Midterm Period

Interpersonal
Communication

NATURE OF
INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION

Communication makes us more human

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the nature of interpersonal
communication;
Distinguish between interpersonal and
intrapersonal communication;
Recognize the characteristics of
interpersonal communication;
Differentiate the styles of interpersonal
communication; and
Discuss the barriers to interpersonal
communication and the steps to counter
them.

al
Communica
tion
is an informal
interaction in
the process of
sending and
receiving
information
between two or
more people.

Elements of Interpersonal
Communication

People may be a sender of a message, a receiver of a

message, or a sender and receiver simultaneously.

People

Messages

Effects

Messages may be verbal or nonverbal, but

we often associate messages with words.

Effects of a messages may be physical (sweating,

trembling, clapping of hands); mental (change of
mind decision); or emotional (anger or happiness).

Characteristics of Interpersonal
Communication
1. It involves at least two people.
. Interpersonal communication may
occur between two people who are
part of a larger group.
2. It involves feedback.
. All communications deserve a
feedback verbal or nonverbal.
3. It need not be face to face.
. Interpersonal communication may not
always be face-to-face encounter.

Characteristics of Interpersonal
Communication
4. It need not be intentional.
. Interpersonal communication may
have been spurred by the moment.
5. It produces some effects.
. A message unheard, unnoticed is a
message undelivered.
6. It need not involve words.
. We associate communication with
words, but nonverbal communication
is as powerful as verbal
communication.

Characteristics of Interpersonal
Communication
7. It is affected by noise.
. A noise coming from the source of the
message, the receiver, or the
environment can disturb the
communication process.

Noise disturbances

1. Source-generated noise.
. Linguistic problems.
. Paralinguistic problems.
. Inconsistency between word
said, gesture, and facial
expression .
2. Receiver-generated noise.
. Poor communication skills.
. Attitude toward the topic and the
people he listens to.
. Emotional reaction to words used
(vulgar language) or gesture
(obscene gesture) or racist and

Noise disturbances

3. Environmental noise.
. Acoustic Noise.
. Visual Noise.

STYLES OF
INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION

According to Bateman and Zeithaml

1. Controlling vs. Egalitarian Style

Controlling style
is a one-way
communication
used to direct
others and gain
their
compliance.

Egalitarian style,
on one hand, is
two-way style of
communication
where
information is
shared and
behavior or
response is not
directed or
forced.

2. Structuring vs. Dynamic Style

Structuring style
is used to inform
others of goals
or procedures.

Dynamic style, a
high-energy level
approach, uses
inspirational
pleas to move
others to take
action.

3. Relinquishing vs. Withdrawing Style

Relinquishing
style is
differential, not
directive.

Withdrawing
style is
characterized by
no
communication.

BARRIERS
AGAINST
EFFECTIVE
INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
Theprinciple that human nature, in its psychological aspects, is nothing
more than a product of history and given social relations removes all
barriers to coercion and manipulation by the powerful.
- Noam Chomsky

1. Emotions

Extreme emotions
are obstacles to
effective
communication

2. Filtering

The sender
manipulates or
reforms the
message

3. Informatio
n Overload
Overloading the
brain with
information may
cause an overflow
and break down
the
communication
process

4. Defensiven
ess
When threatened
or placed in a
disadvantageous
position or
situation, we tend
to be defensive.

5. Cultural
Differences
Differences in
social, cultural,
and historical
background
causes
miscommunicatio
n.

The most important thing in communication is to hear

what isnt being said.
-Peter Drucker

Overcoming Barriers to
Effective Interpersonal
Communication

Overcoming Barriers
1. Simplify Language
. There is no substitute for simple
language if the aim is to
communicate.
2. Listen actively
. When discussing sensitive
issues, hold your tongue till your
emotion simmers down before
responding.

Overcoming Barriers
3. Listen actively
. The receiver of a message
should listen with his heart so he
will not only understand but also
feel the words.
4. Provide feedback
The sender provides feedback by
asking some questions so that the
receiver on the other hand confirm
or correct his understanding of
the message.

Lets communicate!