subject: Interpersonal Communication Skills [print this page] Interpersonal Communication Skills Interpersonal Communication Skills
Interpersonal communication skills are a collection of processes we use to interact with other people, and they are an important component of the relationship building process. These skills include transmitting coherent language in both oral and verbal form, reading written language produced by others, and listening to others when they are transmitting information orally. These are the primary levers of interpersonal communication, and the ability to excel at one or all dictates an individuals adeptness at interpersonal communication. These skills are developed and improved over time and, despite considerable academic research, are typically hard skills to perfect. By communicating with others we share information and learn about other people, particularly how they themselves communicate, which is assimilated into how we ourselves communicate inter-personally with others. Interpersonal communication takes place all the time: when a shopper is speaking to a store cashier, when a manager reviews a subordinates performance, or when a salesman cold calls a client. In this day and age it is incredibly hard to avoid interpersonal communication, and thus despite the work required, there is significant benefit to improving ones skills.
Often the purpose of personal communication is to convey a message and establish a connection between sender and receiver. This allows us to learn something about someone else, which consequently enhances our interaction with them in the future. One of the keys to effective interpersonal communication is trying to relate to the people you are interacting with; share something at a basic level. This sharing of interaction allows us to fulfill a need for inclusion in a social community, a need to demonstrate control over cognitive function, and a for affection and attention.
There are many examples of interpersonal communication skills, and many examples of subset-skills within those. Developing and leveraging these skills often takes training, practice, and patience;
Disclosing something personal about ourselves to those around us builds trust and develops social intimacy.
Active listening is a key skill that includes paying attention to information being relayed to you, asking lots of questions, and monitoring your physical communication such as eye contact and fidgeting. Show enthusiasm in your demeanour and speech. This type of empathetic listening demonstrates interest in another persons point of view and establishes a connection.
Providing constructive criticism without being overly critical. Demonstrate patience with someone whom you may differ in opinion with.
Interpersonal communication often involves receiving and providing feedback, as well as handling confrontation, and where necessary, conflict. In some cases you may be subjected to complaint about a third-party, which you must remain objective.
Skillfully find a balance between not being pushy but not being a pushover: a manageable level of assertiveness.
Be cognisant of physical communication ticks: hunched shoulders, fidgeting, hair-twirling.
The communication between fellow human beings can be incredibly complex which makes being an effective interpersonal communicator that much harder for the average person. Of course there are benefits to building effective interpersonal communication skills, and these benefits are typically a two-way street: what benefits you can probably benefit the person or people you're interacting with. By communicating with people around us we experience stronger personal growth and develop important social skills. We learn to understand the context of communication and the meanings connected to how things are said. Furthermore, interpersonal communication allows us to develop a personal identity and self-image. Developing these skills allows someone to be a more successful delegator and leader; transmitting clear instructions while commanding the respect and buy-in of followers.
There are several downsides to not developing effective interpersonal communication skills. When communication is misunderstood or improperly conveyed it can cause considerable harm. It is important to remember that interpersonal communication is not reversible, and that we can not take back things we say or imply. Relationships can often be repaired but not without considerable time and effort.
The development of interpersonal communication skills never ceases, and during each and every conversation an individual is forced to analyze the verbal and non-verbal communication. Typically interpersonal communication takes place with the individuals in close proximity, however with new and far-reaching technologies the tenets of interpersonal communication are being tested. These changes require new skill-sets to transmit and maintain effective communication and healthy relationships. Increasingly individuals are expected to communicate with others through devices and mediums other than face-to-face. With the advent of email, text messaging, and social networking platforms, individuals spend less time speaking to each other in person each year. The role of computer-mediation in interpersonal communication has greatly increased.
