ABSTRACT
In this chapter a model of interpersonal communication is presented, in which the activity is conceptualised as a form of skilled behaviour, with close parallels being drawn between motor and social skill performance. Skilled behaviour is defined as a transactional process in which the individual implements a set of goal-directed, inter-related, situationally appropriate social behaviours, which are learned. Skills are therefore defined in terms of identifiable units of behaviour, so that we judge whether or not people are skilled based upon how they actually behave. The model also emphasises that communication is context bound, with spatial, temporal, relational and sometimes organisational frameworks within which it is embedded. Skilled behaviour is also goal driven so that people select their responses in order to achieve their objectives. Plans and strategies to accomplish these goals emanate from related cognitive mediating processes. A central premise of the model outlined is that participants are simultaneously providing each other with information of relevance to decisions about the extent of goal attainment. Without such feedback, skilled interaction would be impossible, but it can only be acted upon if it is perceived. In this way, personal perception is also shown to play a pivotal role in interpersonal transactions.
