Chapter Overview:

In this chapter, the authors discuss the role of identity and perception in interpersonal relationships as well as in public advocacy and speech building. The authors’ begin by laying the foundation for understanding identity and perception. Next, they build upon these definitions by discussing the ways and which identity and perception are inextricably linked while discussing several theories such as social constructionism, impression management, and performance.

Chapter Goals:

• Explore how identity and perception are central to communication study
• Analyze the role of power and culture in the formation of identity
• Apply communication theories to the study of identity and perception
• Apply theories of identity and perception to public communication contexts, in general, and to audience analysis, in particular

Chapter Outline:

1. Who Is Harper? Three Communication Understandings
   
   1. Identity and Perception as Social Construction
   2. Symbolic Interactionism
   3. Impression Management
   4. Identity and Perception as Cultural Location
   5. Positionalities
   6. Standpoint Theory
   7. Identity and Perception as Performance
2. Public Advocacy: Perception and Audience Analysis
   
   1. Perspective
   2. Audience Analysis