Interpersonal communication a process by which people use to exchange information, feeling and message by using verbal and nonverbal cues. Through this process people are able to create and manage their relationships. Without communication relationships cannot exist. Effective communication is one of the keys factors when trying to maintain a happy and healthy relationship. It helps to produce a healthy atmosphere for relationships to flourish.
In the 2006 film, The Break-Up written by Jay Lavender and Jeremy Garelick, I was able to identify different communication processes. The Break-Up, starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn is highly based on the communication between the characters. The use of active listening and nonverbal communication was displayed. The movie showed how ineffective communication can dissolve a relationship. When one chooses to maintain and enhance a relationship the practice of effective communication should be a key element, weather through the active listening process or nonverbal communication. The active listening is a communication technique that required the listener to pay close attention to the message and to provide feedback on what he or she hears from the person that is speaking.
Through active listening one has the opportunity to understand what is being told to them by the speaker and to be able to respond and form opinions about the message that is being conveyed. There are five stages involved in the listening process. These five stages are attending or receiving, understanding, remembering and retaining, critically evaluation information and responding. Throughout the film, The Break- Up there are different scenarios where the display of active listening is portrayed.
In the scene titled “Nothing left to give,” when Gary finally admits his true feelings to Brooke, but it is too late is a great display of active listening. Gary finally broke down and told Brooke how hard it has been on him since they broke up. He also told her that he didn’t realized Brooke still cared as much as she did until he saw her crying after he stood her up. Brooke was able to get physically and mentally ready to listen to what Gary had to say after she excused her friend and he stepped out to give them privacy. By using emphatic listening Brooke was able to understand what Gary was feeling.
With understanding she was then able to decode the message and retain the information being given. She then critically evaluated the information, after she determine how truthful or believable Gary’s message was. After she thought about it and evaluated the facts that she has given up so much of herself and her needs to maintain her relationship with Gary. She responded with I have “nothing left to give.” The benefits and importance of active listening makes proves that listening is the most essential part of effective communication. When we practice active listening we are able to understand fully what is being said and then formulate a more
