
Intrapersonal communication involves the use of language and thought to communicate with oneself. It includes an individual’s internal thought process, rationalization, and reasoning. This piece explores the advantages as well as the disadvantages of this form of communication.
Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.
―Aristotle
The ability to hold internal conversations is unique to humans. These conversations are an internal nonverbal form of regular speech, and this ability exists naturally in all individuals. What varies from person to person is the degree to which a person has honed this ability in order to benefit oneself. Such a skilled nature of communication helps in one’s self-development.
People with highly developed intrapersonal skills are proficient at examining themselves and identifying their own weaknesses and strengths and focusing on them. This allows them to view themselves as a behavioral entity. Such awareness engenders a intuitive, adaptive, and independent nature. Examples of such evolved individuals can be found throughout history, and they include eminent people such as Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Socrates, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, etc. All these individuals exhibited and applied their refined intrapersonal communication skills to causes that would help in the betterment of society. But there is a flip side to every quality, and this skill set is no exception. Despite its many advantages, it exhibits certain disadvantages too.
Merits of Intrapersonal Communication
Self-awareness
It allows the person to be aware of every aspect of their own personality. Through introspection, the person becomes aware of the qualities that help shape his personality which in turn makes him aware of his motivations, aspirations, and expectations from the world. If one’s understanding of self is absolute, it would help in easily communicating his wants and needs to others.
Self-confidence
A self-aware state makes one secure and increases confidence.
Self-management
The fact that one is conscious of the indwelling strengths and shortcomings, it equips him to manage his daily affairs efficiently using his strengths to the maximum which in turn compensates for his weaknesses.
Self-motivation
The absolute knowledge of what one wants out of life will enable the person to strive to achieve those aims and goal while continuously motivating themselves.
Focused
The qualities of self-motivation and self-management will help develop deeper concentration and direct his focus towards the task at hand.
Independence
Self-awareness allows the person to be independent.
Adaptability
The person is highly adaptable to his surroundings as the knowledge of his own qualities allows him to confidently and calmly take decisions and change his approach accordingly in response to situational stimuli.
Demerits of Intrapersonal Communication
Introverted
Since the person prefers working alone, he is perceived as shy or anti-social by others.
Wrong assumptions
Since there is absence of a feedback, that is, the conversation is in a one-way flow, it could lead to the development of misconceptions and faulty assumptions.
Incorrect decisions
Prejudices formed based on wrong assumptions made by an individual could lead to incorrect choices or decisions.
Categorical thinking
There is a possibility of an individual categorizing and viewing certain individuals or events with a biased opinion causing one’s thought pattern to be one-tracked and lopsided.
Over-thinking
Over analysis of situations and prolonged thinking about them will lead to the imagination of unrealistic and unnecessary scenarios, and in extreme cases, may even lead to self-doubt.
Arrogance
Due to an independent nature and specific approach towards an issue, one may be incorrectly perceived as being arrogant. This is further reinforced by one’s tendency to pay attention to every minute detail.
In conclusion, to overcome the disadvantages of intrapersonal communication, it is vital to be aware of one’s own surroundings as well. Also, the development of interpersonal communication in addition, could help in overcoming demerits.