Experiencing Positive Communication 2 Building Positive Communication Pedagogy: Positive Experiential Communication Learning in Human Relating

• Main Author: Thomas J. Socha
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Seligman; Spitzberg
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.601.715; http://ww2.odu.edu/~tsocha/ssca_memphis/socha-positive-communication-pedagogy-NCA-08.pdf

Following the lead of positive psychology (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000) and complementing the dark side of interpersonal communication (Spitzberg & Cupach, 1998, 2004, 2007), this paper seeks to continue to expand the awareness of communication researchers and educators about positive communication—communication that facilitates positive subjective states, enhances development of positive character traits, and creates and sustains empowering relationships, groups, and organizations (e.g., Socha, 2006; 2007; in press). In particular, the paper describes experiential learning assignments—Positive Communication Experiences— created for a new communication course—Positive Communication in Human Relating. The paper offers suggestions for communication educators about incorporating positive communication experiential lessons into communication courses and communication curricula.