YHOMIT 20161127.2

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Effective Interpersonal Communication

Azurdee Brown

Liberty University

Effective Interpersonal Communication

              Interpersonal communication entails the exchange of information, feelings, and interpretations between individuals through verbal and non-verbal messages in a face to face communication scenario. The conversations between two people in a face to face communication setting transcends the language used since the messages can be passed through various non-verbal messages such as attitudes of either party. When two people are in the same place and are engaged in a face to face conversation, they are aware of each other’s presence thus even without the use of speech either party can use cues of posture and facial expression to evaluate the emotional state, personality and intent of the other party. Through interpersonal communication an individual may give and collect a broad range of information, influence the attitudes and behaviors of others, interact with others, and make sense of different experiences. The individual can express his personal needs and understand the needs of others through the application of interpersonal communication thus allowing him to anticipate and predict behavior (Petersen, 2015). Interpersonal communication skills are essential for the success of an individual’s faith journey since they equip him with the capacity to give and receive emotional support, make decisions, and solve problems. Interpersonal communication skills are instrumental in self-assessment since they are comprised of listening skills, emotional intelligence, interdependencies, interactions, and verbal communication. They influence what, and how an individual says something, they also facilitate the interpretation of messages sent by other people thus making it possible to work with other individuals to find a mutually agreeable outcome. They are essential in the identification, definition, and solution of various problems within the society since they provide the means to explore and analyze different options to make informed decisions. Interpersonal communication increase the level of assertiveness since they help the individual to communicate his values, beliefs, ideas, opinions, needs, wants freely. They also help the individuals to understand that other people have different perspectives thus enabling them to learn new things while gaining their respect and trust (Burley-Allen, 1995).

                                                                           

References

Burley-Allen, M. (1995). Listening: The forgotten skill: A self-teaching guide (2nd ed.). New

York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 9780471015871.

Petersen, J. C. (2015). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating & connecting in relationships (Revised and expanded ed.). Portland, OR: Petersen Publications. ISBN: 9780979155956.

Student response to my post:

Azurdee,

 

I found your thread rather interesting, you discuss various components of interpersonal communication, and I agree with your statement “Interpersonal communication increase the level of assertiveness since they help the individual to communicate his values, beliefs, ideas, opinions, needs, wants freely. The way I see it is that interpersonal communication opens the door to meaningful interactions with others since a new level of communication is achieved. Stewart (2012) discusses that the quality of one's life is reflected in the quality of their communication. When an individual is better at interpersonal communication there is less miscommunication, and they become more assertive, and the result is that their relationships become more meaningful and effective. You also mentioned some excellent skills of interpersonal communication such as “listening skills and emotional intelligence.” Since I have been attending this class, I have realized that I need to work on my ability to listen well to others. I become easily distracted on what I am going to say, or if I have a personal experience that I can relate to I tend to want to jump into the conversation. However, now that I am aware of this habit, I am becoming more mindful of. I find that listening is vital in a conversation and that I need to be quiet and listen. As noted in Scripture, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (Proverbs 10:19, New Living Translation). Listening well is an interpersonal communication skill that is important to me and that I need to work on. You mentioned a lot of great skills in your thread, which one would you say is most important to you? –Liz

Reference

Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges not walls: A book about interpersonal communication (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Discussion 2 by Veronica:

The most relevant interpersonal communication need that has been revealed to me is the need for perception through a Christian lens or a Godly filter.  So many statements could be misinterpreted if perceived through the filter of doubt, uncertainty, sarcasm, or insecurity. None of those attributes are present when one is certain in the Lord.   We perceive communications via stimuli other than hearing and non-verbal cues.  All of our senses have a part in the inhaling process.  Those who view communication through the lens of goodness and purity of intentions, find little need to win a point or to be right.  The viewpoint of understanding and relating replaces it.  Empathetic listening rules.  This brings to mind a favorite passage, I Cor 12:17, “If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing?  If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?” (KJV).

            The population that I serve are some of the most vulnerable: most are people with trauma histories and deep-rooted trust issues.  Falsehoods are commonly utilized by them as defense mechanisms to cloak their insecurities and need for acceptance.  It is often difficult to determine their true message until they have developed a sense that they will not be judged or criticized.  I find myself paraphrasing often to gain clarity for both myself and for them, and it is important that the words that I select to reframe their statements be born from compassion and empathy.  I have been able to refine these skills from our lessons so far in this course as well as my training in Christian counseling.  The philosophy of our program is based on Christian based principles, and the residents of our program have come to rely on those principles to aid them in their recovery.  I look forward to honing my skills further as the semester proceeds.