Interpersonal Communication Virtuoso: Grand Passion, Insightful Distinctions, Skilled Engagement

This book establishes and explains the challenge for us all to become communication virtuosos! According to Pearce and Pearce (2000), “Virtuosity in any field combines at least three things: (a) a ‘grand passion’ for what you are doing; (b) an ability to make [insightful] distinctions; and (c) the ability to engage in skilled performance” (p. 161). These three virtuosity related elements are the structural guidelines from which the rest of the book is developed.

The position taken here is that interpersonal communication (IPC) scholars should be leading this charge and acting as guides to the upraising of communication virtuosos. This is done by shedding light on unproductive patterns of communication, identifying the fatefulness of such interactions, and providing individuals with the know-how, insight, and skills to alter the trajectory of their relationships. This book is targeted toward the training and development of the next generation of communication virtuosos.

One of the keys to learning about, unpacking, and generating insightful IPC distinctions is to train your mind to think like a social scientist. As the U.S. Department of Labor states, “Through observation and analysis, social scientists offer insight into the physical, social, and cultural development of humans, as well as the links between human activity and the environment.” Don’t be put off by this technical definition. Think about this as a more formal and structured approach to being a “people-watcher.”

In fact, if you consider yourself a people-watcher, then you are already on your way to being a social scientist. As people-watchers we often kick back and soak in the social environment around us. We note the things people say and do, how they say and do those things, the reactions of others around them, and their success or failure based on what we feel were their original intentions. Often times we even share these observations through humorous posts on Facebook.

Today on campus, I saw a guy go in for a kiss on the cheek and the girl quickly adjusted for a side-hug instead. #violatingpersonalspace #awkward

One of the lesser-known occupations that could be lumped under this title of social science is stand-up comedy. Consider this: stand-up comedians, through observation and analysis, offer humorous insight into the physical, social, and cultural development of humans, as well as the links between human activity and the environment. Some of the best in the business like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Brian Regan, John Stewart, Ellen Degeneres, and Jim Gaffigan have made a fortune doing just that. If you don’t believe me, take a moment to search YouTube for your favorite stand-up comedian and listen to their act with this identity in mind.

The first step in thinking like a social scientist looks similar to that of the process of stand-up comedians as they write their material; they consider the complexities and absurdities of human nature. However, the second step towards a social scientific approach is where we are striving to think about and analyze IPC with greater insight and intensity than stand-up comedians. In our case, we are going to take communication research into consideration as we seek to understand the full context of the social phenomenon, draw conclusions and interpret meaning, and make claims about best practices. In doing just that, you will develop into a creative and logical social scientist. Think of yourself as the Sherlock Holmes of communication studies; apply the powers of mindfulness, close observation, and insightful deduction!

Student Quotes About the Book
Sara S. → “My mind is seriously blown, I want to reread this material because it’s completely true and it has opened my mind to so many new ideas. Loved this reading, and my perspective on this course looks much different now.”