Individuals with flexible communication skills are more competent than those who are locked into a narrow range of possible responses.

Using the skill of perception checking will often prevent excessive feedback.  

When we assert that communication strategies are context bound, we are saying that the appropriateness of communication is determined on the basis of socially constructed rules and norms within a specific context.

According to Social Construction of Reality Theory, we collectively create what we consider to be fact.  

When we stereotype we emphasize similarities and overlook individual differences.

Vera comes rushing into the room, throws her books on the floor, and sits at her desk with her head in her hands.  Is the following response an effective use of the perception checking skill?  Let me help you Vera. Everything’s going to be all right. Select true if the response demonstrates an effective perception checking statement.Select false if the response does not demonstrate an effective perception checking statement. 

Using the skill of perception checking will often prevent inaccurate interpretation of messages.  

  What’s missing from this perception check?  “I’m not sure if you sent me those roses because you genuinely love me, or if you were hoping I’d be less angry about what you said last night.  Why did you send me the roses?” It doesn’t request clarification  

When Jennifer says she’ll be back “in a while”, you think she’ll be back in about 30 minutes when she knew she would be gone for at least two hours.  This is an example of different social constructions of reality.

Interpersonal and Small Group Communication is a general education humanities course because it prepares us to learn how to learn.