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"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say." -- Martin Luther
Intrapersonal communication is the most basic form of communication. It is the cornerstone for all the other forms. Intrapersonal focuses on the mental processing that occurs within an individual.
When we communicate with ourselves or with other people we are constantly sending and receiving messages internally through the thinking process. It is called a mental process because we transform symbols and sensations into meaning.
People receive information externally from their environment and internally from within themselves. Choosing certain information to focus on is called selectivity. Selectivity is exercised by choosing information that is consistent with our belief system and then that information is decoded.
People create and interpret meaning; symbols do not. We determine meaning based on intrapersonal, interpersonal, contextual and social factors.
Intrapersonal FactorsIndividuals create ideas and meaning associations as they process information internally. Memories, past experiences and knowledge form the basis of our interpretation of events and concepts. Interpersonal factorsSocially constructed or negotiated meanings develop as people interact and build relationships. Contextual factorsThe surrounding environmental, psychological and social factors help us to shape meaning. Social FactorsMany cultural and familial influences affect our creation of meaning.
Intrapersonal communication occurs internally, hence, the channels we use to communicate with ourselves are human channels. The three primary channels used in intrapersonal communication are: self-talk, mental imagery and non- verbal behaviours.
Self- TalkThis is the internal use of verbal language symbols while thinking. Mental ImageryMental imagery refers to the images and individual visualizes without words. Nonverbal BehavioursIntrapersonal communication involves both intentional and unintentional nonverbal behaviours. Nonverbal behaviours may or may not be observable by others depending on the situation in which the communication occurs.
Why is intrapersonal communication important for a professional communicator?