“THE ART AND SCIENCE OF COMMUNICATION”: Inter-personal Communication
deconstructed
Human societies are built on connection. From the family get-together to the bustling
marketplace, from sharing secrets & gossips between friends to global digital forums, from
the social gatherings to corporate board-rooms, our lives are a continuous tapestry woven
from connections. At the heart of this tapestry lies interpersonal communication—the
intricate, often unspoken, a balance between exchange of information, feelings and meanings
between people.
It is believed that communication is simply about talking. But if that was true, then
misunderstandings would be a rarity, relationships would be seamless. True communication
is a skill, an art form that requires more than just a vocabulary. It demands awareness,
empathy, and a willingness to see beyond our own perspective and an equilibrium between
all these factors.
Components of communication:
Key elements:
Sender and Receiver: Communication involves at least two parties—a sender who
conveys a message and a receiver who interprets it.
Message: The content being communicated – include facts, ideas, emotions, or
intentions.
Medium: The channel through which the message is sent – spoken words, written text,
gestures, facial expressions, or digital platforms.
Feedback: The receiver’s response, which helps the sender gauge understanding and
adjust the message as needed.
Context: The environment and circumstances in which communication occurs,
influencing how messages are interpreted.
Types of Communications:
Two types: Verbal and Non-verbal communication
Verbal communication can be—spoken or written—to convey meaning and it is done by
language, by setting of tone, through structured and clear modes.
Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, includes body language, facial expressions,
eye contacts, gestures, postures and even silence. Non-verbal communications either
accentuate or contradict verbal messages and plays pivotal role in how messages are received
and understood.
Pillars for Enhancing Inter-personal Communications:
Pillar 1: Active Listening – The Foundation of All Understanding – Paying close attention
goes long way to foster inter-personal communication.
Pillar 2: Non-Verbal Signs – The Unspoken Language – Postures, gestures, direction of
gaze and the subtle shifts in tone all send powerful signals
Pillar 3: Clarity & Conciseness – Driving the point home – Using simple, direct, yet kind
language, shedding off unnecessary jargons & roundabout ways of expressing will help
in effective & clear communication
Pillar 4: Empathy & Emotional Intelligence – Bridging the gap – Recognizing and
managing our own emotions and responding sensitively to others clearly is the secret
ingredient that transforms a simple conversation into a moment of genuine connection
Pillar 5: Sensitivity & Diversity – Breaking the cultural barriers – Respecting cultural &
language differences and adapting the communication styles accordingly will create a
sense of inclusion and broaden the horizon.
Pillar 6: Feedback – Encouraging and providing constructive feedback to ensure mutual
understanding of the problem & reaching at the solution.
The Role of Technology in Inter-personal Communication
Advancements in technology have transformed how people interact. While digital platforms
enable instant communication across distances, they also introduce new challenges, such as
the loss of non-verbal cues in text-based communication. For example, we are now keeping in
touch with our friends & families all over the world through social media platforms, but the
personal touch, warmth are missing from such interactions.
Moreover, the global pandemics had affected face-to-face communication by muffling speech
and obscuring facial expressions, highlighting the importance of adapting communication strategies in changing environments through online meetings/ classes, speaking through
PPE/ masks etc..
Barriers to Effective Inter-personal Communication
Even in this era of continuous digital connectivity and staying online, effective inter-personal
communication can be challenging. Common barriers include:
Perceptual Differences: People interpret messages based on their own experiences,
beliefs, and emotions, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Emotional Barriers: Stress, anger, or anxiety can distort the way messages are sent or
received. Alexithymia—the inability to recognize or express one’s own emotions—can
further widen communication gaps, as individuals may struggle to understand or relate
to others’ feelings.
Physical Barriers: Environmental factors like noise, distance, or poor technology can
hinder communication.
Receiver-Related Barriers: Communication is a two-way process and the receiver’s
ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately is equally important.
Inattentiveness, preconceived notions or lack of accountability in the conversation can
prevent effective message reception and empathetic negotiation
Cultural and Language Differences: Differences in cultural backgrounds and language
proficiency can create misunderstandings or discomfort, especially when non-verbal
cues are interpreted differently or jargon or phrases are used.
Overcoming these barriers require awareness, targeted training and a commitment to develop
both emotional intelligence and practical communication skills.
Conclusion:
Inter-personal communication is a complex, multifaceted process that underlines all human
interaction. Like any skill, it needs constant practice and conscious effort.
In the end, to be able to continue interpersonal communication will not just make us more
effective in our pursuits; it will enrich every relationship in our life. It is the art of building
bridges, not walls and in today’s interconnected world, it is a vital skill to possess.
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