Defining Interpersonal Communication

Question 1

EPME developed its own working definition of interpersonal communication:

Answer 1

―Interpersonal communication is a face-to-face, multidirectional exchange of verbal messages and nonverbal signals between two or more people, for the purpose of gaining a shared meaning.

Question 2

The Nature of Interpersonal Communication

Answer 2

1. Depth
2. Scope
3. Suitability

Question 3

Factors Influencing Interpersonal Communication:

Answer 3

1. Knowing self
2. Knowing others
3. The message
4. The situation
5. The setting

Question 4

Knowing Self:

Answer 4

• how we assign meaning to words or react to certain issues or situations
• Monitoring your own actions
• Perception-Checking

Question 5

Knowing others:

Answer 5

• Understanding the people we communicate with

Question 6

The Message:

Answer 6

• the messages sent back and forth between sender and receiver
• What we say
• How we say it (recognizing prominent barriers to interaction, competitive interrupting, content only response
• Nonverbal behavior

Question 7

The Situation:

Answer 7

• a number of situational issues (including random and unpredictable circumstances) drive people to interact with one another.

Question 8

Consider the differences between these two definitions:

Answer 8

• Translate – to turn into one’s own or another language, often in written format.
• Interpret – to explain or tell the meaning of: present in understandable terms

Question 9

The Setting:

Answer 9

• The three most critical factors to consider in selecting or preparing the setting are location, space, and time.

Question 10

One-on-One Interpersonal Communication:

Answer 10

• Face-to-Face

Question 11

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills:

Answer 11

1. Pre-session activities (diagnose, prepare, outline)
2. Session (opening, attending, responding, resolving, closing)
3. Post-session (follow-up actions)