Improving Your Interpersonal Communication Skills

According to Lindsay Kiriakos, interpersonal communication is a form of human interaction in which we exchange information and ideas with others. Interpersonal communication research aims to understand the different ways that we communicate with others. Understanding the differences between human speech, body language, and context will help us improve our communication skills. This article will cover some of the main techniques used in interpersonal communication. Also, learn how to avoid making mistakes in your communication. You’ll be surprised at how much you can improve your communication skills with others.

Listening

Despite the importance of listening, most people fail to properly understand the points of view of others. In addition, listening requires proper identification of signals. However, not all listening is effective. Some people use listening feedback to persuade the speaker to say something else. This practice is not good because it makes the listener less than a partner in the interaction. However, listening feedback helps the speaker in accomplishing his or her ends.

Listening happens in waves. We process auditory stimuli in natural peaks and valleys. Some of them we pay attention to and some of them get filtered out. Other speakers aren’t as attentive to what they have to say. Listeners need to focus on the information they need and filter out the rest. Listening in interpersonal communication requires careful attention to the speaker’s words and tone.

Body language

Lindsay Kiriakos described that, in many situations, our body language is the main means by which we communicate with others. Not only does body language convey our intentions, but it can also reveal our true mood and feelings throughout the conversation. Understanding nonverbal communication can help you develop your interpersonal skills and avoid misunderstandings. Read on for some tips on how to read body language and improve your communication skills. Using nonverbal communication to your advantage is essential if you want to build trust and increase your self-confidence.

It can also convey our feelings, such as trust, interest, and happiness. To make our messages clearer, we can adopt certain body language behaviors. One example is holding hands to the side. This helps us convey our ideas more clearly without sending mixed signals. Hands on the hips, on the other hand, can indicate aggression and dominance. If we are speaking to someone in a professional setting, we should maintain an open posture and avoid putting our hands on our hips.

Context in which a message is shared

The context in which a message is shared in interpersonal communications affects how the recipient understands what is being said. It affects both the recipient and the messenger and is as important as the message itself. In interpersonal communication, the context includes the setting in which the message is shared and the social factors shared by the communicators. The context of a communication may be the same for two different people, but it can also be different from one another.

Culture, native language, and world view effects a person’s experience with interpersonal communication. According to philosopher Jurgen Habermas, every process of understanding is framed against a particular cultural background. In interpersonal communication, two people communicate with each other and may range from a casual conversation to an official exchange with a colleague. The contexts can overlap to create a dynamic process.

Unintentional communication

Lindsay Kiriakos explained that, interpersonal communication involves two types of signals: intentional and non-intentional. Unintentional communications are signals that have a different meaning for each person. Unintentional communication is often the cause of negative feelings and reactions, but it can also be a result of differences in the way people process messages and how others perceive them. Some examples of unintentional communication in interpersonal communication are defensive gestures, shifting away from the person you are talking to, and tapping your fingers with impatience. On the other hand, happy people tend to show signs of happiness.

Intrapersonal unconscious communication takes place between a person and his or her unconscious mind. This includes hypnosis and dreaming. It is also communication occurring in the person’s mind during cognitive processes. A colleague might lullaby you while walking down the hallway and relate to your enjoyment of the conversation. However, he or she knows he or she has a meeting to attend and will probably signal his or her desire to leave by checking a watch or glancing at the door.

Importance of effective interpersonal communication

Effective interpersonal communication is so much important. We live in a complex world. Each person’s internal variables multiply exponentially here. Even the simplest interactions have a profound impact on communication outcomes. As a result, it is vital to develop effective communication skills in order to be able to negotiate the daily challenges of life. In this article, we will examine the various factors that affect interpersonal communication.

One important aspect to remember when using effective interpersonal communication in your professional life is that you must monitor your expectations. As you communicate with people, always keep an eye on what they expect from you and how they will react. Earning an MBA is the perfect way to develop stronger interpersonal communication skills. At Concordia University, St. Paul, our fully online MBA program offers a balance between advanced business coursework and hands-on projects that will equip you with the necessary tools to effectively communicate with others in the business world.