Interpersonal Communication Skill

Communication involves a lot of things.  Highlight the following:

• Person-to-person communication – it goes two ways.  It is a dialogue.

• Involves the sharing of information, thoughts and feelings.

• Both verbal and non-verbal.

• What is said and what is heard, or received, are two different things. 
 
• There is much more to interpersonal communication than the message, or what is said.  
 
• Interpretation plays a large role in communication.   
 
• Interpretation is the way a message is understood

Key Point:   The purpose of interpersonal communication is to understand and be understood. 

There are two other key concepts to understand about interpersonal communication: 
 

  •  Verbal communication
  •  Non-verbal communication 

  1. What is verbal communication? 

• What is said out loud

• Includes the message, but is not limited to that

• Includes volume (how loudly or softly the words are said)

• Tone of voice • Language

• Sighs 
 

2. What is non-verbal communication? 

• What is communicated that is not oral (or is not heard) 
 
• Uses other senses besides hearing, such as seeing and touching 
 
• There is a great deal more to communication than words that are exchanged back and forth. 
 
• Also called body language 
 • Includes: 

  •  Gestures – legs crossed or folded arms
  •  Facial expressions
  • Posture – sitting upright or slouching 
  • Eye contact 
  • Seating or height 
  • Proximity – how close or far away you are from the person you are communicating with (closeness or distance) 
  • Touch

Barriers to communication

  • Noise
  • Inappropriate medium
  • Assumptions/Misconceptions
  • Emotions
  • Language differences
  • Poor listening skills
  • Professional knowledge/skills
  • Inadequate information
  • Negative attitude
  • Age/Gender/Sex sensitivities
  • Culture
  • Inappropriate mode of communication

Benefits of Effective Communication

  • Understanding between the message sender and those receiving the message.
  • Motivation for all concerned
  • Getting needs met
  • Getting things done
  • Building trust between the communicating individuals or people.
  • Building support for care and getting comprehensive information

ESSENTIALS OF COMMUNICATION
Dos

¬Always think ahead about what you are going to say.
¬Use simple words and phrases that are understood by every body.
¬Increase your knowledge on all subjects you are required to speak.
¬Speak clearly and audibly.
¬Check twice with the listener whether you have been understood accurately or not
¬In case of an interruption, always do a little recap of what has been already said.
¬Always pay undivided attention to the speaker while listening.
¬While listening, always make notes of important points.
¬Always ask for clarification if you have failed to grasp other’s point of view.
¬Repeat what the speaker has said to check whether you have understood accurately.
¬Being aware of non-verbal messages

ESSENTIALS OF COMMUNICATION
DON’Ts

¬Do not instantly react and mutter something in anger.
¬Do not use technical terms & terminologies not understood by majority of people.
¬Do not speak too fast or too slow.
¬Do not speak in inaudible surroundings, as you won’t be heard.
¬Do not assume that every body understands you.
¬While listening do not glance here and there as it might distract the speaker.
¬Do not interrupt the speaker.
¬Do not jump to the conclusion that you have understood every thing.

Benefits of Effective Communication

—Understanding between the message sender and those receiving the message.
—Motivation for all concerned
—Getting needs met
—Getting things done
—Building trust between the communicating individuals or people.
—Building support for care and getting comprehensive information