The Dimensions of Relational Competence.

A  relationship

may be defined as dealings and feelings between people. Relationships belong to all participants involved and each must be proficient in order for the relationship to function. Mutual proficiency is the standard requirement. 

There are of two types of messages: content and relational messages.  Content messages are about a particular topic.  Relational messages are about the relationship between the participants.  Content messages refer to the information in the discussion; and relational messages express the feelings for the other person.

There are another two kinds of messages: Confirming and dis confirming messages.  Confirming messages increase our self-esteem, while dis confirming messages give a feeling of inadequacy.  

People don’t always say what they mean, but their body gestures and movements tell the truth!  Emblems, illustrators and regulators as types of gestures that function as non-verbal communicators.  The term Kinesics is the study of body language.

Emblems can easily be described verbally because everyone knows what they mean.  Illustrators are body language that emphasize what is being said.  Regulators are body language that helps our interactions run smoothly.