Sarah Murphy
Dana Underwood
Reading Question 1
Section 119
Question 1: The book Messages was written to inform readers on how to better communicate with those around them. The observable elements of communication that are the focus of the book are basic communication and social skills. The basic communication skills that the book focuses on are listening, self-disclosure, and expressing. The social skills that are concentrated on are prejudgment and making contact. The main issues that the book addresses are the problems humans have while communicating with one another. The social problem the book tries to resolve is that people do not take the time to recognize their errors while communicating. The authors of Messages believe that communication requires discipline in order to be achieved successfully. If individuals become aware of their flaws, they can better influence society. Readers become aware that they cannot influence others through the use threats, belittling, or pouting (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 2009, p. 286). The view the book takes on is that of the single contingency, which states that sending and receiving messages is what successful communication depends on (Habashi, 2013). In doing so, Messages highlights the consequences of not communicating effectively. Individuals who lack communication and social skills will have a harder time connecting with others. Not only does Messages view communication as a means to happiness, but it also holds humans accountable for a wide range of communication and social skills. Making contact requires individuals to not be fearful of strangers. A fear of strangers can result in a feeling of self-consciousness or awkwardness (McKay, Davis, & Fanning, 2009, p. 209). Another consequence of not crafting one’s skills is the inability to express oneself through self-disclosure. Self-disclosure has