The Nature of Interpersonal Communication
“Interpersonal communication is the verbal and nonverbal interaction between two (or
sometimes more than two) interdependent people. This relatively simple definition
implies a variety of characteristics.”

Interpersonal Communication Involves Interdependent Individuals

Interpersonal Communication Is Inherently Relational

Interpersonal Communication Exists on a Continuum

Interpersonal Communication Involves Verbal and Nonverbal Messages
 Interpersonal Communication Exists in Varied Forms
o Face-to-face vs. Computer-Mediated-Communication (CMC)
o Synchronous vs. Asynchronous communication

Interpersonal Communication Varies in Effectiveness
The Elements of the Interpersonal Communication Process
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Source = the originator of the message.
Receiver = the intended audience of the receiver’s message
Message = the actual content and information being communicated
Channel = the means by which the message is communicated by the source to the
receiver.
Noise = obstacles that keep the message from being accurately communicated, or that
keep the source and receiver from creating shared meaning.
Types of noise
 Physical = external factors such as blaring music, traffic, or others talking
 Physiological = factors of the body such as a headache, or being hungry or tired
 Psychological = factors of the mind such as being sad because a loved one passed
 Semantic = factors relating to language use and understanding.
Feedback = the process by which the receiver responds to the message, which is then
processed and responded to by the source. It is a cyclical, on-going process.
Encoding = the process by which the source chooses what signs and symbols (i.e.
language) to develop the message.
(over)
Decoding = the opposite of encoding, whereby the receiver makes meaning of the
source’s message.
Context = external and internal factors that influence the nature/purpose of the
communication.
 Physical dimension: the place in which a communication takes place
 Temporal dimension: the time in which a communication takes place
 Social-psychological dimension: the status relationship between source and
receiver
 Cultural dimension: includes the attitudes, beliefs, and values of people from
various backgrounds and experience.
Fields of experience = the individual experiences, beliefs, attitudes etc that
communicators bring with them when they engage in a communicative act.
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Principles of Interpersonal Communication
I.C. is a transaction: meaning that it involves an exchange
I.C. is an on-going process: meaning that it is something with no beginning or end, but
rather a process that we enter and influence and are in turn influenced by.
I.C. features elements that are independent: meaning that the various parts of a
communication influence other parts. For example the physical dimension of
conversation affects the types of noise that emerge.
I.C. is purposeful: meaning that there is always a reason or motive to communicating, for
example to learn, relate, play, help, or influence.
I.C. is ambiguous: meaning that there can be multiple meanings to any communication,
thus making the process more dynamic and difficult.
I.C. is a series of punctuated events: meaning that there are certain unique stimuli or
events that occur which influence how we participate and recall a particular
communication.
I.C. relates to both content and relationship: meaning that what is “said” is as equally as
important as who is saying it and what it reveals about how they are connected.
I.C. is inevitable, irreversible, and unrepeatable: meaning that we cannot not
communicate, that once a message is communicated it cannot be taken back, and that it
can never be duplicated because previous communications will have altered the meaning
of the message.
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