Several types of communication exist but he main difference between the two terms getting discussed in this article is as follows; Interpersonal Communication gets defined as the process in which people talk to each other and share information, feelings and data trough interacting with each other. On the other hand, Intrapersonal communication gets defined as the communication where the person talks to themselves before interacting with someone else.
Comparison Chart
| Basis of Distinction | Interpersonal Communication | Intrapersonal Communication |
| Definition | The process in which people talk to each other and share information, feelings and data trough interacting with each other. | The communication where the person talks to themselves before interacting with someone else. |
| Nature | Always has the requirement of two or more people present at the same place. | Occurs between the person and their mind. |
| Requirement | Always occurs even if no such intention exists among people. | Always exists when the person intends to think about a particular thing. |
| Elements | Always includes face-to-face interaction, physical and verbal actions. | The cycle of imagination where person says, sees, and receives. |
What is Interpersonal Communication?
Interpersonal Communication gets defined as the process in which people talk to each other and share information, feelings and data trough interacting with each other. This interaction always includes face-to-face interaction with people but the communication source may be verbal or non-verbal, and at all times, two or more than two people become involved. One critical thing related to such kinds of interaction includes not just what the person says to the other person but also the way in which they do that. For example, the tone with which someone asks the other person to do something means a lot. Lets’ say a person talks to their servant and the same person talking to their daughter or son will have a different tone with them. The actions at the same time, matter, for example, when a company manager talks to their employees, he may use gestures a lot that may seem extreme. On the other hand, when he interacts with the owners, the actions may be limited or non-existent. As long as two people are present at the same place, even if they do not talk to each other or move their hands or body, some interaction between them occurs. This communication can either be intentional or deliberate but existent. When someone does not talk, they may have to move to change the position of sitting, or lie down, or stand. So even if no intention of talking or giving hints to the other person exists, it still happens, and people receive messages.
What is Intrapersonal Communication?
Intrapersonal communication gets defined as the communication where the person talks to themselves before interacting with someone else. This action goes into a loop where you talk to yourself and say the thing in your mind, then see what the other person thinks or says about it, and then get the feedback of how they will react to such as action. The best example is when a person has to share their feelings with someone else. A guy who wants to confess his love for girlfriend first imagines what words will he use to express the feelings, then the imagination where the response of the girl comes in mind and at the last step, her reaction, as to if she accepts of rejects the person enters into contention. Two important things to keep in mind for this type of interaction show as it only occurs between people, no obligation exists for another person present at the same place. Also, even if someone says few words but do not convey the actual, though, in mind, the intrapersonal communication stays with them at all time. Once they start talking to the other person and say what they want to, the communication becomes interpersonal. Talking to oneself and then thinking in words rates as one of the most valuable tools for a person and one feature of being a human. From a very young age, people get motivated from what they want to learn and stay curious, even that type of imagination falls in the same category as the intrapersonal communication.
Key Differences
- Interpersonal Communication gets defined as the process in which people talk to each other and share information, feelings and data trough interacting with each other. On the other hand, Intrapersonal communication gets defined as the communication where the person talks to themselves before interacting with someone else.
- Interpersonal communication always has the requirement of two or more people present at the same place during a particular time whereas there does not exist any such requirement for intrapersonal communication since it occurs between the person and their mind.
- An example of intrapersonal communication goes as; A guy who wants to confess his love for girlfriend first imagines what words to say, then imagines the answer of the girl and her response. An example of interpersonal communication goes as; A person is talking to the other person about their interests.
- Interpersonal communication always occurs even if no such intention exists among people whereas intrapersonal communication always exists when the person intends to think about a particular thing.
- Interpersonal communication always includes face-to-face interaction with people, but the transmission source may be verbal or non-verbal with actions. On the other hand, intrapersonal communication is always non-verbal and without any actions.
- Interpersonal communication relates to expanding your knowledge and knowing more, intrapersonal communication refers to coming up with new ideas.