Mastering Interpersonal Communications: A Roadway to Strong Relationships

Shreya Dayal

Soft Skills Trainer

Interpersonal communication skills, a way to foster better and stronger relationships. Understanding emotions and exchanging ideas between two people or a group of people. How does one acquire interpersonal communication skills, and why is it important in the modernised and digitised world? Communication is the foundation of relationships and helps our conversations to improve, whether at home, at work, or in any social setting.

It is not always about speaking or listening; it is also about understanding one another, empathy and building connections. Mastering this skill will not only help in personal relationships but also professional spaces.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the elements of interpersonal skills that help communicate effectively and more clearly for improved interactions.

• Verbal Communication is when you speak using the right words and tone and have a clarity of thoughts to convey a message more effectively. This method of communication can bring in more openness and understanding, preventing any misunderstanding.
• Returning to the digitised world, good written communication skills are an added advantage. Whether it’s an email, texting on the phone or whether you’re on social media, getting your thoughts and views with utmost clarity is highly important.
• They say that one must listen to understand, but the majority of the people would listen to just reply. And that does not qualify as a part of the effective communication loop. Listening skills are equally important as any other methods of communication. Having the ability to listen attentively not only helps in responding better but also supports in building trust in relationships.
• Now, we all have heard the phrase ‘Actions speak louder than words’, and thus, we come to the non-verbal method of communication. It includes gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. These non-verbal cues have a good weightage when it comes to giving a message and also act as a supporting character to the words.

Even with various methods available to humans for communication, there are times when the message is lost during the communication. Different barriers could limit the effectiveness of the message transfer. Even with the upgraded digital space that we are surrounded by, many factors can prove to be a hindrance in completing a successful communication cycle.

How can one improve their communication skills? There are ways that we can adopt and adapt to our daily lives. Conversations, people and relationships are basic needs for human survival, and we can get better at it by simply following some tips.

1. Practice active listening where you need to pay undivided attention, clarify all doubts and questions, and summarise the points for clarity.
2. Use clear and concise language to communicate more smoothly and effectively. To-the-point conversations with simple language ensure an effective loop of communication.
3. Be self-aware of non-verbal forms of communication you display as it could lead to miscommunication. Also, try to understand others’ body language to better understand the message.
4. You must also develop emotional intelligence to understand emotions, show sympathy, and understand your respective perspectives. This helps in building meaningful and stronger bonds.
5. Be open to feedback and criticism, address any misunderstandings, and look for solutions to resolve any kind of conflict. This could also turn into an opportunity for growth.

Interpersonal communication constitutes a fundamental life skill that significantly shapes relationships, career advancement, and personal growth. By refining verbal and nonverbal communication skills, engaging in active listening, and cultivating emotional intelligence, individuals can enhance their capacity to connect with others more effectively. Developing robust communication skills fosters trust, helps resolve conflicts, and facilitates meaningful interactions across all dimensions of life. Communication facilitates deeper bonds, grows understanding, and provides an opportunity to communicate better and better every time.

In a world where connections shape success, mastering interpersonal communication is not just beneficial—it’s essential.