Competence Appraisals: Dynamic Judgements of Communication Competence in Real Time

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of competence appraisals, defined as ongoing assessments of competence along multiple dimensions that are made by actors and observers. Even as a speaker assembles and delivers her or his message, a self-evaluation of competence occurs continuously, which is integrated with the process of deciding what to say and how to say it. This concept of competence appraisals draws on Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST), Action-Assembly Theory and Stimulus-Appraisal Theory.