Question

interpersonnal communication

Answer 1

Interpersonal communication is the process of exchange of information, ideas, feelings and meaning between two or more people through verbal and/or non-verbal methods. It often includes face-to-face exchange of messages, which may take form of a certain tone of voice, facial expressions, body language and gestures. The level of one’s interpersonal communication skills is measured through the effectiveness of meaning transferred through the message.

Interpersonal communication is largely dyadic in nature (occurring between two people) but is often extended to a small group such as family.

Core concepts:

Interpersonal communication involves interdependent people: The people involved in the communication are interdependent, which means that the action of one person has effects on the other person. Example: A child’s temper tantrum will affect his parents and siblings.

Interpersonal communication essentially defines a relationship:  Interpersonal communication is relational in nature; it takes place in a relationship and the way we communicate depends on the kind of relationship we have with the other person. Example: One wouldn’t call his boss by their nickname, but would for a sibling or a friend.

Elements of interpersonal communication:

Source-Receiver:

Source refers to the party that formulates and sends messages while receiver receives and understands messages.

Messages:

For interpersonal communication to exist, messages must be sent and received. In face-to-face communication, verbal and non-verbal messages are exchanged through speech, facial expressions, body movements and gestures. In online communication, messages are communicated with words, emoticons, photos, videos and audios.

Feedback:

Feedback conveys information about the messages sent

Channel:

Channel refers to the medium between source and receiver through which messages pass

Noise:

Noise refers to any interference faced while receiving a message. It can be physical, physiological, psychological or semantic. Noise cannot be eliminated completely but it can be reduced.

Context:

Every communication takes place within a context. Context refers to an environment that influences the forms and content of communication.

Types of interpersonal communication:

Verbal communication

Verbal communication includes the exchange done with spoken words. This includes what we say and how.

Non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, constitutes 55% of our interpersonal communication. Our action speaks volume and is a key aspect in communication, When it comes to online non-verbal conversation, interpersonal communication may be asynchronous or synchronous.

Asynchronous communication means the conversation doesn’t take place in real time. Example: The sender sends an email. The receiver may receive it a week later and take even longer to reply.

Synchronous communication happens when the receiver responds as soon as they receive the message from the sender. They interact in real time.