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A speech describing steps needed to take for ethical practices...

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Name: Class/Section: General Purpose: Provide information to the audience about Erving Goffman’s identitymanagement theory. Specific Purpose: Help the audience understand how cultural and relational identities determine factors in the creation of identities during communication. Explicit thesis: To communicate, they need to negotiate the identities acceptable during an interaction successfully. Title of speech: Purpose of Erving Goffman’s identity management theory

Introduction Have you ever wondered how the self is represented in everyday life? Do you know that every time we interact with one another, our self-image is projected? Individuals' changes and perceptions of themselves within the social context determine how they will project their selfimage in the future. Understanding how our identity is projected during communication is very critical to the management of our identity. Facework is the essence of communication, which manipulates our perceived image of ourselves and others. For effective communication and interaction with others, we need to negotiate some of the mutual identities acceptable during an interaction. Throughout this speech, I will demonstrate how critical and cultural identities are essential in any communication. Conversations about identity are critical to the success of several aspects of our lives. We can influence our interaction with others through our identities, especially those that belong to different cultures and races. Self-image is not permanent, but it is significantly impacted by social influence. This depends on how a person perceives themselves during an interaction. According to Goffman, “ Society is organized on the principle that any individual who possesses certain social characteristics has a moral right to expect that others will value and appropriately

treat him." (Goffman, 1963). An excellent example of the significance of conversations around identity is how it fosters social workers' work. Personal identities dictate how social workers interact with clients, and more importantly, those from different cultures. Interaction is shaped and influenced by the audience and environment. Communication is enabled through interactions. The identity management theory provides that the development of intercultural relationships is achieved through specific steps. The first step is described as “trial and error” (Lee, 2008), which involves identifying shared interests and similar aspects in identities. This means two individuals from different cultures need to identify the aspects of their identities that are similar and some of the interests they share in. By doing this, interaction is potentially initiated and viable to move to the next step. The second step is described as "mixing up" (Lee, 2008) and aims to initiate a relational identity acceptable by both communicating individuals. The final step involves reshaping cultural identities while maintaining the relational identity. An excellent example of this process may be seen between an Indian and a Japanese individual that has met for the first time. If it is assumed that they have a common communicating language, they would first greet each other. After the greetings, the two individuals will seek shared interests to create relational identities. Such shared interests may include food, Buddhism, and various aspects of art, and so much more. This will guide both individuals towards reshaping their thoughts and ideas so that they can accommodate one another. According to the Identity Management Theory, the face is a very fundamental aspect. It reflects on cultural and relational identities, meaning that a person's face work indicates their opinions and reactions. Paying attention to a person's facework during an interaction is essential to understand different aspects of their cultural identities. Facework is the essence of

communication, and it calls for intense practice and knowledge of other cultures to make communication possible. Facework remains the most distinct feature of identity management theory as it provides how people communicate their cultural and relational identities. Goffman (1967) asserts that we support another's face during social interactions through cooperative means. Conclusion Through identity management theory, we can better understand cultural differences relationships and how we can develop an understanding of identities on our own. Negotiating the acceptable identities by all the parties in social interaction is critical for successful communication. To create identities during communication, cultural and relational identities play a significant role. Identity management theory focuses on interpersonal communication and the management of identity among people from various cultures. The application of this theory in our current multicultural society helps in eliminating stigma linked to identity. We should strive to embrace other people's cultural and relational identities to foster better co-existence within the society. Goffman looks into the aspect of stigma, highlighting one of the significant aims of identity-management theory. I hope that your perspective on identity and other cultures takes a turn for the best and that you will understand the significance of identity, especially when interacting with people from other cultures.

References Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice-Hall. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.45.527.642 Goffman, E. (1967). Interaction ritual: Essays on face-to-face interaction. Lee, P. W. (2008). Stages and transitions of relational identity formation in intercultural friendship: Implications for identity management theory. Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, 1, 51-69. doi: 10.1080/17513050701690918...