Typically, interpersonal communication is transactional: both parties contribute to the meaning created during the communication. As Chapter 1 explains, this covers everything from a shared glance to an intense conversation. For example, if you and your brother spend an evening together, talking about your shared past, you will both likely chime in with contributions and thus construct the stories together. This is very different from most linear forms of communication, such as public speaking, in which a speaker creates and presents messages to audience members who receive and interpret them.

However, interpersonal communication can also be linear, depending on the situation. For instance, suppose you know that a coworker is feeling sad about a recent breakup. You send her a consoling text message in the middle of her workday (“So sorry about what happened. I’m here if you need anything”). You don’t expect her to respond because you know she’s busy—and she doesn’t. In this communication, there is a sender (you), a message (your expression of support), and a receiver (your coworker). It is a linear encounter, but it’s also interpersonal, because it’s dyadic, and it makes your coworker feel supported and therefore strengthens your connection with her.