Interpersonal Communication: Elements, Types of Communication

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Interpersonal Communication
Introduction
Interpersonal communication can be referred to as the process by which individuals exchange meaning, feelings, and information through verbal, as well as non-verbal messages. In other words, communication is done face to face. The communication is not just about what is being said-the linguistic used-but how it is done and the non-verbal messages sent through body language, gestures, facial expressions, as well as the tone of voice. When two or more individuals meet and are aware of the presence of each other, then there is communication taking place, regardless of how unintentional or restrained it is. Additionally, people communicate through non-verbal behavior like facial expression and posture. Interpersonal communication skills are intrinsic. On the other hand, skills can be acquired through experiences. They are important as they help in turning goals into reality. This paper aims at examining the benefits of interpersonal communication in our day-to-day activities and the need for better listening habits in the classroom.
Elements of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is among the fundamental means of communication. Research has revealed that interpersonal communication skills can be improved by feedback, knowledge, and practice. Certain elements are involved in interpersonal communication skills, they are as follows
Source-Receiver
In interpersonal communication, the source refers to the individual(s) that sends the message. On the other hand, the receiver is the party that receives and understands the intended information. The term source-receiver is used to denote the role a person plays either as the source or as the receiver to ensure that the intended message is received.
Message
Messages have to be sent and received for interpersonal communication to take place. In face-to-face contact, the message is either verbal or non-verbal. It is exchanged through gestures, body movements, facial expressions, and speech. In online platforms, messages are sent through audios, videos, photos, emoticons, and words.
Feedback
Feedback is used to convey the information on the sent message. In face-to-face communication, confusion, puzzled looks, smiles, nods of the agreement are some of the ways used to convey that the message has been received. Feedback can be monitored as communication is taking place.
Channel
Channel can be referred to as the medium used to pass the information from the source to the recipient. Various channels are used in interpersonal communication. However, in face-to-face communication, gestures, as well as voice, are used to pass the intended message.
Noise
Noise can be referred to as any interference that is faced when communication is taking place. It can be semantic, psychological, physiological or physical. We cannot eliminate noise but it can be minimized.
Context
For every communication to take place, there has to be a context. Context is the environment that influences the content, as well as forms of communication.
Types of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication can be divided into verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal ...