Purpose

Studying the impact of communication techniques on enhancing interpersonal communication styles and improving the quality of our relationships.

Process

Select a technique that enhances interpersonal communication. (For example, you may want to focus on Image Management, Self-fulfilling Prophecies, Smiling, Perception Checking, using “I” Language, or a specific skill associated with Listening.)
Research what communication scholars have said about it.
Conduct experiments with it in various settings.
Write about what you have noticed and learned about its effect on your interpersonal communication style and its impact on your relationships.

In your term project paper, include each of the following sections.  Clearly identify each section with a subheading.

The Topic:  Identify and describe one technique on which you will focus. Be certain to clearly state the topic and describe it fully. Show that you understand the topic. 

Rationale:  Explain why you have chosen this particular topic.  Go into some detail here. Why did it catch your attention?  What are you hoping to find out by experimenting with this technique?  What are you hoping to discover or accomplish?

Research.  What have communication experts had to say about this technique? In this section, indicate three (3) or more research sources you consulted and what they have to say about this topic. For sources, look at the suggested readings at the end of the text chapter relevant to your topic. Seek the help of college librarians for scholarly journals relevant to your interest.  As you do your research, be sure to take appropriate bibliographic notes to create in-text citations and for preparing the Works Cited page using MLA format.  If you are having difficulty about how to handle this requirement, visit the Writing Center in S500.  The purpose of this section is to give intellectual scope to your work and to demonstrate appropriate skills in writing an academic research paper.

Description of Experiments: Be prepared to experiment with the technique you have selected for a period of several weeks. Describe your experiments.  Include at least three different settings, such as work, a school related situation, a personal relationship, or a family situation. Go into detail. Describe the following:

What were the contexts in which you experimented with the technique?
What were the relationships you have with the other parties? (Do not experiment with strangers.)
How did you conduct the experiments?
Where did you conduct them?
What did you notice?
What changes did the technique bring about?
Did things go as they always had in the past, or did new outcomes emerge?
Did the other parties notice your new actions?
Were they aware, and if so, did they comment?
Were there secondary outcomes not anticipated?

Be certain that your experiments are intended to produce only positive outcomes.  Do not do anything that could have negative, harmful, or unethical effects.  Do not experiment with strangers.

Conclusions: What do you conclude as a result of your experiment?  It is OK to include mixed results. What role do you think this technique has in your interpersonal communication?  Will you use it in the future? Does it suggest additional actions on your part?

Hopefully, this project will provide you with practice in and insights about a technique that enhances your interpersonal communication and, therefore, your relationships.  If you deem it valuable, this technique can become one you will use throughout your lifetime with beneficial results. Maybe, it will inspire you to experiment with other communication enhancing techniques.

Required Format:

Use the New Times Roman font, size 12.  The paper cannot be handwritten.
All four margins (left, right, top, and bottom) must be one-inch wide.
Properly capitalize the title. Center the title, using the central justification icon, not the space bar. Do not use the bold print, underscore, quotation marks, or italics in the title.
Double-space the text between the lines.
Enter two spaces after a period.