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Eric Berne's Theory Of Personal Communication

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Communication is “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviour” (Communication, n.d., para. 1). As humans, we naturally interact with others therefore, it is important to understand our personal communication styles, and how they can affect communication. This essay will attempt to cover my personal communication experience, as well as, three main concepts of Eric Berne’s theory with a link to my experience. Moreover, a discussion of reflection of my own communication skills, interpersonal professional communication style and cultural influences.
All prepared in my new role as a step-in manager, my first experience of conflict occurred during a peak period on delivery …show more content…

One concept of transactional analysis is based on three distinct ego states namely, Parent, Adult, Child. Berne (as cited in Hollins Martin, 2011) clarifies that transactional analysis aims to identify which ego states a person is transacting in, and by this, we can determine the pattern of transaction (p. 587). This theory provides an understanding of our personalities and the way we think, feel and behave (UK Association for Transactional Analysis, 2016). Each ego state has specific characteristics that define its concept. Firstly, the parent state is described as behaviour that is formed by external events and influences experienced throughout early childhood. Secondly, the adult state is our ability to think in the here and now and determine an action based on the current situation. Thirdly, the child state looks at our internal emotions and reactions to external events (Hollins Martin, p. 588). By observing the transaction, we can determine if communication is complementary or crossed. In contrast, the second concept of transactional analysis is complementary transaction. This is when a message is returned from the respondent to the ego of the stimuli. As opposed to, crossed transactions which are problematic and occur when the expected response differentiates from the original stimulus state (Hollins Martin, 2011, p. 589). The last concept of transactional analysis is strokes, in brief this is regarded as the units of care. Two essential strokes in life are needed whether it be actual or symbolic. For example, actual strokes are seen as tangible connections, whereas symbolic strokes are intangible connections (English, 2014, p. 4). Hollins Martin further explains that a person can interchange between states, and these can be observed through an individual’s behaviour, words, body language, facial expressions and

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