INTERPERSONAL

COMMUNICATION
What is interpersonal communication?
 DEFNITION


 It is defined by communication scholars in numerous ways, though

most definitions involve participants who are interdependent on
one another.
 How physically proximity to one another, how many sensory channels
are used, and the feedback provided.
 Communication channels are the medium chosen to convey the
message from sender to receiver.
Communication channels can be categorized into two main

categories:


 Direct
 Indirect channels of communication.

 Functions of Interpersonal Communication
 1. Gaining Information


 2. Building a Context of Understanding

3. Establishing Identity

The roles we play in our relationships help us establish identity. So does

the face, the public self-image we present to others.
Both roles and face are constructed based on how we interact with
others.
4. Interpersonal Needs

We need to express and receive interpersonal needs.

William Schutz has identified three such needs
 Inclusion – It is the need to establish identity with others.
 Control – It is the need to exercise leadership and prove one's abilities.
 Affection - It is the need to develop relationships with people.

 Communication channels types

Channels
 Means mode of communicating the messages.
Direct

 It is obvious and can be easily recognized by the receiver.

 Non Verbal - written communication or Verbal - spoken communication.
 Actions made.
Indirect

 Usually recognized subliminally or subconsciously by the receiver, and

not under direct control of the sender.

 Body language, that reflects the inner emotions and motivations
rather than the actual delivered message. Eg. Gut feelings, hunches.


 The Johari Window model:



 The Johari Window is a communication model that can be used to

improve understanding between individuals.
 Developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (the word “Johari”
comes from Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham).


Speech communication
Non-Verbal communication
Unconscious
Summarizing
Listening
Questioning



Two key ideas behind the tool:

Individuals  c an  build  trust  be twe e n  the mse lve s  by 

disc lo sing info rmatio n abo ut the mse lve s. 
The y  c an  le arn  abo ut  the mse lve s  and  c o me   to  
te rms  with  pe rso nal  issue s  with  the   he lp  o f 
fe e dbac k fro m o the rs. 
Using  the  Jo hari mo de l, e ac h pe rso n is re pre se nte d 
by  the ir  o wn  fo ur­quadrant,  o r  fo ur­pane ,  windo w. 
Eac h  o f  the se   c o ntains  and  re pre se nts  pe rso nal 
info rmatio n  ­  fe e ling s,  mo tivatio n  ­  abo ut  the  
pe rso n,  and  sho ws  whe the r  the   info rmatio n  is 
kno wn  o r  no t  kno wn  by  the mse lve s  o r  o the r 
pe o ple
The four quadrants are:
Quadrant 1: Open Area
What  is  known  by  the  person  about  him/herself  and  is 
also known by others.

Quadrant 2: Blind Area, or "Blind Spot"
What  is  unknown  by  the  person  about  him/herself  but 
which  others  know.  This  can  be  simple  information,  or 
can  involve  deep  issues  (for  example,  feelings  of 
inadequacy,  incompetence,  unworthiness,  rejection) 
which  are  difficult  for  individuals  to  face  directly,  and 
yet can be seen by others.


Quadrant 3: Hidden or Avoided Area
What the person knows about him/herself that others do 
not.

Quadrant 4: Unknown Area
What is unknown by the person about him/herself and is 
also unknown by others
Four Principles of Interpersonal
Communication
These principles underlie the workings in real life of


interpersonal communication. They are basic to

communication. We can't ignore them .
Interpersonal communication is inescapable


o Not only words, but through tone of voice ,gesture, posture,

facial expression, etc., we constantly communicate to those
around us..


Interpersonal communication is irreversible

o "Once a word goes out of your mouth, you can never swallow
it again." - A Russian proverb
o

Interpersonal communication is complicated

o It’s not simple, even simple seems complex
o We swap symbols which complicates it.
o


 Interpersonal communication is contextual


o Psychological context - Interaction brought by us. Our needs,

desires,values,personality
o

o Relational context – Reaction to the other person known as “the

mix”
o

o Situational context - “where” we communicate Eg. Classroom

and a pub.
o

o Environmental context – Physical “ where” eg. Location, time of

the day, Noise level, season
o

o Cultural context – Learned behaviors that affect the interaction.

How to develop interpersonal
communication
 Suggestions to make communication effective:-


Language:- Complex language, technical terms. Avoid vague

expressions.


Regulating the flow of communication:- Priority of messages

should be communicated.
v Messages should be re-checked to avoid missing important
messages.


Feedback:- Receiver’s message in terms of acceptance and

understanding.
v Two- way communication speaker  receiver


Repetition:- Improves effectiveness of communication.

“ Tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell what you
told them”
 Restraint over emotions:- Feelings and emotions distort the
message either receiver’s or sender’s side.


Mutual trust and faith:- Must be there between sender and receiver.


Listening carefully:- Misunderstanding and confusion occurs when

half heard.
v To be prepared mentally
v Avoid distractions
v Seek clarifications


v



Thank you