interpersonal communication in business essay

What is interpersonal communication, what about intrapersonal communication, types of interpersonal communication, how to build interpersonal communication skills, interpersonal communication tips for remote workers, elements of interpersonal communication, what is interpersonal communication the four principles of interpersonal communication, interpersonal communication examples, interpersonal communication uses, difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal communication, the importance of interpersonal communication, would you like to become a project manager, what is interpersonal communication skills, types, and examples.

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How would you define interpersonal communication? It’s simple, really. The most straightforward, basic interpersonal communication meaning is "face-to-face communication." But there is so much more to effective interpersonal communication.

In fact, there is a whole range of interpersonal communication skills, and we’re about to explore the topic at length. You will see how communication and interpersonal skills make up a valuable part of success in the workplace, especially for positions like Project Managers . We’ll even supply you with a few interpersonal communication examples while answering “what is interpersonal communication?”

Interpersonal communication involves the information, ideas, and feelings being exchanged verbally or non-verbally between two or more people. Face-to-face communication often involves hearing, seeing, and feeling body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

In other terms, Interpersonal communication is exchanging information, meaning, feelings, and opinions between two or more people via verbal and non-verbal means. Although we mentioned “face-to-face” communication previously, today’s technology compels us to expand its definition to include media such as phone calls and online messaging.

You may have heard the term “intrapersonal communication” and wondered if it’s related to interpersonal communication. The words are opposites, actually. “Inter” refers to dealings between people, groups, or other entities (e.g., intercontinental, international). “Intra,” on the other hand, describes actions within a person or a group. For example, an intranet is a private digital network that exists solely within a company or organization.

Intrapersonal communication describes how we communicate with ourselves, including an accurate idea of our perceptions, expectations, and concepts.

The first step in answering “what is interpersonal communication?” is breaking it down into four distinct types.

Verbal: In other words, speaking. This term covers the words you use, how persuasively you speak, the language you use, which words you emphasize, and even the use of affirmative sounds and short phrases like “Yup” or “Uh-huh.”
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. Listening also includes special techniques like reflection and clarification. The best listeners are people who can focus their attention on the speaker to make the latter feel like they're the sole and most important person in the room.
The Written Word: Thanks to the Internet age and situations requiring isolation (e.g., the pandemic), good written communication skills have become an asset. Whether you're on social media, in the workplace, or even texting on your phone, you must know how to get your point across in writing. This type includes emojis, grammar, clarity, tone, and even punctuation. After all, there's a vast difference between "Let's eat, Grandma!" and "Let's eat Grandma!"
Non-Verbal: This final type covers body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. Again, it's essential that the listener picks up and correctly interprets non-verbal cues.

Building interpersonal communication skills can help you improve your relationships, increase your ability to collaborate effectively with others, and enhance your overall success in life. Here are some tips to help you develop them:

Practice active listening: One of the most important aspects of interpersonal communication is active listening. This involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, without interrupting or judging them. You can practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking questions to clarify their message.

Use clear and concise language: Communication is most effective when it is clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms that others may not understand.

Be aware of nonverbal communication: Nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, can also convey messages. Be aware of your own nonverbal cues and try to read others' body language to better understand their message.

Show empathy: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. When communicating with others, try to put yourself in their shoes and show understanding and compassion for their perspective.

Build rapport: Building rapport involves finding common ground and establishing a connection with others. This can help to build trust and enhance communication. Look for common interests or experiences, and use humor or other forms of positive reinforcement to build a positive relationship.

Be open to feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from others, and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

As more people are working remotely, developing interpersonal communication skills becomes even more important to maintain relationships and collaboration. Here are some tips for remote workers to enhance their interpersonal communication skills:

Use video conferencing: Use video conferencing as much as possible instead of just relying on phone calls or emails. This will help to establish a better connection with your colleagues by seeing their facial expressions and body language.

Schedule regular check-ins: Make an effort to schedule regular check-ins with your colleagues to stay connected and up-to-date on projects. This can be a quick call or a virtual coffee break to chat about work and life.

Practice active listening: When on a call or video conference, practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker, asking questions, and clarifying their message. This will help to build better communication and understanding.

Use appropriate tone and language: When communicating in writing, use an appropriate tone and language to convey your message clearly.

Use collaboration tools: Use collaboration tools like shared documents or project management tools to keep everyone on the same page and avoid misunderstandings.

Be flexible: As remote work can be more fluid than a traditional office environment, be flexible with communication methods and schedules to accommodate different time zones or work styles.

By practicing these interpersonal communication skills, remote workers can build strong relationships and collaboration with their colleagues, even if they are not in the same physical space.

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Now that we’ve established the types of interpersonal communication, we can take the next step in understanding this concept by breaking it down into six separate elements to answer “what is interpersonal communication?”.

The Communicating Parties: There’s no communication without a sender and a receiver. However, many people mistake assigning only one speaker and one listener to the conversation. Effective interpersonal communication requires all parties to assume both roles, sending and receiving the message at the appropriate time.
The Message Itself: This element covers the information in all possible forms, including speech and non-verbal communication.
Extraneous Noise: Noise includes anything that interferes with, distorts, or overpowers the message. This element comprises everything from physically-based noises (e.g., traffic sounds, a screaming baby at the next table over) to more abstract difficulties such as cultural misunderstanding, overblown corporate jargon, showing disinterest, or inappropriate body language.
Feedback: This element blurs the line with the “sender and receiver” idea, but it’s distinct enough to be considered separate. Feedback is limited to immediate reactions to a sent message. Feedback could be anything from verbal (e.g., “I agree,” or “I’m confused; what do you mean?”) to non-verbal (e.g., facial expressions, changes in body language/stance).
Context: Have you ever heard the phrase “Read the room!”? That means the speaker should be paying attention to the general mood and atmosphere of the listeners and where they are. Context includes physical location, the mood/emotional climate of the audience, and social context.
The Channel: This element covers moving the message from the sender to the receiver and refers to vision and speech.

We have one more set of breakdowns to cover. Whenever you communicate with people, you should keep in mind these four principles. If you do, your interpersonal communication technique will improve, and your messages will be more effective.

It’s Unavoidable: Unless you’re a hermit living in a cave, you will inevitably interact with others in one manner or another. Even if you’re a shut-in, thanks to something like a quarantine, you will still have the opportunity for interpersonal communication (e.g., phone, Skype, texting).
It’s Irreversible: You may be familiar with the phrase “I can’t unsee that.” You can't take back what you have written or said. Even if you make amends with an apology or try to walk back your comments, people don't forget words easily. And remember, Internet content is forever.
It’s Complicated: You would think the act of speaking and hearing would be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, everyday life is complicated and interpersonal communication is filled with pitfalls. Not everyone has the same frame of reference or is equally adept at picking up subtle clues or getting the hint. Some speakers assume that everything they say is taken the right way because the listeners must obviously be on the same wavelength as they are (spoiler alert: this is not always the case).
It’s Contextual: Sometimes, we can't control what people hear our message, where they are, their mood and mindset, and their level of comprehension. But, again, this harkens to the section dealing with interpersonal communication elements, specifically the context.

Here are some common examples of interpersonal communication. You will notice how they reference the different interpersonal communication types.

Emails: This example is a ubiquitous form of interpersonal communication in our era of increased online usage. Unfortunately, we can't always communicate nuance and tone, leading to misunderstandings. Consequently, you need good written communication skills.
Phone calls: Yes, people still use their smartphones for actual speaking! However, since most phone calls lack visual cues, you should have strong verbal communication skills.
Presentations: You know what this involves if you've ever heard a lecture or been in a business meeting. Presentations typically incorporate every type of interpersonal communication. The speaker needs good verbal skills, uses gestures and expressions effectively, refers to written texts and other visual aids, and understands how the audience feels and receives the message.
Texting: You knew we’d touch upon this one, right? Texting is less formal and structured than emails, so the communicator should grasp casual conversation skills.

We inevitably employ interpersonal communication in many different situations and contexts, whether at work or home. We use this vital skill to:

Impart and gather information
Influence the attitudes and behaviors of others
Create contacts, make friends, and maintain relationships
Make sense of our world and better understand our experiences in it
Express our personal needs and understand the needs of others
Make decisions and solve problems
Set social and professional boundaries
Provide and receive needed emotional support
Anticipate and predict people’s behavior
Regulate the balance of power in a workplace or social circle

Interpersonal communication and intrapersonal communication are two different types of communication. Interpersonal communication refers to communication between two or more people. It involves the exchange of messages, ideas, and information between individuals. This can take many forms, including face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, and video conferences.

Intrapersonal communication, on the other hand, refers to communication within oneself. It involves the internal dialogue or self-talk that occurs in our minds. This type of communication is essential for self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Interpersonal communication is a valuable "soft skill" in many job descriptions. Strong interpersonal communication skills help people better express their emotions and thoughts and cultivate a stronger sense of empathy for others.

Interpersonal communication is also a vital part of being a team player or a group leader, things that recruiters are always looking for.

If you have solid interpersonal communication skills, you can clearly express your intentions and thoughts, enriching your professional relationships and personal life.

So many conflicts stem from simple misunderstandings. Strong interpersonal communication skills help reduce the likelihood of these misunderstandings, which subsequently lowers the risk of arguments, hurt feelings, grudges, and problems with morale.

Let's face it; not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Unfortunately, people are often placed in managerial roles because they have the work experience and hard skillsets but have no idea how to speak to people, motivate them, and keep group cohesion and morale consistently high.

Project managers need good interpersonal communication skills. If you want to become a project manager, Simplilearn can help you acquire many of your skills to fill the role effectively. The Post Graduate Program in Project Management certification course provides live online interactive classes and masterclasses from UMass Amherst and Harvard Business Publishing.

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The Importance of Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace

Effective interpersonal communication in the workplace is integral to a well-functioning, high-performing team . Interpersonal skills are the ability to communicate important information and manage social interactions with colleagues, both up and down the business food-chain.

Research published in the Business Communication Quarterly journal explains that hard skills are the technical expertise needed for a job, while soft skills are interpersonal qualities, such as people skills. These can often be harder to identify and measure, but can be just as important for career progression, personal and team morale, and business success.

Key interpersonal communication skills in the workplace

The research above outlines 10 key interpersonal communication skills identified as crucial by business executives. These include:

Communication – oral, speaking capability, written, presenting, listening
Courtesy – manners, etiquette, business etiquette, gracious, says please and thank you, respectful
Flexibility – adaptability, willing to change, lifelong learner, accepts new things, adjusts, teachable
Integrity – honest, ethical, high morals, has personal values
Interpersonal Skills – nice, personable, sense of humour, friendly, empathetic, positive
Attitude – optimistic, enthusiastic, encouraging, happy, confident
Professionalism – businesslike, poised
Responsibility – accountable, reliable, gets the job done, resourceful, self-disciplined, common sense
Teamwork – gets along with others, agreeable, supportive, helpful, collaborative
Work Ethic – hard working, loyal, initiative, self-motivated, on time

Improving interpersonal communication in the workplace

Poor communication between employers and employees, and within teams, can harm the business in a variety of ways. If a manager is unable to clearly communicate tasks, workers can quickly become frustrated and disconnected with the business goals. Morale can be affected, as can the sense of ‘team’ that guides projects to success. Businesses relying on sales to external customers can see clients neglected or forgotten, deals can fall through, and the business’ bottom line suffers.

For managers, maintaining genuinely opens lines of communication and feedback is important. A successful open door policy indicates to employees you are willing to listen to concerns and see staff as people, rather than just ‘workers’. The American Psychological Association also found employees who see the business as being open with them about business activities are three times as likely to feel valued and more than two times more likely to be motivated to perform their best. These figures can have a substantial impact on the performance of the business as a whole.

Managers who maintain professionalism and a positive attitude are more likely to be approachable and issues will get sorted quicker. When employees can speak openly with decision-makers, it can stop workplace gossip and rumours from spreading.

For employees, actively working on interpersonal communication skills can be a big boost to career progression and current job satisfaction. The increasing prevalence of communication technologies means employees aren’t always conversing face-to-face. This can create communication barriers and affect the opportunities for positive interpersonal interactions. Being aware of how you communicate in writing is important to developing written communication skills and professionalism, as is understanding different communication styles . Listening to others while suspending judgement and being accountable for your actions boosts how others perceive your integrity and assess your personal values. Further, actively listening to constructive feedback builds confidence and job performance.

Developing the self-awareness of your own interpersonal skills in these areas (and appreciating the ways others communicate) can position you to be considered for promotions and opportunities as they arise. It also boosts current happiness and job satisfaction.

Improved interpersonal communication in the workplace is a strong indicator of career and business success. Both managers and employees have a responsibility (and strong incentives) to maintain a focus on building soft skills, as well as hard skills. While soft skills may not be as obvious when they are lacking, they can be equally as damaging to a business where they are not present.

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Developing Effective Interpersonal Communication Skills in the Workplace

February 10, 2017 | 4 Min Read

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Interpersonal communication is a soft skill that encompasses how well an individual communicates with others. This skill set, also referred to as “people skills” or “social skills,” is one of the most important for success in the workplace. Communication can take place both verbally and nonverbally, either in person or through digital means such as email or instant messaging. In communication theory, there are six key components of interpersonal communication:

The communicators: This refers to both the sender of the communication and the receiver. There are at least two communicators involved in all interpersonal communication.
The message: One of the most important parts of interpersonal communication is the message. It can be conveyed in many ways: speech, body language, tone of voice, gestures and other indicators. Non-verbal messages provide additional information that may not be readily apparent through words.
Noise: This refers to any distortion that causes differences between what is received and what it sent , according to resource website CommunicationTheory.org. Examples of noise include jargon, language barriers, inattention and more.
Feedback: Feedback is the response of the receiver. In other words, it’s the message sent back to the sender. This allows the sender to know whether the message has been received and interpreted correctly.
Context: Whether a message is received and interpreted correctly depends largely on context. “The emotional climate and expectations of the people, the place of occurrence, and social, political, cultural and environmental conditions comprise context,” CommunicationTheory.org says.
Channel: Finally, this component refers to how the communication occurs. A message is sent and received through a specific channel, or medium.

Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace

Interpersonal communication is one of the most important life skills business professionals can have. In companies and organizations of all types, effective communication determines whether a team can operate effectively and accomplish core business goals. “It underlies the efficiency of key business functions such as managing, training, selling and resolving conflicts within an organization,” Chron Small Business explains.

Elements of Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication can also be divided into subskills . Effective communication in the workplace relies on each of the following elements:

Problem solving and decision making: One of the best ways to maintain professional relationships is through effective problem solving and decision making. Both of these skills align team members toward a common goal. If leaders are unable to take the steps necessary to solve problems and make the right decision for the team, a business can’t function successfully.
Listening: Strong listening skills are invaluable for business professionals. They help individuals understand sent messages and act accordingly. If a manager provides instructions but team members are unable to listen and synthesize the information, roadblocks will arise that can derail projects and cause negative consequences.
Assertiveness: A commonly undervalued element of interpersonal communication is assertiveness. The ability to influence others helps leaders drive the team toward a common goal. Being willing to take charge and effect change is one of the hallmarks of a business leader.
Negotiation: This skill is a key element in conflict resolution. Finding common ground and identifying shared goals can help business professionals work effectively with others.

How to Improve Interpersonal Communication in the Workplace

Here are some of the ways business professionals can improve interpersonal communication in the workplace.

Research and plan: Gather facts and relevant data to plan for important conversations. This helps ensure clarity and accuracy.
Determine your audience: Consider coworkers’ personality and mindset before approaching a conversation. Find the right communication style for your specific situation. Some conversations lend themselves to face-to-face meetings, while others can be best accomplished through email.
Self-evaluation: Understand your own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. Ask for honest feedback from coworkers and managers as a learning opportunity to better inform future interactions.
Monitor expectations: Keep assumptions and expectations to a minimum before engaging with a coworker. You never know for sure how someone will react, so be ready to adapt as the situation demands.

Skill Development Through Graduate Coursework

Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an ideal way to develop stronger interpersonal communication skills. Concordia University, St. Paul’s fully online MBA balances advanced business coursework with hands-on projects that help students develop real-world skills for the workplace. On campus program options are also available.

If you are interested in advanced business topics like these, consider Concordia University, St. Paul’s online MBA program . You can also download our free guide , “Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Your Guide to the MBA and Beyond,” for an in-depth look at the value of the MBA.

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How to Practice Effective Interpersonal Communication

What is interpersonal communication, the 6 elements of interpersonal communication, 5 ways interpersonal communication effects businesses, 10 attributes of good interpersonal communication, more tips for strengthening your interpersonal communication skills today.

Employees spend an average of two and a half hours each day communicating, according to research. Yet, 86% of employees surveyed cite a lack of communication as the main cause of workplace problems. Effective communication impacts every area of our lives. It influences how we share and receive information, discuss ideas, and solve conflicts. This, in turn, fuels appropriate problem-solving, engagement, and forward momentum, which is critical for business success.

A 2021 Gallup study found that companies that promote accurate, consistent, and open communication in the workplace have higher levels of employee engagement. Yet, only 7% of employees surveyed said they strongly agreed that communication where they work embodied any of those traits.

Further studies by APA PsycNet show that organizational functioning is directly influenced by one’s experience with positive emotions, such as interest, joy, and contentment. In fact, 82% of those surveyed said they would leave their job to work for an employer they perceived as more empathetic.

It’s for these reasons that having strong interpersonal skills is one of the most critical assets needed for success. Active listening, nonverbal cues, body language, and speaking up all greatly impact a company’s engagement, retention, and bottom line.

Key Takeaways

50% of those surveyed said frequent communication fostered feelings of connectedness.
24% of employees admitted they’d leave their job due to a lack of perceived trust.
68% of employees cite a lack of clear expectations as a cause for disengagement.
68% of CEOs admit to avoiding empathy for fear of losing the respect of their team.

“Communication is an art form that is crafted throughout our lives.” Asa Don Brown

Interpersonal communication is the way in which two or more people share thoughts, ideas, and emotions using both verbal and nonverbal cues. Most often, interpersonal communication looks like two people having a face-to-face conversation, but it can also occur in larger groups, through facial expressions and gestures.

Four skills a person must have to exercise effective interpersonal communication:

Verbal: This refers to what you say, as well as how you say it. How you use your words, tone, and any other audible sounds to communicate reflects your level of verbal skill.
Listening: Hearing is an automatic response for many, but listening is a skill that requires careful intention. Those with good listening skills can draw more meaningful connections.
Written: How well you communicate using emails, text messages, direct messages on digital platforms, and even emojis defines your written communication skill level.
Nonverbal: Body language, posture, shoulder shrugs, and gestures are all forms of nonverbal communication. How these cues are used can either increase or decrease message clarity.

Communicating effectively requires the careful orchestration of six critical elements of interpersonal communication.

The Communicators: These are the people involved in the exchange of information. Operating as a two-way process, how well the message is conveyed and received depends on the parties’ respective communication skill levels.
The Message: What is verbally expressed represents a piece of the communication exchange, but elements like facial expressions, tone, body language, and gestures (or lack thereof) also impact the message’s meaning.
The Noise: Anything that disrupts or impairs one’s ability to understand a message is considered noise. Noise can be language barriers, cultural differences, unclear references or jargon, and confusing body language.
The Feedback: After an initial message is “sent,” the receiver responds with feedback. This feedback will either confirm that the message was received in the intended way or suggest that further communication is needed.
The Context: Context describes all environmental and hierarchical aspects of how the communication is taking place. Is the conversation taking place outside? In an office? What are the roles and statuses of those communicating? All of these influence how information is exchanged.
The Channel: Is the message being communicated face-to-face, on the phone, or digitally? How the communication is being sent and received describes the channel element. In a face-to-face scenario, verbal speech would be considered the channel.

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” Brené Brown

1. It Increases Employee Productivity

A 2020 study by RingCentral examined the impact that feelings of connectedness had on employee productivity. Researchers found that companies with a corporate culture that embraced interpersonal communication and connection experienced significant advantages in employee productivity. Of the 4,000 surveyed, 50% cited that frequent employee communication helped them feel more connected with their company and that, as a result, they were more productive. Another report by McKinsey Global Institute found that productivity could be raised by as much as 25%, simply by improving communication through social technologies.

For tips on improving employee productivity, read “ Setting Employee Expectations: Improve Productivity and Engagement. ”

2. It Builds Trust

According to a report by the Workforce Institute, 24% of employees said they didn’t trust their employer to pay them accurately. Even further, only 1 in 3 employees are trusted by their supervisor to submit PTO without approval. Practicing verbal and nonverbal interpersonal communication allows employees to feel safe being vulnerable. This is because when one’s guard is down and open for receiving, information and ideas can be both shared and understood more easily. Without this trust and ability to be vulnerable, employees are more likely to draw their own conclusions and avoid asking questions.

As Anne Bӧckler-Raettig, a cognitive psychologist, explains , “One cue we use to decide whether or not to trust somebody is their faces, their facial features.”

3. It Increases Retention and Attracts A-Player Candidates

According to the 2022 Work Trend Index Annual Report by Microsoft, 52% of Gen Z and millennial employees are considering changing employers in the coming year. In another report , a lack of perceived trust drove 24% of employees to leave their job. When employees are heard, trusted, and valued, personal investment in their role is higher, and they’re more likely to stay. For job-seekers, compassion and positive company culture are two of the factors they evaluate a company on before applying.

For more information on attracting A-player candidates, read “ The Hiring Process: A 10-Step Guide for Finding A-Players. ”

4. It Improves Employee Engagement and Investment

Communicating openly and honestly, inviting collaboration, and welcoming input are all elements of demonstrating care for an employee. When employees feel cared for by their employer, their overall well-being is higher, and they become more engaged and invested in their work.

According to a recent workplace report by Gallup , employee perception of employer care and concern has plummeted to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, only about 25% of employees feel cared for, and only 32% of employees are engaged at work. Lack of clear expectations, inadequate equipment, and an overall disconnection from a company’s mission are the most commonly cited reasons for the sharp decline in engagement.

5. It Saves the Company Money

An SHRM report found that companies with fewer than 100 employees lose about $420,000 yearly to miscommunication. For companies with more than 100,000 employees, that figure reached $62.4 million. Poor interpersonal communication can wreak havoc on a business—from reduced productivity and poor cultural atmosphere to disengagement. All of these can be costly for a company to battle, with employee turnover perhaps being the most expensive. According to Teambuilding.com, companies spend an average of one billion dollars yearly recovering from employee turnover.

Michael C. Bush, an equity visionary, shares some insights : “Organizations that have a lot of happy employees have three times the revenue growth, compared to organizations where that’s not true . . . it’s not about ping-pong tables and massages and pet walking. It’s not about the perks. It’s all about how they’re treated by their leaders and the people they work with. “

Often, we may think we have good interpersonal communication skills when we may be missing the mark. In fact, nearly 93% of effective communication is nonverbal . For this reason, it can be difficult to know what having good interpersonal communication skills looks like. However, by learning the specific attributes that make up effective communication, one can better enact organizational leadership and lead others toward achieving long-term goals.

Here are a few ways to improve your interpersonal communication:

Be adaptable: Having the ability to consider new ideas, methods, and tools is essential for keeping a business successful. Adaptive leaders inspire innovation while creating a culture of psychological safety for others.
Collaborate: Research shows that more collaborative teams are 25% more productive. Collaboration not only helps mitigate failures but can boost turnover rates by 50%.
Show initiative: Speaking up, asking questions, going the extra mile—all of these demonstrate assertive communication . This is effective for reducing misunderstandings, fostering openness, and even mitigating work burnout .
Practice good listening: Active listening means being able to read between the lines, pick up on nonverbal cues, and position your response accordingly.
Have empathy: 68% of CEOs admit they feel that showing empathy will reduce the respect that they receive. Yet, connecting with the feelings of others is critical for building positive interpersonal relationships.
Remain open-minded: When people feel their input is valued, they’re more likely to share it, and there are more growth opportunities.
Welcome feedback: Encouraging feedback is important for exercising conflict resolution skills and facilitating new ideas. Yet, only 28% of employees receive meaningful feedback each week.
Model respect: One study found that employees who felt their employers respected them were 110% more likely to stay with the organization.
Select the right channel: Knowing which channel to communicate something through is critical. A serious conversation, for example, would be best done in person, while a quick acknowledgment of a team’s success can be an email.
Demonstrate positive nonverbal cues: Reading nonverbal cues is part of having good emotional intelligence in the workplace . A study found that 67% of hiring employers placed greater value on this than other competencies.

“The stronger your self-understanding is, the greater your probability of adapting to the people around you.” Thomas Erikson

No one is born with perfect interpersonal communication skills. It takes effort and intention to master. Recognize the areas that could be improved and take small daily steps to work on them. Practicing new atomic habits takes about two months, according to author James Clear. After then, your new interpersonal behaviors will be automatic.

If there are multiple areas requiring improvement, pick one to start with and master that before moving on to the next. Continue through, one by one, until you’ve improved in each area.

Daily tips for improving interpersonal communication:

Take an online course on developing empathy.
Practice daily journaling to recognize and manage your emotions.
Read An Essential Guide to Interpersonal Communication by Quentin J. Schultze.
Read Emotional Intelligence: For a Better Life, Success at Work, and Happier Relationships by Brandon Goleman.

For more insight on improving workplace communication, read “ How to Improve Lack of Communication in Your Business. ”

Leaders Media has established sourcing guidelines and relies on relevant, and credible sources for the data, facts, and expert insights and analysis we reference. You can learn more about our mission, ethics, and how we cite sources in our editorial policy .

“What Percent of the Time Is Spent on Communication in the Workplace?” https://www.zippia.com/answers/what-percent-of-the-time-is-spent-on-communication-in-the-workplace/ .
“Communication Statistics in the Workplace 2022 — Pumble.” Knowledge Hub , 26 July 2022, https://pumble.com/learn/communication/communication-statistics/ .
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Interpersonal Communication: How To Improve It And Why It Is a Must-Have Business Skill

The old adage that “talk is cheap” is going through something of a re-think. Sure, it’s easy to talk about what you plan to accomplish prior to committing any action, but what if that “talk” itself had inherent value?

Learn how to create an effective internal communication strategy at your organization.

Newsflash — it does. “Talk,” more formally known as, “interpersonal communication” is one of the most valuable and necessary skill sets to have in the modern world of business.

What Is Interpersonal Communication?

Before we give an interpersonal communication definition and how to improve communication, we should first ask “what does interpersonal mean?” Simply put, “interpersonal” is most frequently defined as something “between people.” In this case, it’s effective communication but it’s more than mere “talk.”

So what is interpersonal communication? Interpersonal communication refers to the entire process and practice of exchanging ideas, information and even emotional experiences that can be shared between people.

It is a potent and vital force that isn’t just all about words. It’s an array of cues that come from the voice, body language, facial expressions, and gestures of those in communication.

Why is interpersonal communication important? Effective interpersonal communication is the bedrock upon which interpersonal relationships in business (and beyond) are built. Effective communication is the catalyst for action. When it’s done right, it can truly turn ideas into action.

Though one’s own interpersonal communication definition may differ slightly from others, the basic tenets will likely remain the same. Good interpersonal communication skills will be judged by your mastery of four basic interpersonal communication concepts.

What Are the 4 Types of Interpersonal Communication and Interpersonal Skills?

When it comes to basic elements of interpersonal communication, the various types of possible communication will cluster under four basic categories: verbal , listening , written and nonverbal communication . Let’s look at these interpersonal communication concepts in greater detail.

1. Verbal

Whenever you talk or even make an audible sound (like “hmm” of “Ahh!” for example), you’re creating verbal communication. Beyond the content of what you’re saying and the context in which it’s being said, verbal communication also includes additional auditory factors like intonation. This refers to how your voice rises and falls in tone as you speak and can shade how the words are meant to be interpreted.

For example, the phrase “Have a nice day” can take on a number of different meanings when you imagine it said in a friendly way, sarcastically, or even ominously.

2. Listening

Chances are that at some point in your life you’ve been accused of “hearing but not listening” to what someone was saying to you. The distinction between the two concepts might have seemed nuanced at first until the message became clear: hearing is involuntary and effortless whereas listening is focused and intentional .

Hearing is an automatic response that is the result of having working ears. Listening takes more effort. It’s purposeful and requires concentration to understand what the speaker is sharing.

3. Written Communication

When you convey a message via written symbols, you’re practicing written communication. From emails and text messages to more formal memoranda and reports, written communication is the cornerstone of most information sharing in business.

When information that is complex or lengthy needs to be shared, it’s usually conveyed through written communication. To that end, written communication is often considered more legally valid than spoken words are. That’s why it often serves as an “official” mode of communication. Written communication can also include emojis, which can help convey more emotional information and context that can be hard to deduce from the words themselves.

4. Non-Verbal Communication

Getting meaning across without using words either written or spoken is the essence of nonverbal communication. This can be achieved through everything from facial expressions, to specific gestures (“jazz hands,” anyone?) to body language and certain postures.

To get a sense of how much can be communicated through nonverbal communication, consider that mimes are able to tell entire stories without uttering a word. Moreover, nonverbal communication often complements spoken communication. Gestures like ‘air quotes” or shoulder shrugging add additional if not entirely different meanings to what’s being said.

We Need to Talk: How Interpersonal Communication Works

Inasmuch as “it takes two to tango,” it takes at least as many (and sometimes many more) for good interpersonal communication skills to flourish. In a business setting, interpersonal communication can sometimes quickly devolve into looking like a group attempting to dance the Macarena except everyone is doing the steps in a different order. There are conventions we use to frame our thinking about communication. But it’s really far too dynamic a phenomenon to be summed up by a few simple rules.

We often think about communication as having a distinct sender and receiver of a message wherein one person sends a message and the other receives it. The problem with this model is that interpersonal communication seldom occurs so seamlessly — instead, people are more likely to send and receive messages at the same time in a complex, interactive process.

Successful interpersonal communication is achieved through cultivating active feedback . Simply put, feedback consists of the reactions that a receiver conveys to the original sender. Feedback provides the sender the opportunity to adjust their message in order to improve communication.

Feedback occurs not just after someone has made a statement, but often during the communication itself. There are a number of social cues used to indicate that one person is indeed listening to the other — from nodding or expressing affirmative sounds like “mm-hmm” to a variety of interjections and interruptions that shape real-life conversations.

As messy as this may seem, all of these elements — the spoken words, facial expressions, tone, and gestures — are actually part of good interpersonal communication skills. They help shape how it is intended to be interpreted and indicate how it is being interpreted in real-time.

However, there are factors that can distort this process. Communications theorists call this “noise,” which is anything that obstructs the meaning of a message. Beyond the literal meaning of noise wherein sounds from the physical world intrude upon the reception of a message (from weak mobile phone connections to the sounds of a crowded cafe), there are other types of noise that can negatively impact staff communication in the workplace.

Cultural and language differences can create an added layer of complication that may obscure a communicator’s intended message. Similarly, the overuse of jargon or colloquial language can get in the way of the listener’s understanding of what is being communicated.

Much of what influences a message and how it is perceived is the context in which it is shared . The context includes not only the setting of the communication in the workplace (an office, a restaurant, while walking between locations) but the social factors shared by the communicators. Is one the boss of the other? Are the communicators in question friends or competitors or both?

The interpersonal relationships and relative status between two people communicating can affect how a message is received.

Just as important is the way in which a message is transmitted from one person to the other. Is it in-person or over the phone? Text or email? During employee training ? Communication theorists refer to the means of communication as the channel , which can have implications for how the message is meant to be received.

A formal email from a colleague’s business email address sets the expectation that the message is an “official” communication in the workplace. However, a channel like a Facebook message suggests a more social context, which would cue a different, less formal interaction style. Choosing the appropriate channel for the message can sometimes be as important as the message itself

What Are Some Examples of Interpersonal Communication?

Humans are a social species — consequently, we’re constantly communicating with one another. Research indicates that people speak anywhere from 7,000 to 20,000 words a day to each other . For context, on the higher end of the scale, that’s equivalent to chatting out the average novella in the course of a day.

Interpersonal communication is happening all the time and in the business world, it’s often one of the most important aspects of one’s job.

Interpersonal communication examples include:

1. Phone Calls

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell, one of the inventors of the telephone uttered the first words ever transmitted over the line. They were to his assistant and are as historic as they are mundane: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.” Since then, trillions of words have been spoken on phones daily. How many calls have you made today?

2. Meetings

Whether they’re conducted in person, (as in the pre-pandemic days) or on Zoom, meetings have long been a mainstay of the business experience. That said, like the modern saying, “This could have been an email,” think twice before requesting someone’s time and attention in a group setting.

3. Presentations

The overreliance on “ye olde slide deck” may be fading out, but presentations remain a mainstay of the corporate conference room. And why not? A well-communicated and visually-appealing presentation can be a rallying point for a project and galvanize the team together.

4. Emails and Texting

Some pundits like to bemoan the fact that, as a culture, we spend too much time interacting with screens rather than each other. The fact is, we’re using the screens to interact with each other — usually through written communication.

At least 97% of smartphone owners text regularly according to the Pew Research Center, which amounts to about 26 billion daily texts sent in America alone.

That’s a lot of interpersonal communication in the workplace — not to mention a lot of reading and writing.

Ready to improve interpersonal communication at your company? Download our eBook on how to craft a winning internal communications strategy today!

Most frequently asked questions.

1. Phone Calls 2. Meetings 3. Presentations 4. Emails and Texting

1. Verbal 2. Listening 3. Written Communication 4. Non-Verbal Communication

Interpersonal communication refers to the entire process and practice of exchanging ideas, information and even emotional experiences that can be shared between people.

interpersonal communication in business essay

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Home / Essay Samples / Sociology / Communication / Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Communication Essay Examples

Interpersonal communication, self-concept, and perception.

Interpersonal communication is manner in which information, feelings, and ideas are interchanged between two or more people. This is done through both non-verbal and verbal communication methods. In this paper, I will be covering why interpersonal communication is inescapable, irreversible, and complicated. The first principal...

How Communication Takes Place: Communication Models

In a bid to offer inputs to a standard system and ensure effective communication in the corporate landscape, a myriad of tools classified into one-way communication, transactional and interactive models have made their way to the fore for the sole purpose of propagating messages over...

Origins of Human Communication: a Book Review on Its Evolution

This is evolution of communication essay where the review book “Origins of Human Communication” by Michael Tomasello will show this topic.So here comes a question, what makes cognitive and social capacities of human animals so different than other non-human primates or animals that they can...

The Importance of Effective Communication: the Key to Success

With every passing day the world is shrinking into a global single unit due to the technologies and various mediums of connection. In such scenario an effective communication is the need of the hour and an only means to stay connected globally. While students feel...

Social Penetration Theory: the Development of Intimate Relationships

Social penetration theory is a theory in social psychology that explains how interpersonal relationships develop and deepen over time. The theory was developed by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor in the 1970s. The social penetration theory, as we can see in the essay, essay is...

Pride - the Poison of Relationship

What is a poison? Poison is a poison that contains different types of animals that cause damage to immobilize, injure or even kill prey or something that has threatened them. Or it can be a consumed chemical that harms our body and immobilizes it, hurts...

How Do We Communicate and Why It's Getting Weird

Instead of going out and spending quality time with friends or family, people nowadays just communicate through texting and calling over the phone. When people did not have phones, they use to walk or drive somewhere and meet up just to have a face-to-face conversation....

The Internet's Power: Its Influence on Our Lives and Society

Is internet usage impact individual’s life and relationship for better or worse? In how internet affect our life essay this topic will be discussed. Internet is a boon or bane as per the person uses it, though the boundary sometimes gets unclear. On a general...

Overview of My Professional Network Experiences

I have faced many life-changing experiences and challenges over the years that shaped my personality to become more resilient, patient, and open-minded. Most importantly, these challenges helped me build strong relationships and maintain others I already had. After I pursued my undergraduate degree in Psychology,...

Manipulative Communication in Dysfunctional Relationships

A dysfunctional relationship is a relationship that does not perform its proper function. Meaning the people in the relationship do not emotionally support one another, communicate well, or trust one another. People in dysfunctional relationships are manipulated and taken advantage of. There are many causes...

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About Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the process of exchange of information, ideas and feelings between two or more people through verbal or non-verbal methods. It often includes face-to-face exchange of information, in a form of voice, facial expressions, body language and gestures.

Interpersonal communication skills can improve personal and professional relationships by helping to express thoughts and convey intent clearly. Additionally, you'll be more able to understand and empathise with others due to your listening skills.

Oral, verbal, nonverbal, and listening.

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