Intrapersonal
&
Interpersonal
Communication
Level of
Communication
Scholars categorize different levels and types of
communication. These distinctions are somewhat artificial since
types of communication more realistically fit on a continuum
rather than in separate categories. Nevertheless, to understand
the various types of communication, it is helpful to consider
various factors. The distinguishing characteristics include the
following:
1. A number of communicators (one through many).
2. Physical proximity of the communicators in relation to
each other (close or distant).
The distinguishing 3. Immediacy of the exchange, whether it is taking place
characteristics include
either (1) live or in apparently real-time or
the following:
(2) on a delayed basis.
4. Number of sensory channels (including visual,
auditory, tactile, and so on).
5. The context of the communication (whether face-to-
face or mediated)
Note that each level of communication may be formal or
informal, personal or impersonal. Note also that the
purposes of communication may vary and overlap, giving a
communicator a potentially wide list of choices for
communication channels. Broadly speaking, the levels of
communication can be categorized in a four-fold pattern as
intrapersonal, direct interpersonal, mediated interpersonal, and
mass.
Intrapersonal communication
Level of Direct interpersonal communication
Communication
Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Mass Communication
Intrapersonal communication takes
place within a single person, often
for the purpose of clarifying ideas or
analyzing a situation. Other times,
intrapersonal communication is
undertaken in order to reflect upon
or appreciate something. Three
aspects of intrapersonal
communication are self-concept,
perception, and expectation.
First level
Cite some examples of
intrapersonal communication
during exam,send your answers
in the in-call messages
Self-concept is the basis for
intrapersonal communication, because
it determines how a persona sees
him/herself and is oriented toward
others.
Self-concept (also called self-awareness)
involves three factors:
beliefs, values and attitudes.
are basic personal
orientation toward what is
Beliefs true or false, good or bad;
beliefs can be descriptive
or prescriptive.
List an examples of descriptive
beliefs in a classroom setting,
send your answers in the in-call
messages
List an examples of prescriptive
beliefs in a family setting, send
your answers in the in-call
messages
are deep-seated orientations
and ideals, generally based on
Values and consistent with beliefs,
about right and wrong ideas,
and actions.
are learned predisposition
toward or against a topic, ideals
Attitudes
that stem from and generally are
consistent with values. Attitudes
often are global, typically
emotional.
Beliefs, values, and attitudes all influence behavior, which can
be either spoken opinion or physical action. Some psychologists
include body image as an aspect of intrapersonal
communication, in that body image is a way of perceiving
ourselves, positively or negatively, according to the social
standards of our culture. Other things that can affect self-
concept are personal attributes, talents, social role, even birth
order.
Whereas self-concept focuses internally,
perception looks outward. Perception of
the outside world also is rooted in beliefs,
values, and attitudes. It is so closely
intertwined with a self-concept that one
feeds off the other, creating a harmonious
understanding of both oneself and one’s
world.
Meanwhile, expectations are future-
oriented messages dealing with long-term
roles, sometimes called life scripts. These
sometimes are projections of learned
relationships within the family or society.
Intrapersonal communication
may involve different levels of
communication activity:
Internal discourse
Solo Vocal Communication
Solo Written Communication
involves, thinking concentration and
analysis. Psychologists include both
daydreaming and nocturnal dreaming in this
category. Prayer, contemplation and
meditation also are part of this category,
though from a theological point of view the
Internal argument may be made that this is not solely
discourse internal to one person. In Sufi tradition, this is
similar to the concept of nafs, negotiating
with the inner self.
Example: Consciously appreciating the beauty of a sunset.
includes speaking aloud to oneself.
Solo Vocal
This may be done to clarify thinking,
Communication to rehearse a message intended for
others, or simply to let off steam.
Example: Talking to yourself as you complain about your boss.
deals with writing not intended for
Solo Written
Communication others.
Example: An entry in a diary or personal journal.
