False. In the context of interpersonal communication, the channel refers to the medium through which the message is transmitted, such as spoken words, written letters, or electronic devices. The air around them is not considered the channel but rather the environment in which the communication takes place.
The statement you provided is true. In interpersonal communication, when two individuals are engaging in a face-to-face conversation, the air around them acts as the channel through which the message is transmitted. The sound waves produced by the speaker's vocal cords travel through the air and reach the listener's ears, allowing the message to be received and understood. Therefore, the air serves as the medium that carries the message in interpersonal communication.