People often confuse interpersonal vs intrapersonal skills and communication styles. But the truth is, they are actually opposites, and not interchangeable at all! The key is in the root of the word — “inter” means between people or groups, and “intra” means inside a person or a group. Both are important in their own ways for success in work, school, and life. Show
Read on to find out exactly what they are and how to improve your intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Developing both your intrapersonal communication (within yourself), and your interpersonal communication (between yourself and others), will ultimately bring you success in life. One is not more important than the other, and it is okay to be stronger in one type — but working on both interpersonal vs intrapersonal communication over time is the way to go if you want to do well in school, work, and improve your personal relationships. What Is Interpersonal Communication?Interpersonal communication is the communication where exchange of ideas and information happens between two or more people by way of any channel. This can be face to face, online, over the phone, or in written forms as well. There are several aspects that make this type of communication explicitly interpersonal:
Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels What Is Intrapersonal Communication?Intrapersonal communication is the communication done with oneself. Included are the thoughts, assessments, contemplations, and feelings that are associated with one’s inner communication. Here are some things that are uniquely intrapersonal:
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Differences Between Interpersonal Vs. Intrapersonal CommunicationThe biggest difference that you need to know about between interpersonal vs intrapersonal communication is that interpersonal is between two or more people, and intrapersonal is between you and yourself. Here are the other main differences: 1. Parties InvolvedIn interpersonal communication, there’s always more than one person. It doesn’t matter if the communication happens online, over the phone, or in an email. Two people communicating means interpersonal. This is in contrast to intrapersonal communication which is only done within one’s own mind with one’s own thoughts, feelings, and ideas. 2. ReasonsThe reasons you may want to use interpersonal communication is to tell a story, share an idea or experience, or relay information to someone else or a group of people. The reasons you may be using intrapersonal communication is to reflect on something that happened, make goals and plans, visualize the future, and get closer with your own feelings. 3. Media And FeedbackFeedback for interpersonal communication can be vast — it may be verbal, nonverbal (such as a shrug, nod, or eyebrow raise), or it may be oral or written. Interpersonal feedback can be in person, over the phone, on a computer, or in a letter. Media used for intrapersonal communication is much simpler — it is always going to be considered in person, although can be done live, in audio recordings, or in writing. Feedback for intrapersonal communication is hard to define. Your feedback is your own and only you know how you react to your own feelings, thoughts, and ideas. What Are Intrapersonal Skills?What does it mean to be intrapersonal? An intrapersonal person is someone with strong intrapersonal skills. They are very connected with themselves, and know what they feel, need, and want. Some of skills highly intrapersonal people have are: 1. VisualizationThis is the ability to see things in the mind, how they are meant to be or how you plan them. Many athletes, artists, and politicians have great visualization skills and can ‘see’ themselves in a situation, and make plans for how to succeed in that situation. 2. Recognize NegativityWhen things start becoming negative in your mind, it is important to stop and realize that it is happening. Being aware of negative thoughts, and having the power to turn them around is an important intrapersonal skill. 3. CompassionBeing able to see another person’s perspective, and therefore have compassion for them is an intrapersonal skill as well. Putting aside your own views and your own experiences is a part of having compassion. 4. Decision MakingWhen it comes time to make a decision, an intrapersonal person has the ability to scan potential options, visualize them, and make the right decision. The ability to do so without stress and inner conflict is a skill that you can achieve with practice. Photo by Norbert Kundrak from Pexels How Does Interpersonal Communication Work?Great interpersonal communication comes from two or more people who have high levels of skills that interpersonal communication requires. When two sides are able to listen effectively, convey themselves accurately, and be active participants in the conversation, this is the start to excellent interpersonal communication. What Are Interpersonal Skills?1. CommunicationThere are three types of communication: verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and public speaking. All three need to be strong in order for someone to have high interpersonal skills. 2. Conflict ManagementInterpersonal communication is done by more than one person, and when that happens, there is bound to be conflict at one point or another. It is important to have good conflict management, both between you and others, and for managing others’ conflicts. 3. EmpathyListening to others, putting yourself in their shoes and understanding them is what empathy is all about. And if you are able to have strong empathy, you are one step closer to mastering the art of interpersonal communication. 4. LeadershipHaving strong leadership skills means the ability to motivate and encourage others to help everyone succeed. You don’t need to be in a leadership position to be a leader. 5. ListeningInterpersonal communication is not just about expressive communication, but receptive as well — and that means listening! Taking an active listening role as someone is speaking is a great way to level up your interpersonal skills. Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels 6. NegotiationBeing a great negotiator goes hand-in-hand with having high interpersonal skills. Negotiating requires listening skills, planning and visualization, and problem solving — all important parts of interpersonal communication. 7. Positive AttitudeWhen you have a positive attitude, you are bound to have positive interactions with other people. This interpersonal skill will help you succeed in school, work, and in your personal life. 8. TeamworkInterpersonal communication is communication with more than one person, so of course teamwork is key. Collaboration, teambuilding, active listening, and conflict resolution are all important team-based aspects of interpersonal communication. How To Improve Intrapersonal SkillsOne of the most important parts of being intrapersonal is awareness — awareness of your own mind, of yourself in situations, and awareness of how you are perceived by others. While it may not be so obvious, one way to improve intrapersonal skills is by reaching outward — ask others how you are doing! By asking other people for their perceptions of your ideas and actions, you become more aware of what you are doing and how you are acting. To become more in touch with your thoughts and feelings, practice mindfulness and meditation throughout the day. Photo by fauxels from Pexels ConclusionInterpersonal vs intrapersonal: which is better? They are both equally as important when it comes to having a better career and more successful relationships. In order to work well with others, you need interpersonal skills such as listening, empathy, and leadership. Those skills are amplified by greater development of intrapersonal skills such as compassion, self-concept, and visualization. Use both sets of skills when interviewing, communicating with others professionally and personally, and when coupled with a great education at University of the People, you’ll be sure to go far! Which of the various interpersonal skills is the most important?Communication. One of the most important interpersonal skills in any job is communication. Whether you work in IT, customer service, construction, or any other industry, you will need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with others both verbally and in writing.
What are interpersonal skills why are interpersonal skills important?Interpersonal skills are important for communicating and working with groups and individuals in your personal and professional life. People with strong interpersonal skills tend to build good relationships and can work well with others. They understand family, friends, coworkers and clients well.
Which quality is most important for effective interpersonal communication?Listening: You can make a good case for listening as the most important interpersonal communication skill. It covers the ability to listen attentively, whether you're using your ears to listen “in-person” or some other means, say, over the Internet.
What is the importance of interpersonal communication skills in building relationships in the workplace or in Social personal contexts?Good interpersonal communication drives more employee recognition. When employees have good interpersonal relationships with each other and their managers, they are more likely to recognize each others' good work and give constructive feedback.
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