Interpersonal Communication
The human body is a fantastic machine. It’s the things that happen to it that make it seem unreliable. But if you manage your body’s signals and work with them instead of against them, you can avoid pain management problems and even become less sensitive to pain. Jordan Sudberg is a pain management specialist interested in evidence-based practice and the consequences of chronic pain management. Here he shares insights you can use to manage your body’s signals and work with them instead of against them.
The Details Behind Professional Interpersonal Communication
What are interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills are the abilities that allow you to interact successfully with other people, whether personally or professionally. According to Sudberg, interpersonal skills include two broad aspects: verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is the words you use when you communicate. Nonverbal communication is everything else – the tone of your voice, body language, facial expressions, and more.
Interpersonal Skills that are Important at Work
Verbal Interpersonal Skills
Active Listening
Active listening is a skill that allows you to listen more effectively. It’s the ability to give attention to the person speaking and not let your mind wander. The goal of active listening is to create a better understanding of a speaker’s needs and concerns. In addition, active listening can also help both parties feel heard or validated, increasing the likelihood that that conversation will be successful.
Communication Style
You can make anyone feel comfortable when you know how to communicate effectively. Take your time and think before speaking. Don’t feel pressured to fill silences, but don’t be awkward. Don’t interrupt unless it’s necessary, and if you do, apologize for the interruption or misunderstanding and then get back on track. Be considerate of your tone – if it comes off as aggressive (yelling) or condescending (talking down to someone), it won’t go over well with others in a personal or professional setting.
Putting these principles into practice will allow you to communicate with others more effectively in any context.
Nonverbal Interpersonal Skills
Eye Contact
While eye contact is not a requirement for effective verbal communication, it will increase your ability to create a sense of connection with others. Don’t be afraid to keep looking at someone; it’s an excellent way to make people feel valued.
Self-Awareness and Self-Presentation
Nonverbal communication is the window for understanding who we are as individuals. Making people comfortable helps to keep them informed about who you are and how you like to be addressed by others. Body language is also essential: stand up straight and don’t fidget. Be aware of your facial expression and work on making it appear inviting and approachable.
Structure
It can be helpful to structure your thoughts to make them more precise. Think about the things you want to say, organize them into a logical order and be sure that your message is not interrupted by distracting communication behaviors (e.g., yelling, interrupting). Structure makes communicating more accessible for both parties and can help you avoid misunderstandings.
Jordan Sudberg says that the interpersonal communication skills discussed here are the basics, but they will go a long way in helping you become an effective communicator. By incorporating them into your daily routine and becoming more aware of how your behavior impacts others, you can turn simple interactions into productive conversations that benefit everyone involved.