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What is the difference between intra and interpersonal communication?

Published in Communication 1 min read

Intra and interpersonal communication are both forms of communication, but they differ in the nature of the communication and the participants involved.

Intra-communication:

  • Definition: Communication that occurs within a single person. This involves the individual's thoughts, feelings, and internal dialogue.
  • Examples:
    • Making a mental to-do list
    • Reflecting on a past experience
    • Engaging in self-talk
    • Processing emotions

Interpersonal Communication:

  • Definition: Communication that occurs between two or more people. This involves the exchange of information, ideas, and emotions between individuals.
  • Examples:
    • Having a conversation with a friend
    • Attending a meeting at work
    • Giving a presentation to an audience
    • Participating in a group discussion

Key Differences:

Feature Intra-communication Interpersonal Communication
Participants One individual Two or more individuals
Direction Internal External
Purpose Self-reflection, processing information Sharing information, building relationships, influencing others
Examples Self-talk, journaling, daydreaming Conversations, meetings, presentations

In essence, intra-communication is about internal dialogue and self-processing, while interpersonal communication focuses on interactions and exchanges between individuals.

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