Many studies have been conducted to divide interpersonal communication skills into parts to make it easier to understand.
Unit-2 Interpersonal communication – The elements to consider
The elements are:
The Communicators or the sender
To communicate, there should be at least two persons in the process. It is not difficult to imagine a communication that involves two people: the sender and the receiver of the message.
The problem with this approach to defining relationships is that it portrays communication as a one-way transaction.
Communication is usually a complicated, two-way process where people send and receive messages from and to each another simultaneously. Also, communication is an interactive process. When one person is speaking while the other listens – however, while they listen, they are also giving feedback via smiling, nodding heads, etc.
The Actual message in Interpersonal Communication
The word “message” does not just refer to the language used or the information communicated and the non-verbal messages transmitted, like facial expressions or tone of voice, gestures, and body language. The non-verbal behavior can provide additional information regarding the spoken message. Notably, it could offer more insight into the emotional motivations that be the basis of speech.
Noise or distractions
Noise has a specific meaning in the theory of communication. It is defined as anything that alters the message so that the message received is not what was initially intended by the person speaking. While physical noise (for instance, background noises or a low-flying plane) can disrupt the communication process, other factors can also be considered noise, such as complicated jargon or body language that is inappropriate or inattention, lack of interest, and the cultural differences.
Feedback of the receiver
Feedback is the message that the receiver receives that allows the sender to assess how precisely the message was received and the receiver’s response. The receiver could also respond to an unintentional message and the deliberate message.
Feedback can include direct verbal remarks like “Say that again, I don’t understand” and subtle facial expressions and changes in posture that could indicate to the person sending the message that the recipient is uncomfortable with the content.
Feedback lets the sender modify, adjust or repeat the message to enhance communication.
Context – The reasons for Interpersonal Communication
Every communication comes with a context. Communication usually occurs because of certain reasons.
Communication can be stuttering because one or more participants are unaware of the context. To prevent misunderstandings and, thus, be more effective in communicating, it is essential that everyone fully understands the message. All participants must have the same wavelength to understand the reason for the communication. It is possible to begin a conversation by explaining why it’s taking place. Understanding why communication occurs is crucial, but some issues can affect the meaning of the communication.
Appropriate Timing
Timing is crucial to effective communication. When deciding on the right time to hold the conversation, it is vital to ensure enough time for all essential information, including the opportunity to make clear and negotiate. Discussing with an employee the strategic choice just five minutes before when they need to leave work to go home, For instance, it would likely not be as successful as having the same discussion in the morning.
Location or Place
Communication will become less efficient when it occurs in an uninviting, noisy, or noisy location. There are many distractions and a frequent absence of privacy in these environments.
Myths of interpersonal communication
Our personal beliefs about the also influence the nature of communication. We often stereotype people and thus create false assumptions and inaccurate assumptions. In the course of communicating, we might think, for instance, that:
- Everyone knows the subject matter we’re discussing;
- We are aware of the other’s views and opinions about the issue;
- We must not display any emotion, or
- We’re right, but they’re wrong.
Many more misperceptions highlight the need for careful clarification and checking back to ensure understanding when communicating.
Every communication is affected by the environment in which it is taking place. In addition to considering the environment in which the conversation takes place, such as an office, room, or outside, the social context must be considered, including how roles are played, the responsibilities, and their respective status. The mood and expectations of the participants will also impact how communication takes place.
Exercise on interpersonal communication: watching the communication
If you get the chance to observe communication between people (which could be, for instance, at an event, at the school gates, at the tea table, or at a café), take note of the behavior that you have observed for both non-verbal and spoken communication.
Think about and observe the following aspects:
- Observe the communicators?
- What were the messages exchanged?
- What (if there) is the source of noise that distorts the message?
- How does the communicator get the feedback?
- What is the purpose of communication?
By watching others and learning about how communication takes place and how it is done, you can consider how you interact and become aware of the messages you transmit.
Interpersonal Communication skills are crucial.
They are essential for:
- Sharing and gathering information;
- Compelling the changes in behavior and attitudes of other people;
- Establishing connections and maintaining them;
- We understand the world and the experiences we have in it.
- Personal preferences and knowing what others require. providing or receiving emotional assistance
- Making decisions and resolving issues;
- Predicting and anticipating behaviors and controlling the power.
Professionally, when seeking a job or getting promoted by your company, you will most likely need to show the ability to communicate effectively.
Examples of intercommunication skills include:
- The ability to effectively converse with a range of people while keeping good eye contact.
- Demonstrate a diverse vocabulary.
- Adapt your style to the audience you are speaking to,
- Listen well.
- Professionally communicate your thoughts clearly and concisely. Perform well within a team
All the above require excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Many of them are vital qualifications that employers look for when offering a job or a promotion.
According to enumerable surveys conducted corporate and academia Communication skills rank top among ‘must to have’ skills.
As you advance in your career, the importance of your communication skills grows; the ability to talk, listen, ask questions and write clearly and concisely is essential for most executives and leaders.
Communication skills are essential in your relationships at home and your work. Even in stressful situations, communicating effectively helps relationships develop and flourish.
People with good interpersonal communication skills are typically viewed as calm, optimistic, and confident. These are characteristics that are frequently admired or attractive to others.
A variety of skills are required for effective communication.
Interpersonal skills are the abilities we utilize when face-to-face interactions with one or more individuals. The words we use are the most crucial method of getting our message across, and our voice is not the end of it. It is easier to communicate information through non-verbal signals, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
Your appearance can say about your personality. This is true for the way you present yourself. Also, what you put on, as well as your facial expressions.
Listening is an integral part of interpersonal communication skills. When we speak with others, we spend the majority on listening. Many people consider listening as a fundamental skill; however, it’s not the same as hearing and is best viewed as an ability.
It is also helpful to know why communication might be unsuccessful. There are many common barriers to communication, such as the obstacles to listening. It is essential to eliminate these barriers and convey your message more efficiently.
In unit-3 we will discuss about verbal communication in detail. Keep reading to master the art of communication.