side, in this culture, it seems as though, because many negative behaviors
are accepted as the norm, the masks people put on are usually to differentiate between a
tough side and a sensitive side.
2. Do different cultures and socioeconomic statuses lead to different, collective
dramaturgical approaches amongst individuals? Would certain masks be more common
amongst different cultures and socioeconomic statuses?