Interpersonal communication Chapter 5 Interpersonal communication

objectives Understand the value of effective interpersonal communication Understand the importance of assertiveness, courtesy, and tact when dealing with people Implement effective strategies for successful one-to-one communication Use communication to build positive professional and social interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal communication Not a concept that can be easily handled in one chapter Getting along and communicating with people is a complex process Social communication- communication in your personal and community life Professional communication- communication on the job or related to your career

Interpersonal communication Knowing how to communicate is nothing new Courtesy- refers to the way you treat people Means “politeness” Tact- the way that you deal with people Means to be diplomatic Say or do what best fits the occasion

Appropriate tone When communicating with others, it is important that you use the correct tone Tone- mood that you verbally and non-verbally create Courteous, tactful, and respectful communicators are the most successful

Aggressive tone Many think this is pushy or brash Aggressive person usually only thinks from one point of view Shows little concern for the view of others Wants to win at all costs Will intimidate, manipulate, or belittle others Not appropriate in a social or professional setting Can discourage others’ creativity and enthusiasm

Nonassertive tone Could characterize as one that shows a lack of action and energy Person rarely speaks and often appears disinterested or uninvolved Often cannot read Particularly inappropriate at work Co-workers can interpret it as lack of involvement and self-esteem

Assertive tone Middle ground between aggressive and nonassertive Know when to talk, when to keep quiet, and how to give their opinion courteously and respectfully Create an overall mood of harmony Sure to be a winner if you use an assertive tone

People skills What are people skills? People who have them know and then apply certain polite communication procedures that are appropriate just about everywhere If you have them, people like being around you Value the following things: Making introductions Participating effectively in conversations Offering and receiving criticism Giving clear and accurate directions

Making introductions You want people to feel at ease in a group Find out people’s names and take time to introduce everyone in the group Be friendly Address everyone by name Make a positive impression

Participating effectively in conversations Dialogue- the oral exchange of thoughts and feelings involving two or more people Avoid the 3 conversation killers: Talking too much Talking too little Interrupting

Offering and receiving criticism Criticism: an evaluation or a judgment Usually hear the word in a negative context Appropriate people skills teach how to give and receive criticism in a positive way

Offering criticism Should view as encouraging someone to improve Worst thing you can do is condemn a person Use constructive language What is constructive language? What is negative language?

Receiving criticism Often too difficult to hear we are doing something wrong Could be a part of human nature Try to: Maintain composure Allow others to finish what they have to say Don’t interrupt Be a good listener Ask questions Thank the person for her or his observations

Giving clear and accurate directions Always be clear Always be complete Always be concise Always be considerate