Definition of Interpersonal communication

A simple definition for interpersonal communication is the exchange of information between two or more people , through verbal or non-verbal signals.

In practice, it is the ability to receive, interpret and transmit information using writing, speech or body language .

More about definition of  Interpersonal communication

Interpersonal communication involves reciprocity, reactions and responses. The main elements of interpersonal communication are:

• sender — the source of transmission;
• message — the content to be transmitted;
• channel — the medium used to convey the desired message;
• code — language;
• receiver — who receives the message;
• feedback — the response that allows you to verify that the message sent was understood.

In addition, there are some types of interpersonal communication that are differentiated by the way the communication is done.

• Verbal communication — uses written and spoken language;
• Non-verbal communication — uses features such as looks, gestures, posture and even facial mimicry to communicate;
• Para verbal communication — concerns the tone of voice, volume and rhythm employed, as well as pauses and sound expressions.

What is the role of Interpersonal communication?

Communication has several functions in society. In the book Organizational Behavior, by the specialist in this subject, Stephen P. Robbins, 4 main functions are listed, all equally important, none overlapping the others.

1-Control

Communication is often used to gain control over a certain group , especially in companies with a more authoritarian profile , which have very strict rules.

This type of communication can be indirect, as when a manager praises an employee’s productivity , but does so with the intention of controlling their behavior and that of other employees, making them appear less competent.

2-Motivation

Another important function of communication is to use it to genuinely motivate others by clarifying what needs to be done, the desired level of quality, and what can be done to continually improve.

This type of communication is achieved through the definition of specific goals, the exchange of feedback and also the constant reinforcement of the expected behaviors of employees .

3-emotional expression

Communication is the way people express their feelings , whether in personal or professional life, both of satisfaction and frustration.

Often work groups are the main source of a person’s social interaction and this type of communication ends up being generated, exposing their emotions.

4-Information

The final function of communication is to inform and provide a basis for effective decision-making . It is through the information obtained that people can analyze possibilities and decide on important topics for themselves and for the company.

What are the characteristics of a person with good interpersonal communication?

Active listening is the main characteristic of a person with good interpersonal communication .

This means that she can interpret more than just the words spoken by the interlocutor . In addition to semantics, tone of voice, speech speed and even body language are also interpreted.

Another outstanding characteristic of people with good interpersonal communication is sensitivity , since it is necessary to have this ability to connect with other people, promoting identification, trust and empathy.

What is good communication?

Before we continue, we need to go back to basics and also understand what it is to have good communication.

There is no one – way communication . To communicate is to understand and make oneself understood. It is correctly interpreting what the other person says and understanding its meaning.

It is to transmit necessary information so that the other also understands what is intended. When communication achieves these goals, with minimal noise , it can be said to be good.

Communication competence is essential for people to establish effective dialogues.

Interpersonal communication styles at work

Bestselling author and CEO of research firm Leaderships IQ, Mark Murphy, has discovered in his research that there are 4 styles of communicators .

The types differ with each person’s preferences when it comes to expressing themselves and determine the level of understanding of a message.

This understanding is important to be able to make adjustments in communication to improve the efficiency of understanding the transmitted message . See what the 4 styles are.

1-Folks

It is the profile of people who value emotional language, always seeking to understand how others feel about certain subjects and not just how they think.

2-analytics

Profile related to people who like to deal with data and numbers. They have an aversion to ambiguity and do not identify with emotional words.

3-intuitive

People with an intuitive profile value the wide view of situations and don’t get too attached to the details. They prefer to get straight to the point, preferring quick and direct communication.

4-Functional

They are people more easily with processes, details, schedules and planning. They have a lot of attention to detail.