Different stages in Interpersonal communication-Knapp's Relationship Model

Interpersonal communication involves a direct face-to-face relationship between the sender and receiver. It involves interdependent relationship, Immediacy predominance and a strong feedback component.  This type of Communication enhances a long period of relationship. Interpersonal communication involves the various elements of verbal and nonverbal communication. The purpose  of interpersonal communication are to influence, help and discover, as well as to share and work together.

 The stages of process of interpersonal communication .

The process of interpersonal communication includes several stages over an extended life cycle.    The process of interpersonal communication includes several stages

1.  The initial encounter offers a first impression that can be full of communication data. Many people have learned that first impressions are to be best impression.

2.  Experimenting is the second step in interpersonal communication. In this step, information is exchanged on a variety of topics general and “safe” at first, gradually becoming more personal and more self-revealing.

3.  Intensifying follows when the experimentation leads to positive mutual conclusions that the relationship is worth pursuing.

4.  Integration: In which mutual decisions are made that the relationship is fulfilling. This is the stage of intense friendships, close business partnerships, and so on developed.

5.  Bonding is the final stage, in which the relationship is sealed. This is the fruitful stage of human relating. 

 

A  reverse pattern of interpersonal relationships:

1.  Differentiating reflects the focuses on the differences that people notice about each other.

2.  Circumscribing stage : During which time participants in the relationship begin to minimize their communication and confine it to mainly functional topics.

3.  Stagnating is the next stage, in which the relationship becomes flat and personally unfulfilling and is continued mainly for reasons beyond the relationship, such as religious or family obligation, contractual obligation, or social expectation.

4.  The avoidance stage : In which the participants in interpersonal communication both avoid each other and express mutual annoyance when they encounter each other.

5.  Termination : This is the final stage of breakdown, at which time legal, religious or other formal contracts are revoked and the termination of the relationship is announced to others.