COMM220 Notes Topic 1 & 2 (Prepared by Ms.

Yusnita)
TOPIC 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERVIEWING

2012

The Essential Elements of Interview An INTERVIEW is: o An Interactional Process between TWO parties, at least one of whom has a predeterminined & serious purpose, and usually involves asking and answering of questions. A Relational Form of Communication The nature of interview r/ship is determined by a number of critical dimensions: o Similarity o Inclusion/Involvement o Affection/Liking o Control/Dominance o Trust Global R/ships The importance on understanding how r/ships are shaped and cultivated in different countries and cultures: Americans? Arabs? Chinese? Germans? Japanese? Men and Women in R/ships Men and women communicate differently. Women: o Primary way of establishing r/ships o More polite & expressive o Less intense words o Use more qualifiers & disclaimers Men: o Directive and goal-oriented o Press compliance/agreement etc. o Exert control o Preserve independence o Enhance status Electronic Interviews The Telephone o Common But irritating. o Various functions. o Advantages? o Disadvantages? The Internet o Large number of people. o Advantages? o Disadvantages?

Source: Stewart,C.J. and Cash,W.B.Jr. (2006). Interviewing: Principles and Practices. (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.

COMM220 Notes Topic 1 & 2 (Prepared by Ms. Yusnita)

2012

TOPIC 2: AN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION PROCESS TWO PARTIES IN THE INTERVIEW Unique & complex yet contributing successful interview. Mixture of personality traits. Adhere to specific qualities. INTERCHANGING ROLES DURING INTERVIEWS Directive Approach o The interviewer establishes the purpose of the interview & attempts to control the pacing/climate/formality & drift of the interview. o Examples? Surveys, employment selection etc. o Advantages? Easy to learn, Take less time etc. o Disadvantages? Inflexible. Reduce motivation etc. Nondirective Approach o The interviewer may allow the interviewee to control the purpose/subject matter/tenor/climate/ formality/pacing of the interview. o Examples? Counseling, problem solving etc. o Advantages? Flexibility, probe deeply (subject) etc. o Disadvantages? Time-consuming, generate excessive info etc. Combination of Approaches?? PERCEPTIONS OF THE INTERVIEWER AND INTERVIEWEE Perception of Self o Derived from?? o Self-concept, self-identity. o Self-awareness o Self-esteem o Self perception o Others o Cultural Differences on perception of self?? Perception of the Other Party o Affect how one react during interviews. o Influenced by various factors. o A positive endorsement of a third party may alter the way you perceive a person. o Perception changes as an interview progresses by: The way an interview begins or ends The other partys manner and attitudes Verbal and nonverbal interactions Questions asked and answers given o The interactions may alter or reinforce perceptions.

COMMUNICATION INTERACTIONS Levels of Interactions o Level 1 = Safe/non-threatening areas of inquiry. o Level 2 = More intimate & controversial areas of inquiry. o Level 3 = Highly intimate & controversial areas of inquiry.

Source: Stewart,C.J. and Cash,W.B.Jr. (2006). Interviewing: Principles and Practices. (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.

COMM220 Notes Topic 1 & 2 (Prepared by Ms. Yusnita)

2012

Sex, Culture, and Interactions o May influence the levels of communication interactions and the self-disclosure. o Culture dictate what we disclose and to whom. o Positive Face? Positive Politeness? o Negative Face? Negative Politeness? Verbal Interactions o Multiple Meanings o Ambiguities o Sound Alikes o Connotations Words are rarely neutral. o Jargon o Slang Slang comes and goes and often determines whos in and whos out. o Euphemisms o Naming Naming is an effort to alter social reality. o Ordering Words Hear what you are about to say before saying it. o Power Words o Regional & Role Differences o Gender Differences stereotypes. o Global Differences o Guidelines for reducing language problems: Be aware that slight changes in words can alter meanings. Listen to the context in which words are used. Learn the jargon of professions and groups. Keep up to date with changing uses of language. Know how the meaning of words may be affected by sex, age, race, culture, ethnic group, and situation. Nonverbal Interactions o NV signals send many messages. o NV may complement the V/ reinforce the V/ substitute a word. o Gender differences often affect interviews. o Differing cultures share many similar and diverse NV signals.

FEEDBACK Immediate? Meaningful? Be perceptive, sensitive, and receptive. Listening is important. Be flexible in selecting listening approaches. There are FOUR (4) approaches to listening: o Listening for Comprehension The intent of listening for comprehension is to understand content. o Listening for Empathy The intent of emphatic listening is to understand the other party. o Listening for Evaluation The intent of evaluative listening is to judge the content and actions. o Listening for Resolution The intent of dialogic listening is to resolve problems.

THE INTERVIEW SITUATION Initiating the Interview: Who initiates an interview and how may affect control, roles, and atmosphere. Perceptions of the Situation A party may see the interview as routine or an event. Settings are seldom neutral. Source: Stewart,C.J. and Cash,W.B.Jr. (2006). Interviewing: Principles and Practices. (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.

COMM220 Notes Topic 1 & 2 (Prepared by Ms. Yusnita)

2012

Perceptions are critical in moving beyond Level 1 interactions. Time of Day/ Week/ and Month We tend to interact best at certain times of the day, week, and year. Take into account events before and after interviews. Place We value and protect our turf. Dont underestimate the importance of place. Surrounding Surroundings help to create a productive climate. Control noise to focus attention on the interaction. Territoriality = physical/psychological We stake out physical and psychological space and resent those who invade it with their possessions, eyes, voices, bodies. Age, sex, and culture influence territorial preferences. Proximity, seating arrangement may affect interview climate

OUTSIDE FORCES Many outside forces have input before, during and after the interview. Who? Family, associates, friends, etc. Be aware of how outside forces may affect your roles in a variety of interviews: O What advice is wise to take? O Which advice is appropriate for you, your position, and the situation? O What advice must you take? O How might your inclination to satisfy the group following an interview negatively affect the interview?

Source: Stewart,C.J. and Cash,W.B.Jr. (2006). Interviewing: Principles and Practices. (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.