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 difference is that “interpersonal” refers to relationships or actions that take place between two or more people while “intrapersonal” refers to things that go on exclusively within one person. The followings are the major differences between these two types of communication:
Intrapersonal Communication
- Meaning: Intrapersonal communication occurs when a person communicates with himself or herself.
- Nature: It happens in the form of sensing, thinking, and evaluating within oneself.
- Occurrence: Continuous due to human nature.
- Media: Only a person’s internal senses are involved.
- The person involved: Only the communicator involved in intrapersonal communication.
- Information flow: Information does not go beyond person’s mind.
- Visibility: It is invisible.
Interpersonal Communication
- Meaning: Interpersonal Communication is the exchange of information, ideas, opinions, and feelings between two persons.
- Nature: It happens in the form of exchanging and sharing of information or ideas between persons.
- Occurrence: Regular, due to social needs.
- Media: Supported by a verbal and non-verbal media.
- The person involved: Two persons are involved in interpersonal communication.
- Information flow: Information goes from one’s mind to another mind.
- Visibility: It is visible in nature.
