Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is defined by Michael Cody as: the exchange

of symbols used to achieve interpersonal goals(28). Does this definition

include everything, or does it only include certain things?. When we are

dealing with the issue of interpersonal communication we must realize that

people view it differently. In this paper I will develop my own idea or

definition of what interpersonal communication is. I will then proceed to

identify any important assumptions or issues that become important in the

definition that I choose. Finally, I will provide examples of communicative and

non-communicative events based on my definition.

Interpersonal communication, in my opinion, is the exchange of

information verbal or non-verbal between two, no more than 5 or 6, people for

the purpose of getting a feedback and sharing information. Interpersonal

communication is not interpersonal if it involves too many people. When the

number of people exceeds a certain amount it is no longer interpersonal

communication,it then becomes mass communication. In my definition it is vital

that feed-back be given to the person that is doing the communicating. When

feedback is not present then the lines of communication break down and then

there is no communication at all. Even if the message is perceived wrong

interpersonal communication still exists as long as the feedback is given. For

example: when you talk to someone that is hard of hearing and you ask them to do

something and they hear you say something other than what you said there is

still interpersonal communication, although it is miscommunication. If the

person, however, does not here the speaker at all and does not give any feedback,

then interpersonal communication has not been established according to my

definition.

Another important dimension to my definition is that the information is

exchanged in order to share the information. When the information that is

exchanged is not used to share the information, then interpersonal communication

has not taken place. If you speak in a way in which the person does not feel

receptive to what you are saying then you have not achieved interpersonal

communication. When a boss yells at his employees, or a teacher yells at his or

her students then interpersonal communication has not taken place. True

communication has taken place, but...

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...bal communication using my definition is somewhat

more difficult. When you are sitting at restaurant and you a start playing foot

tag with your date you are sending a non-verbal form of interpersonal

communication. The first contact of the foot is the initiation of the

communication. When the person responds, favorably or unfavorably, non-verbal

interpersonal communication has taken place.

In conclusion I would like to say that developing a definition for

interpersonal communication is no easy task. Because interpersonal

communication is such a vague topic it makes it that more difficult. With much

effort and practice we can develop a universal definition for interpersonal

communication. Interpersonal communication, in my opinion, is the exchange of

information verbal or non-verbal between two, no more than 5 or 6, people for

the purpose of getting a feedback and sharing information. I have explained my

reasons for choosing this definition and I have also given information and

example that will support it. My definition is by no means exhaustive, but I

think it is a start to developing a universally excepted definition for the term

interpersonal communication.