Guidelines - Shifting Perspective Essay

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES PAPER

(750 - 1000 Words)

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to help you (1) understand howothers view an interpersonal issue, (2) recognize the merits anddrawbacks of each person’s perspective and (3) recognize how aninterpersonal issue may not be as important as it first seems.Although understanding perception is difficult, the reward ofincreased empathy is well worth the effort.

Instructions

Select one disagreement or other issue which is now affecting aninterpersonal relationship in your life. Record enough backgroundinformation for an outsider to understand the issue (Who isinvolved? How long has the disagreement been going on? What are thebasic issues involved?). Describe the issue from each of the fourpositions listed below.  Record your considerations atthe end of this exercise. Pages 131-132; 134-135of your text will be especially helpful to you while preparing forthis assignment.

Construct your paper as an essay following the format below. Itshould be no longer than 1000 words.

Section 1 – Background Information

Position 1:  Explain how you are right andthe other person is wrong

Position 2:  Explain how the other person’sposition is correct, or at least understandable

Position 3:  Show that there are both correct(or understandable) and mistaken (or unreasonable) parts of bothpositions

Position 4:      

1. Describe at least two ways in which the elements developed inpositions 1 – 3 might affect your relationship.
2. Describe at least one way in which the issue might be seen asless important than it was originally
3. Describe at least one way in which the issue might be seen asmore important than it was originally

Section 2 – Your Considerations

What additional considerations or input do you have on thesituation?

Interpersonal Communication Essay!!