Intrapersonal communication refers to the communication within a person. It is process of sensing, thinking, evaluating and interpreting events within the mind of an individual.
Intrapersonal communication is the purest and most basic form of human communication. At every moment of life, people receive messages through eyes, ears, skin, nose or other sensory organs.
Before giving a response to those messages, people make intrapersonal communication within themselves based on their perception and previous experience.
Different persons may respond differently to a single message because of differences in their perception and experience.
In the opinion of Himstreet and Baty, “The way people process information as receivers and senders is intrapersonal communication.”
According to John Vivian, “We engage in intrapersonal communication when we talk to ourselves to develop our thoughts and ideas.”
The above discussion brings to the conclusion that intrapersonal communication occurs when a person communication with himself or herself. It is the most fundamental form of communication. When a person receives a message or observes something, his response to it depends on intrapersonal communication.
Meaning Of Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication occurs when two individuals are involved in the communication process. In a broader way, interpersonal communication is the exchange of information, ideas, opinions and feelings relating to personal, family, organizational, social, national and international events between two persons who are located in the same place.
Communicating interpersonally is a basic requirement of human survival. People make interpersonal communication not only at home or in the office but also when they are walking, traveling, working, shopping, reading newspapers, or watching games and movies.
Generally, interpersonal communication takes place by means of face-to-face conversation. However, it may take the form of telephonic conversation if the individuals are emotionally connected. Some definitions are quoted below:
In the opinion of Kitty O. Locker, “Interpersonal communication is communication between people.”
According to L. C. Bovve, “Interpersonal communication takes place between two people, enabling individuals to establish and maintain relationships and to coordinate decisions and activities.”
John M. Ivancevich and Others said, “Interpersonal communication is one type of communication that travels from individual to individual in face-to-face and group settings.”
According to Hellriegel, Slocum and Woodman, “Interpersonal communication is the transmission and reception of thoughts, facts, beliefs, attitudes and feelings through one or more information media that produce a response.”
From the above discussion, we can conclude that when two individuals exchange their views, feelings and attitudes on any matter, it is termed as interpersonal communication.
Differences Between Intrapersonal And Interpersonal Communication
Intrapersonal and interpersonal are the two basic forms of human communication. These two types of communication are pervasive in all facets of human life. From cradle to grave, people continuously engage in intrapersonal and interpersonal communication.
The followings are the major differences between these two types communication:
Meaning
Intrapersonal communication occurs when a person communicates with himself or herself. And Interpersonal communication is the exchange of information, ideas, opinions and feelings between two persons.
Nature
Intrapersonal communication It happens in the form of sensing, thinking and evaluating within oneself. And Interpersonal communication it happens in the form of exchanging and sharing of information or ideas between persons.
Persons Involved
Intrapersonal communication only the communicator is involved in intrapersonal communication. And Interpersonal communication two persons are involved in Interpersonal communication.
Use Of Media
Intrapersonal communication this type of communication does not require any medium. And Interpersonal communication people must use verbal or nonverbal media to make Interpersonal communication.
Flow Of Information
Intrapersonal communication here information does not go beyond person’s mind. And Interpersonal communication here information goes from on e mind to another mind.
Visibility
Intrapersonal communication is invisible in nature. And Interpersonal communication is visible.