Credibility in interpersonal communication primarily refers to which aspect?

Credibility in interpersonal communication is fundamentally rooted in the receiver's perception of the sender. This means that how credible a communicator is perceived to be hinges on the beliefs, observations, and judgments of the audience regarding that person's trustworthiness, expertise, and reliability.

When a receiver evaluates a sender, they take into account various factors such as the sender's background, their prior interactions, the context of the communication, and the overall impression formed during the exchange. A sender can possess knowledge and skills, but if the receiver does not perceive them as credible, the effectiveness of the communication can be diminished.

For instance, if a speaker presents information confidently and knowledgeably but lacks a trustworthy reputation in the eyes of the audience, the message may be met with skepticism. Hence, the perception of the sender's credibility is essential for effective communication, making it a central aspect in interpersonal settings.