Question

The Interpersonal Communication Continuum

Explain how you interpret the statement, "Interpersonal communication exists along a continuum." Have you ever engaged in communication with someone who wanted to be more personal than you wanted to be? How about less? How did you handle the situation? What are your own guidelines for interpersonal communication in the workplace?

Answer 1

While using an impersonal channel during everyday communication with other people we are acting quite "normally". We are doing just what we need to do, making a rational choice to protect ourselves by intentionally not getting too close. However, whenever we use personal communication we are noticeably more connected but less protected. Thus interpersonal communication exists along a continuum i.e. it ranges from relatively impersonal (distant) to highly personal form of communication. I have at times engaged in communication with someone who wanted to be more personal than I wanted to be; such as a communication with my classmate, who wanted to be my boyfriend. I have at times engaged in communication with someone who wanted to be less personal than I wanted to be; such as a communication with my boss in the company I work. I have handled both the situations very nicely as I have been polite in my conversations. For my classmate who wanted to be my boyfriend, I told him that I am already dating someone. With my boss, I have maintained brief conversations; maintaining the code of conduct in the workplace. Guidelines for interpersonal communication in the workplace;

• Using simple and easy language that may be understood by all
• Speaking slowly so that everyone understands
• Listening to others; while they are speaking
• Maintaining congruence between the verbal and non-verbal messages