Interpersonal Communication

What is interpersonal communication?

It’s the verbal and nonverbal interaction between two or more interdependent people who influence each other.

Why is interpersonal communication relational?

Because every interaction defines, builds, or changes the relationship between people.

What does it mean that communication is transactional?

Both people act as sender and receiver at the same time — messages flow both ways.

What are the six main elements of interpersonal communication?

• Source–receiver

• Message

• Channel

• Noise

• Context

• Ethics.

Give an example of noise in communication.

Physical noise like loud sounds, or psychological noise like stress or bias.

Why is communication irreversible?

Once a message is sent, it can’t be completely taken back — even if you apologize

What is the difference between content and relationship dimension?

• Content is what’s said

• relationship is how it’s said and what it implies about the bond.

What is culture in communication?

The shared values, beliefs, and communication styles of a group passed from one generation to another.

What is enculturation vs. acculturation?

Enculturation is learning your native culturez
acculturation is adapting to another culture.

What is ethnocentrism?

The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.

What is the difference between individualistic and collectivistic cultures?

• individualistic cultures value independence

• collectivistic cultures value group harmony.

What’s the difference between high-context and low-context communication?

• High-context relies on indirect meaning shared understanding

• low-context is direct and explicit.

What is power distance?

The degree of hierarchy accepted in a culture (e.g., Indonesia = high, Australia = low).

What is masculinity vs. femininity in culture?

• Masculine cultures emphasize competition and achievement

• Feminine cultures focus on cooperation and care.

How can you improve intercultural communication?

Learn about other:

• Cultures

• Avoid stereotypes

• Reduce ethnocentrism

• Adjust your communication style.

What are the five stages of perception?

• Stimulation

• organization

• interpretation–evaluation

• memory

• recall.

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?

When expectations influence your behavior to make them come true.

What is the halo effect?

Assuming someone with one positive trait has other good traits. Kind=Honest

What’s the difference between primacy and recency effects?

• Primacy = first impression dominates

• recency = latest impression dominates.

What factors influence perception?

• Physiology

• culture

• age

• expectations

• cognitive ability

• self-concept.

How can you improve perceptual accuracy?

Check your
- perceptions

avoid assumptions

be culturally aware.

What are the three parts of the self?

• Self-concept (who you think you are)

• self-awareness (understanding yourself)

• self-esteem (how you value yourself).

What are the four areas of the Johari Window?

• Open self

• blind self

• hidden self

• unknown self.

What is impression management?

Strategies people use to control how others perceive them.

Give examples of impression management strategies.

• affinity-seeking

• politeness

• credibility

• self-handicapping

• self-deprecating

• influencing

• self-monitoring

• image-confirming.

What’s an example of self-handicapping?

Saying “I didn’t study much” to excuse possible failure.

Where does meaning come from in communication?

Meaning comes from people, not words themselves.

What’s the difference between denotation and connotation?

• Denotation is literal meaning

• connotation is emotional or personal meaning

What does “avoid allness” mean?

Don’t assume you know everything about someone or something.

What is polarization?

Seeing things only in extremes (good/bad, right/wrong).

What does it mean to confirm or disconfirm someone?

• To confirm is to show you value them;

• to disconfirm is to ignore or reject their presence.

What is static evaluation?

Believing people never change (e.g., “He’s always lazy”).

How can you communicate assertively?

Express your thoughts clearly but respectfully, without attacking others.

What is nonverbal communication?

Communication through body movement, facial expressions, tone, space, and other cues without words.

What are the main functions of nonverbal communication?

to

• complement

• repeat

• contradict

• substitute

• accent verbal messages

What are examples of nonverbal channels?

• Body language

• facial expression

• eye contact

• touch

• tone of voice

• silence

• personal space.

What is paralanguage?

The vocal elements of speech — tone, pitch, volume, and rate.

What is proxemics?

The study of personal space and distance in communication.

Why is nonverbal communication powerful?

It reveals true emotions and can influence relationships even without words.

How does culture affect nonverbal communication?

Gestures, touch, and eye contact have different meanings across cultures.

What are the five stages of listening?

• Receiving

• understanding

• remembering

• evaluating

• responding.

What is the goal of mindful listening?

To be fully present and understand both the words and emotions behind the message.

What are common barriers to listening?

• Noise

• distractions

• prejudice

• emotional reactions

• premature judgment.

What are examples of poor listening?

Pseudolistening, monopolizing, selective listening, defensive listening, ambushing, and literal listening.

What is empathic listening?

Listening to understand and feel what the speaker feels.

How does culture affect listening?

Some cultures value silence and pauses; others prefer quick responses.

What’s the difference between active and inactive listening?

• active listening involves giving feedback and showing attention

• inactive listening is passive or distracted.

Why is communication inevitable?

Because even silence and body language send messages.

Why is perception important in communication?

Because how we interpret others’ behavior affects how we respond.

What connects all forms of interpersonal communication?

Awareness, empathy, and ethical responsibility to understand others genuinely.