Interpersonal Communication Skills
Interpersonal Communication skills are how we send informational messages for others to receive them. The message is usually sent orally. But non-verbal communication is also a part of interpersonal communications. Writing can even be used as a form of interpersonal communication skills.
Good interpersonal communication skills are based on the idea of being clear. Since interpersonal communication implies the interaction between 2 or more people; the better they understanding is between them the better their relationship would be. Even if two people aren’t friends clearly establishing where each other stands with good interpersonal communication skills can allow for both to be in the same physical space without conflict.
Good interpersonal communication skills allows for the sender to give messages to receivers with minimal misunderstanding. The sender has to have a clear idea of what he or she is going to say and how to say it in order not to confuse the receiver. If confused, the receiver could misinterpret the message and thus miscommunication ensues.
In terms of interpersonal communication approaches, there could be a one-way or two-way method of sending information. With one way interpersonal communication the sender is giving out information or a direction with out the allowance or expectation of feedback. An example of one-way communication would be if the receiver tells the sender “ Pick up the pencil or you are fired”. The person picks up the pencil, end of story.
In two-way interpersonal communication, two or more people share information back and forth. The sender allows for information to be returned back. An example of a two-way interpersonal communication would be the sender once again saying, “Pick up the pencil or you are fired”. But this time in response the receiver says, “Do you think that is Fair?” Now there is a two-way interaction based on the original message.
In addition to the one way and two way interpersonal communication approaches, it can also be further broken down into styles. Five main styles of interpersonal communication are: controlling, egalitarian, structuring, relinquishing and withdrawing. A person that has good interpersonal communication skills will know when to use one style over the other. One style may work better than another depending on the situation at hand.
When one uses the controlling style of interpersonal communication a directive is given out for the receiver to execute. It is a one-way communication in which the sender expects compliance from the receiver. If the person is respected it can be used effectively upon occasion, but one has to be careful because it can become overbearing, bossy and domineering. You can alienate people as well with a controlling interpersonal communication style. On the other hand is the egalitarian style of interpersonal communication. This is a two-way information approach where messages are received back and forth to promote execution. This is good if you are dealing with experienced people situations but not so good for those that are not familiar or inexperienced with what is required of them.
The structuring style of interpersonal communication is used when organization is required to accomplish a task. This is good when deadlines are involved. The dynamic approach use motivational pleas to get the receiver to execute an action. It is good once again with experienced people who know what to do.
In the relinquishing interpersonal communication style the sender shifts the responsibility of communication execution to the receiver. This style is highly receptive to input from the receiver. This is good for those receiving information that want to assume responsibility. And finally the withdrawal style of interpersonal communication is the absence of communication altogether. This is used when one does not want to discuss an issue.
In conclusion on could say that there are many interpersonal communication skills that are utilized to be an effective communicator. The main thing is to be clear with the information you are sending out so the listener can effectively act or not act on the information you send them. This is the best interpersonal communication skill to have. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
