Interpersonal Communication - All About It

Take a second - How would you define interpersonal communication?

Would you say that "two people talking" would define it accurately?

Not exactly.

For example: Neither a grocery store clerk asking if you "want paper or plastic" nor when you ask for a specific cup of coffee at Starbucks would qualify as interpersonal communication. Instead, those two previous examples would be a more mechanical, business form of communicating. In light of this, we can conclude that the definition of "two people chatting" is just too broad, simple, and general.

So... Is interpersonal communication basically the act of sharing personal details or secrets with another person?

It's a possible scenario, but it's not a requirement.

It's usually the case that if two people are experiencing true interpersonal communication, that they will already be at the degree of closeness that is needed for consideration of sharing secrets to begin with. However, again, sharing dark details is not a requirement.

Would you say that "romantic" and "interpersonal" are interchangeable terms in this type of communication?

Not always.

While romantic relationships NEED interpersonal communication, this type of communicating can occur without a romantic fire burning between the two individuals. Examples would include friends, neighbors, coworkers, siblings and relatives.

So what is this interpersonal communication?

Interpersonal Communication is when two people communicate beyond the roles of the circumstances at that specific time.

When your teacher takes the time to speak with you about your weekend, when you invite your doctor over to your family cookout, when your boss invites you over for dinner - those are all likely situations leading to interpersonal communication.

In each of the above scenarios the two individuals are participating in communication that goes beyond what their roles in society and relationships prescribe. Thus, interpersonal communication is born.

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