Question

Danielle says “excuse me” to a classmate’s mother who happens to be standing in doorway of her classroom. This is an example of:

Answer 1

As can be seen by the different possible responses, there exists more than one type of interpersonal communication.  With that in mind, let’s think through the possible responses.   One-sided communication is communication where there is typically no way for a dialog to occur such as in mass communication like a speech or television broadcast.  Thus, because Danielle is face to face with a classmate’s mother in a doorway, even though the classmate’s mother might not reply, we know this situation is not one sided and cannot be “B.  one-sided interpersonal communication.”  Intimate communication is communication that occurs with those whom we have personal/intimate relationships with such as our own family members and close friends.  Because the communication is between Danielle and someone else’s mother, it can be assumed there would be no intimacy there.  Thus, we can assume the answer is not “C. intimate interpersonal communication.”  That leaves us with “A. impersonal interpersonal communication.”  To understand why “A” is the proper response, however, one must recall that impersonal interpersonal communication is communication that happens between two people who have no real history or expected future together such as those we meet standing next to in line at a fast food restaurant, music concert, or blocking the way into a classroom.  Keep in mind, though, that just because communication is impersonal it can be polite, which was a bit tricky with this question and might lead one to consider a response other than the correct response:  “A. impersonal interpersonal communication.”