Psychology of Interpersonal Communication

Question: Discuss about thePsychology of Interpersonal Communication. Answer: Introduction Interpersonal communication is a process of communication and interaction with people with exchange of information and thoughts. Interpersonal communication could be verbal as well as non-verbal. The process of interpersonal communication could be made effective by the incorporation of theories such as impression formation theory, predictive outcome value theory, and intercultural communication theory. Intercultural Communication Theory I have chosen intercultural communication as a way of improving interpersonal communication and perception. Intercultural communication is referred to as interpersonal communication across the people belonging to various cultural and social groups (Neuliep, 2014). While I engage in interpersonal communication, I ensure that the interpersonal communication theory is properly abided by. The intercultural communication theory ensures that while communication is continued, the culture and ethnicity of the person with whom the communication is taking place is maintained. I need to keep in mind the cultural differences while interpersonal communication. People belonging to a different culture might have a different perception about a particular topic. Clarity in communication has to be maintained by me while interpersonal communication is done. The customs that are followed by people of different culture has to be respected by me. The customs that I follow should also be clearly conveyed t o the person with whom I communicate, in order to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretation. Miscommunication Due to Intercultural Communication Intercultural communication might give rise to miscommunication. The miscommunication that I have faced while intercultural interpersonal communication are as follows: Assumptions of similarities: I often have the perception that there are certain similarities in behaviour and customs even with intercultural differences. However, this assumption made by me is incorrect and hence gives rise to misinterpretations. Differences in language: The language difference is also an issue in intercultural communication. The spoken language as well as the tone of communication is different in various cultures. This difference in language and tone has to be identified by me, and ensure that I do not engage in misunderstandings, due to the difference in language (Wood, 2015). In my opinion, I feel that intercultural communication is effectively maintained in interpersonal communication with the understanding of various cultures and cultural differences as well as with tolerance for each others culture. Intercultural communication is important as I got to know the culture of various people, along with developing tolerance and respect for people with different customs, food habit, ethnicity, culture, religion and even nationality. References Neuliep, J. W. (2014).Intercultural communication: A contextual approach. Sage Publications. Wood, J. T. (2015).Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters. Nelson Education