Interpersonal communication is an informative act or process of expression that, in multiple circumstances and stages of life, arises between two or more individuals in order to exchange messages with each other.
In this context, not only verbal language becomes relevant, but also personal space , body posture and gestures . Even social skills are key when it comes to social interaction .
Academic environments, the workplace, and family or social gatherings are some of the most common interpersonal communication scenarios. The ability and predisposition to dialogue , active listening and empathy , regardless of where and when they are applied, enrich links, facilitate the clear transmission of a message and contribute to an adequate codification of information.
Types of interpersonal communication
There are several types of interpersonal communication , so it is important to inform yourself about it, know each modality with its distinctive features and learn to distinguish them from each other.
The most used in daily life because it is agile and allows immediate interaction is based on verbal communication . In this framework, it is vital to pay attention to both the silences and the tone of voice when it comes to oral communication , since through the pauses, the sounds and the way the words are pronounced, the mood and the situation are reflected. emotional of each one. This variety is linked to paraverbal communication , where intonation , speaking speed and other aspects complete a picture that adds data to the receiver when receiving and processing the message. In this category, there is also written communication , a resource that makes it possible to express ideas, sensations, choices, etc. through writing.
Non-verbal communication , meanwhile, points more to a visual issue since it is nourished by gestures , facial expression movements and body language .
Thanks to advances in technology and the massive use of virtual messaging platforms or media, on the other hand, digital communication has gained notoriety.
Elements of the communicative process
In every communication process there are elements that cannot be missing in order to complete the transmission of content.
Firstly, there must be both a source of information and a sender who is responsible for broadcasting what you want to send to someone.
The structure also includes a shared code , a channel (support used to disseminate the content), a message and, fundamentally, a receiver to whom what is sought to be communicated reaches. The existence of noise in communication must be minimized, as much as possible, that is, any disturbance or interruption that prevents or hinders the communicative act . In this regard, it is essential to learn and remember that we must try to avoid communication barriers such as physical obstacles, semantic obstacles, physiological issues that hinder the process and psychological conditions of the sender or receiver that are not optimal for establishing and understanding communication. .
It is equally necessary and valuable that there is feedback , a reaction from the recipient after having received, processed and understood the message . When the response is favorable and emphasizes achievements, gifts, talents or strengths, the notion of positive feedback comes into play, while negative feedback consists of feedback based on criticism and disapproval by the interlocutor.
Skills and contexts for the development of interpersonal communication
Emotional intelligence , assertiveness and empathetic listening are highly valued skills in interpersonal communication , a phenomenon that occurs in a large number of contexts. In all cases, it is preferred to master the art of communication and have tools for temperance , self-care , emotional management , decorum and respect to resolve eventual inconveniences, conflicts and misunderstandings through dialogue and timely clarifications.
Depending on who and in what situation are involved in a communicative exchange, a record and a specific mode of expression will be carried out. Within the interpersonal communication styles, passive communication appears (characterized by an inability to express knowledge, opinions, feelings or sensations), assertive communication (the most appropriate for social bonding from a constructive perspective and with noble and good intentions when relating to others). others) and aggressive communication (that which involves exacerbated gestures and unfriendly non-verbal and verbal language), to detail specific varieties.
In family communication , a framework where there is affection, closeness and trust, one does not express oneself in the same way as one does in a work meeting or when carrying out a commercial operation, environments marked by formality, distance and commitments. It is also easy to imagine (and verify) that communication in customer service presents significant differences compared to how communication is carried out in education or in the field of medicine .
As is evident, for a harmonious and pleasant coexistence in society it is essential that each person manages to have good interpersonal communication , knows how to take advantage of language both to express themselves and defend themselves, and appeals to words and non-violent communication as effective tools for resolution. of conflicts .