Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal

messages

It is face-to-face communication.
Interpersonal communication is not just about what is actually said - the language used - but how it is said and the non-verbal messages sent through tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures and body language.

Interpersonal communication is a key skill for personal and professional relationships.

What you say and what you don't say both carry a lot
of weight in communication.

Having effective interpersonal communication

means that you use both of these forms to your advantage and remain aware of your behavior throughout a conversation.

The communicators
The message

Noise
Feedback

Context
Channel

Give and collect information. Influence the attitudes and behavior of others. Form contacts and maintain relationships. Express personal needs and understand the needs of others. Give and receive emotional support. Make decisions and solve problems. Anticipate and predict behavior. Regulate power.

Self awareness Control over oneself Speaking clearly and pleasantly Good manners and etiquettes Listening Understanding of non-verbal behavior Feedback Asking questions Assertiveness without aggression Summarizing Closure

Two Views of Interpersonal Communication

Quantitative Communication
Any interaction between two people, usually face to face Can be considered routine or impersonal

Qualitative Communication
Occurs when we treat others as unique individuals
regardless of context or the number of people involved

Aspects of Qualitative Communication

Uniqueness Irreplaceability Interdependence Disclosure Intrinsic Rewards The scarcity of quality interpersonal communication

contributes to its value.

Mediated Interpersonal Communication

Mediated Channels

Instant Messaging, emailing, blogging, Twittering

Social networks Facebook MySpace
The difference between face-to-face and virtual

relationships is eroding

Mediated Interpersonal Communication

Benefits

Internet users have more social networks than nonusers Computer-based communication encourages offline interaction by keeping relationships active Text-only messages can: Bring people closer by minimizing the perception of

differences
Stimulate both self-disclosure and direct questioning

4. Processual - Communication evolves over time and is changing

continuously.

5. Reciprocal Interaction - Individuals communicate

simultaneously & consistently for effective communication.

6. Individuals - Interpersonal communication is between individuals who develop and sustain a relationship.

7. Personal Knowledge Interpersonal communication creates

personal knowledge.

8. Create Meaning We don't merely exchange words when we communicate. These meanings grow out of histories of interaction between unique persons.

Common to all interpersonal communications are some basic principles.

1.

Interpersonal communication is inescapable :- We can't not communicate. The very attempt not to communicate communicates something. Through not only words, but through tone of voice and through gesture, posture, facial expression, etc., we constantly communicate to those around us.

2. Interpersonal communication is irreversible :- You can't really take back

something once it has been said. The effect must inevitably remain. A Russian proverb says, "Once a word goes out of your mouth, you can

never swallow it again."

3. Interpersonal communication is complicated No form of communication is simple. Because of the number of variables involved, even simple requests are extremely complex. Theorists note that whenever we communicate there are really at least six "people" involved:
i.

who you think you are

ii.
iii. iv. v. vi.

who you think the other person is

who you think the other person thinks you are who the other person thinks /she is who the other person thinks you are and who the other person thinks you think s/he is.

4. Interpersonal communication is contextual Communication does not happen in isolation. There is:

Psychological context - Which is who you are and what you bring to the interaction. Your needs, desires, values, personality, etc., all form the

psychological context.

Relational context - Which concerns your relations to the other person. Situational context - Deals with the psycho-social "where" you are

communicating. An interaction that takes place in a classroom will be very

different from one that takes place in a bar.

Environmental context - Deals with the physical "where" you are

communicating.

Cultural context - Includes all the learned behaviors and rules that affect the interaction.

Uni directional communication sender to a

passive receiver

It shows communication as a sequential process

Absence of feedback

Portrays communication as a sequential process

Fails to capture the dynamic nature of

interpersonal skills

Provides clarity of what is being communicated, how it is being communicated and the context

Doesnt label a person as Sender or Receiver