SPCH 110 Interpersonal Communication   Relationship Project (rev

SPCH 110

Interpersonal Communication

Relationship Project (rev. 2018)

Purpose of project:

1. To describe and explain the communication in a relationship you have with another person
2. To create a plan to improve some aspect of the relationship, using specific concepts learned from class and/or from your textbook

Relationship Project Proposal- due separately from Relationship Project

• Read the entire project description below.  In a short 1-2 page paper, please tell me: 

1. Describe some of your history as a communicator- what are your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator?  Who taught you how to communicate?
2. Which relationship are you focusing on for this project?
3. Which aspect of the relationship would you like to see improve- what is the history of communication in this relationship?
4. What communication patterns do you think you do well within the relationship?  What patterns don’t seem effective?

Implementation of project:

1. Choose an individual you see at least twice a week, and with whom you have had a personal or professional relationship for at least three months.
2. Describe the nature of the relationship: what type of relationship is it? How did you meet? What is the history of the relationship?
3. Find two resources (journal articles, properly cited) that discussion communication in the type of relationship you chose (ex. Friendship, romantic relationships, parental, sibling, etc)
4. Implement an improvement plan- the improvement plan will consist of the required elements listed below.
5. Write a paper describing your project and analyzing the results. In your paper, include and discuss:

Write and Submit the Paper

1. Background of the Relationship
   1. A description of your communication background, including influences on your identity, perception, and your communication skills. How did you get to become the person and communicator you are? What relationships taught you about ethics and right/wrong in communication and relationships?
   2. A description of the relationship you are working on for this project. How did you meet?  What patterns do you see in your communication within the relationship? Can you identify any relational dynamics as noted in our material? What are your conflict patterns for this relationship? Have you had any ethical issues in the relationship?
2. Implementation of the Project
   1. Summarize both journal articles addressing communication in relationships.
   2. Describe two perceptions checks you used and results. What made you decide to use it in these circumstances?  How did it go?  
   3. Describe and assess your listening patterns within the relationship (give examples). How do your nonverbal impact the situation? What changes did you make to improve your listening skills? (give examples)
   4. Describe two situations where you used I language or supportive language. What was the context?  Were your nonverbal congruent? How did it work?  
3. Analysis of the Project
   1. Analyze the overall result of the implementation. What seemed to work? What might need practice?  How did your change in approach impact the relational dynamics?  Did it impact your conflict patterns?
4. Reflection on the Overall Project
   1. How might better results be obtained in future interactions?
   2. What other relationships might benefit from these skills?
   3. Did your understanding of the impact of interpersonal skills influence how you approach communication situations from an ethical perspective?
5. Additional Requirements
   1. Oral presentation of highlights of project (see below)
   2. Please include a works cited page with proper APA citation for your two journal articles

1. Submit (online students) or present (F2F students)  a 2-3 minute video summary where you share the highlights of what you learned from this project with your classmates.  You do not have to share personal details, but be as specific as possible in terms of the communication skills used and the lessons learned.  (F2F classes will present this summary in class).  This oral presentation is worth 10 points toward your project.

Your grade WILL NOT be based on the success or failure of the plan, but rather on the design, implementation, discussion, and analysis of the plan.

Guidelines for paper:

1. The paper should be 5 to 7 double spaced, typed pages.
2. Papers should be submitted through Canvas by 11:59 pm on the due date.
3.  The paper will be worth 100 points.
4. After ten (10) mistakes in spelling, punctuation, grammar and/or incomplete sentences, the final grade of the paper will be reduced one letter grade.  Late papers will have 10 points deducted for each class day late.