What is interpersonal communication?
It’s the process of exchanging messages, emotions, and meanings between two or more people, using verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal methods.
Name the 6 elements of interpersonal communication.
Sender
Message
Channel
Receiver
Feedback
Noise
What are the 3 types of interpersonal communication?
Verbal (spoken/written words)
Nonverbal (gestures, facial expressions, body language)
Paraverbal (tone, pitch, volume, pacing)
Give 2 functions of interpersonal communication.
To build and maintain relationships
To express emotions
(Others: to inform, to persuade)
True or False: Interpersonal communication can be reversed.
False. It’s irreversible — once a message is sent, it can’t be taken back.
What does “contextual” mean in communication?
It means the meaning of communication is affected by the setting, culture, and relationship between people.
What is “noise” in communication? Give an example.
Anything that interferes with the message.
Example: Loud music, bad signal, anxiety, or distraction.
You text your friend “K lang” after they invited you out, but you’re actually annoyed. Later they ask, “Why do you seem mad?”
What type(s) of communication caused confusion here?
Verbal (text) said it’s fine, but paraverbal (tone implied) and nonverbal cues (if face-to-face) were missing. This led to misinterpretation.
You’re giving a class report. The mic’s too low, and your classmates can’t hear clearly.
Q: What type of “noise” is this?
External noise — a physical barrier affecting the channel.
You apologize to someone, but your arms are crossed and you avoid eye contact.
Q: What kind of communication mismatch is happening?
Your verbal message says “I’m sorry,” but your nonverbal cues contradict it — this may weaken the message.
You’re super emotional during a family argument and say things you regret. Later, you wish you hadn’t said them.
Q: What principle does this show?
Irreversibility of communication.
Sender
The person who creates and sends the message.
Message
The idea, emotion, or information being communicated.
Channel
The medium through which the message is sent (e.g., speech, text, video call).
Receiver
The person who receives and interprets the message.
Feedback
The response given by the receiver — shows if the message was understood or how they feel about it.
Noise
Anything that disrupts or interferes with the message.
→ Can be physical (loud sounds), psychological (stress), or semantic (confusing words).
