Introduction to
Interpersonal
Communication
Chapter One
Interpersonal
Communication
Defining Interpersonal
Communication
• Is a special form of human
communication
• Involves simultaneous
interaction between individuals
• Involves mutual influence
between individuals
• Is the fundamental means we
use to manage our relationships
The Importance of
Interpersonal
Communication
• Improves relationships with our
family
• Improves relationships with our
friends
• Improves relationships with our
colleagues
• Improves our physical and
emotional health
Communication
Definition:
• The process of acting
upon information
Human Communication
Definition:
• The process of making
sense out of the world
and sharing that sense
with others
Interpersonal
Communication
Definition: p7
• The process of interacting
simultaneously with another
• and mutually influencing each
other,
• usually for the purpose of
managing relationships
An Evolving Model for
Human and Interpersonal
Communication
• Human Communication as
Action
• Human Communication as
Interaction
• Human Communication as
Transaction
Human Communication
as Action
• Human communication is
linear, with meaning sent
or transferred from
source to receiver.
Human Communication
as Interaction
• Human communication
occurs as the receiver of
the message responds to
the source through
feedback.
• Linear model --reaction
sequence of events.
first
second
Human Communication
as Transaction
• Human communication is
simultaneously interactive.
• Meaning is created based on
mutual, concurrent sharing of
ideas and feelings.
• Best model
Components of the Human
Communication Process
• Source
– puts the message into code
• Receiver
– decodes the message
• Message
– elements of communication to which
people assign meaning
• Channel
– pathway through which messages are
sent
• Noise
– information that interferes with the
reception of the message
Components of the Human
Communication Process,
Continued
• Encode
– translate ideas, feelings, and thoughts into
a code
• Decode
– interpret ideas, feelings, and thoughts that
have been put into a code
• Context
– physical and psychological
communication environment
• Feedback
– response to a message
A Model p15
context
Noise
encode
Source
Message
decode
Channel
Feedback
Receiver
Five Principles of
Interpersonal
Relationships
Interpersonal relationships are:
• Both systems and processes
• Emphasize both message content and
personal feelings
• Defined by the roles we assume
• Governed by social rules
• Complementary, symmetrical, or
parallel
How to Improve Your Own
Interpersonal Communication
• Be knowledgeable: Learn principles,
concepts, and ideas.
• Be skilled: Translate knowledge into
action.
• Be motivated: Resolve to use your
knowledge and skill.
• Be flexible: Select the behavior; one
size does not fit all.
• Be other-oriented: Focus on others
rather than only on your needs.