Interpersonal communication refers to the type of communication that occurs between two people who have a clearly defined relationship.  Probably the most significant form of communication that occurs is conversation, whether it be face-to-face, online, over the phone, or through some other channel.  It is comprised of five steps: opening, feedforward, business, feedback, and closing.  In order to become an effect interpersonal communicator within conversations, a person must exhibit several characteristics.  First, he/she must be open, for it allows for self-disclosure.  Empathy is also necessary because it allows for a person to feel another person's emotions in a similar manner so that understanding can take place.  Negativity is not useful in conversations, so positivity is required to remain satisfied.  Immediacy links the speaker and the listener together and creates a sense of oneness where interest and attention are kept.  Also, interaction management helps to regulate and continue interpersonal interaction while expressiveness is necessary to promote genuine involvement.  Finally, other-orientation encourages attentiveness to the other person in terms of what they have to communicate so that the listener's messages can be adapted to fit the conversation.  Conflict also plays a role in interpersonal communication and can have both positive and negative effects on the relationship (DeVito, 2005).