Serpentine Model of Communication

Overview

• The serpentine model works backwards from outcomes to understand how they were achieved.
• It examines the patterns of interactions within conversations.
• Concept is rooted in the idea of persons in conversation as defined by Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM).

Key Concepts

• Persons in Conversation:
  • Continuous interaction with others, not limited to verbal exchanges.
  • Life is viewed as a constant dialogue with others.
• Process of Conversation:
  • Interaction is always in motion; nothing is isolated.
  • Barnett's assertion: Social worlds are formed through collaborative actions of multiple individuals.

Serpentine Model Explained

• Named for its resemblance to a snake slithering back and forth.
• Highlights the back-and-forth nature of conversation:
  • Each utterance is a reaction to the previous one.
  • Repetition reveals underlying patterns in communication.

Unwanted Repetitive Patterns (URPs)

• Many individuals get caught in URPs, resulting from subconscious impulses to respond in certain ways.
• URPs typically lead to unproductive or negative outcomes in conversations.
• Lack of critical thinking in responses can escalate conversations unintentionally.

Application of the Serpentine Model

1. Reflective Tool:
   • Analyze conversations after they occur to identify patterns.
2. In-the-Moment Application:
   • Recognize when you are in a conversation and the potential for a serpentine interaction.
   • Pause between hearing what the other person says and your response to avoid knee-jerk reactions.
   • Key Insight: You do not have to respond in a predetermined way; you can choose your response.

Conclusion

• Patterns of interaction are inevitable, but you can influence whether they are positive or negative.
• Emphasizes individual power in shaping conversational patterns through awareness and intentionality.