What is one of the general purposes for interpersonal communication?

Interpersonal communication serves various purposes, one of which is to influence others. This capability to affect how others think, feel, or act is fundamental in many contexts, including leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Influence is often exercised through persuasive speaking, active listening, and empathetic engagement.

In a fire service context, for instance, an officer may need to influence team members to adhere to safety protocols or motivate them during challenging situations. By effectively communicating and building rapport, an officer can foster an environment where team members are more willing to follow directives and cooperate.

The other options do not align with the productive goals of interpersonal communication. Remembering focuses on retention and recall of information, which, while important, does not encapsulate the broader, interactive aspect of influencing others. Disrupting and eliminating communication conflict with the aims of fostering understanding and collaboration that interpersonal communication typically seeks to achieve.