Real Communication An Introduction

Chapter 2  Perceiving the Self and Others 55

consist of self-presentation and self-disclosure, two terms we will explain
soon. Our behavior generates feedback from others, which leads to our
assessments of self-actualization, self-adequacy, and self-denigration. These
judgments of our performance then affect our cognitions. As you read about
self-presentation, self-disclosure, and feedback in the coming pages, refer to
this illustration to remind yourself of the roles these play in your interactions
with others.

Self-Presentation

You let others know about yourself through self-presentation—intentional
communication designed to show elements of the self for strategic purposes. For
example, if you want to create the impression among your coworkers that you
are competent at your job as a teacher, you might mention during conversations
how you’ve successfully handled disciplinary situations or how you’ve designed
innovative lessons to make long division fun.
We all tend to focus on self-presentation when we are being evaluated,
formally or informally, by others (Canary & Cody, 1993). For example, you
probably behave very differently when you are meeting your significant other’s
parents for the first time than when you’re hanging out with your friends or your
own family.
Self-presentation can take many forms. You can present yourself through
face-to-face conversation, through e-mail or text messaging, and Twitter and

BEHAVIOR

self-presentation

self-disclosure

ASSESSMENT

self-actualization

self-adequacy

self-denigration

COGNITION

self-concept

self-esteem

self-efficacy

Feedb

ack from others

FIGURE 2.5

THE SELF The self is

composed of our cognitions,

our behavior, and our self-

assessments. These factors

work together to affect our

communication.