Interpersonal communication entails an exchange of information between two or more individuals (Proctor & Adler, 1991). Also, it can be defined as the ability of an individual to pay attention to others, engage in their situation and solve any challenging situation collaboratively. My Fair Lady ; an American musical drama film is the film that has captured my interest in discussing the effectiveness in interpersonal communication. The film adapted from the Lerner and Loewe eponymous stage musical based on the 19 th -century stage play by George Bernard is characterized by different actors that present dynamic skills on interpersonal communication throughout the play. Apart from the exchange of information, interpersonal communication involves the exchange of feelings through different verbal and non-verbal messages that present the meaning of how the feelings and the message is conveyed. Effectiveness in interpersonal communication determines how well feelings are expressed, how well information is passed from one person to the other. Consequently, this manuscript identifies the effectiveness of communication as presented in the film, My Fair Lady, directed by George Cukor.
The story, “ My Fair Lady ” presents different cases of interactions whose predictability is complicated among the presented parties. Proctor defines interpersonal communication as a unique interaction between individuals. The effectiveness of interpersonal communication in the context is measured by the extent to which different types of communication have been employed to ensure effective communication between two or more people in the film. The film presents an application of different elements of interpersonal communication, which have been employed in the context to determine the effectiveness of interpersonal communication in the context.
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Eliza is among the main characters in the film; a homeless, illiterate common flower girl. Her character defines her culture that is defined as an uneducated and homeless culture. This culture influences her interpersonal communication with the people around her. For instance, Higgins makes an immediate assumption on Eliza judging her from her communication skills. Although her communications were unlimited, her illiteracy affects her pronunciation hence inducing the difference. Professor Higgins treats Eliza as a thing, referring to her as a creature. Professor Higgins’ interpersonal relationship with Eliza has various differences that demonstrate the need for effective interpersonal communication. An effective on entail the ability of the involved individuals to listen to each other and help in getting solutions to any existing difference. In centrally, Higgins does not listen to Eliza. Instead, he uses the illiteracy and homelessness of Eliza to ridicule her way of communication.
However, among the interpersonal communications depicted from the film include the relationship between Eliza and Colonel Pickering. The effectiveness of the communication between them is depicted from the fact that Pickering understands Eliza’s culture and tries to defend her from Professor Higgins. Colonel Pickering refers to Eliza s “My dear”, words that are mostly used in the context to express feelings as part of communication. In addition, referring to Eliza as a poor girl, Colonel gets immersed in Eliza’s situation defining the nature of communication he would have with her. The effectiveness of interpersonal communication between them is defined by how Colonel treats Eliza presenting the pitying emotional state in him. Actually, Colonel Pickering fights for Eliza’s freedom through urging Higgins to avoid overworking Eliza since she is also a person. Pickering maintains good interpersonal communication with Eliza through fighting for safety and proper treatment by Higgins. Moreover, Pickering speaks to Eliza as a lady and treats her with tender hence presenting effective interpersonal communication between them.
The relationship between Pickering and Higgins demonstrates effectiveness in interpersonal communication. Their formal titles regulate the nature of communication between the two personalities. Professor Higgins is thought of being an undercover detective hence colonel Pickering approaches him with due reverence and discusses issues attentively. In addition, Professor Higgins is presented in the content as an arrogant person. However, through their interpersonal communication with Colonel Pickering, he listens to him and takes his words. For instance, Colonel Pickering addresses the issue of mistreatment of Eliza petitioning for her safety and proper treatment. In return, Professor Higgins listens and raises no arguments towards Colonel Pickering. Moreover, Prof Higgins speaks to Colonel Pickering as his equal giving him attention due to his social life. They both treat each other with respect throughout the film. This contrast with the treatment offered to Eliza due to her social life and culture characterizing her life. In addition, their case presents an element that influences the effectiveness of interpersonal communication between the involved persons. Social differences and illiteracy affect interpersonal communication between individuals.
Among the aspects of interpersonal communication, the context communicated, the parties involved, message and the feedback given play a significant role in enhancing effective communication. The parties involved might have varying perceptions towards each other, which influences the nature of communication taking place between them. For instance, Prof Higgins had a perception towards Eliza, refereeing to her as an uneducated creature who seemed useless in his view of society. In centrally, Colonel Pickering had a different perception towards Eliza viewing her as a nice lady who deserved proper treatment.
Moreover, the culture defining the individuals involved in interpersonal communication is substantial for obtaining the necessary feedback and a conducive environment that could allow effective communication. The interpersonal communication between Higgins and Eliza could not be effective following the cultural difference characterizing each party. Moreover, Higgins perception towards Eliza could not allow him to pay attention to Eliza’s message. Following the culture defining Eliza, Professor Higgins never treated her with respect hence threatening effective interpersonal communication between them.
Professor Higgins reasons that the way an individual speaks dictates how you classify them. However, Colonel Pickering argues that how you classify someone should not affect the interpersonal communication between you. Additionally, classification should not dictate the attitude towards them. Colonel is against Higgins’ cruel treatment on Eliza. However, Colonel expresses the issue to Higgins with an attitude of gentleness and kindness demonstrating the effectiveness of interpersonal communication. How you treat an individual determines the effectiveness of the interpersonal communication between the people involved. Eliza accredits Colonel Pickering to Higgins saying that his gentle and kind treatment towards her facilitated her development into a great lady. Pickering’s gentleness bloomed Eliza into a Lady enhancing the effectiveness of their interpersonal communication.
In conclusion, the relationships identified in the context relating to the film dem0nstrate different aspects that influence the effectiveness of the interpersonal relationship. Listening is a substantial aspect that facilitates effective interpersonal communication. However, identified in the context are attributes that hinder listening including different perceptions between the people involved in the communication process. In addition, the effectiveness of interpersonal communication develops different attitudes towards each other. Communication is made complete by sending a message through any form of communication and obtaining the respective feedback. The orientation through which an individual approaches a conflict is significant for effective interpersonal communication. Interpersonal communication is a delicate matter since it is capable of either strengthening a relationship or damaging the relationship between the individuals. Therefore listening, positive conflict orientation, kindness, and gentleness are significant aspects that facilitate effective interpersonal communication between the people involved.
References
Proctor, R. F., & Adler, R. B. (1991). Teaching interpersonal communication with feature films. Communication Education , 40 (4), 393-400.
