Features of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is defined as selective, systemic, individual, processual transaction that allow people to reflect and build personal knowledge of one another and create shared meanings.

·      Selective: We do not communicate intimately with everyone; we select to communicate with liberty with our family, husband, boyfriend etc. In short we reserve our rights to communicate warmly based on our relationship with that person.

·      Systemic: Interpersonal communication is systemic because we talk differently based on the context of our relationship. For example we talk informally with our friends, but talk respectfully with our parents. We cannot talk openly in front of our children on censored topics. Thus systemic communication differs based on situation, time, culture, personal histories, people involved.

·      Individual: We communicate individually based on the I-THOU relationship we share with others. The communication between employer and employee will vary from the communication between romantic relationships.

·      Processual: Interpersonal communication is an ongoing, continuous process. This means communication evolves as relationship develops. We maintain distance in a new relationship with friends, but get comfy and share secrets with time and acquaintance.

·      Transactional: Interpersonal communication is transactional because communication is dynamic process wherein we get immediate feedback verbally or nonverbally on our say.

·      Personal Knowledge: Interpersonal communication involves listening, making the meaning of the person in communication and understanding where he is coming from. That is how great relationships are fostered based on faith, belief and understanding.

Meaning Created: This is the heart of Interpersonal communication because unless there is a shared meaning in the communication no two people can share their ideas and exchange information.