Interpersonal communication refers to the exchange of messages, ideas, and information between two or more individuals. It plays a vital role in developing soft skills essential for professional success, such as active listening, empathy, and clarity in expression. In corporate training programs, fostering strong interpersonal communication skills is crucial for enhancing teamwork, collaboration, and workplace efficiency. This communication can take various forms, including face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, and video conferences, all of which are integral to building meaningful connections in a corporate setting.
In other terms, Interpersonal communication is exchanging information, meaning, feelings, and opinions between two or more people via verbal and non-verbal means. Although we mentioned “face-to-face” communication previously, today’s technology compels us to expand its definition to include media such as phone calls and online messaging.
Types of Interpersonal Communication
The first step in answering “what is interpersonal communication?” is breaking it down into four distinct types.
Verbal: In other words, speaking. This term covers the words you use, how persuasively you speak, the language you use, which words you emphasize, and even the use of affirmative sounds and short phrases like “Yup” or “Uh-huh.”
Listening: You can make a good case for listening as the most important interpersonal communication skill. It covers the ability to listen attentively, whether you’re using your ears to listen “in-person” or some other means, say, over the Internet. Listening also includes special techniques like reflection and clarification. The best listeners are people who can focus their attention on the speaker to make the latter feel like they’re the sole and most important person in the room.
The Written Word: Thanks to the Internet age and situations requiring isolation (e.g., the pandemic), good written communication skills have become an asset. Whether you’re on social media, in the workplace, or even texting on your phone, you must know how to get your point across in writing. This type includes emojis, grammar, clarity, tone, and even punctuation. After all, there’s a vast difference between “Let’s eat, Grandma!” and “Let’s eat Grandma!”
Non-Verbal: This final type covers body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. Again, it’s essential that the listener picks up and correctly interprets non-verbal cues.
Tips to improve interpersonal communication skills
1. Identify what you need to improve
Effective communication is a multifaceted gem, and self-awareness is the key to polishing its facets. Take a step back and observe yourself in interactions.
Do you struggle with actively listening? Perhaps your message clarity needs refinement. Maybe navigating difficult conversations leaves you flustered.
Identifying your vulnerabilities allows you to prioritize areas for improvement, guiding you on your communication journey.
2. Practice different communication skills & styles
Communication isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Mastering various soft skills empowers you to adapt your approach to different situations and audiences.
Active listening: Pay close attention to the speaker, both verbally and non-verbally. Ask clarifying questions, summarize key points, and show genuine interest in their perspective.
Empathy: Place yourself in the other person’s shoes and try to understand what their feelings and motivations are. This fosters connection and builds trust.
Assertiveness: Communicate your needs and opinions clearly and confidently, without being aggressive or passive-aggressive.
Clarity and conciseness: Tailor your message to the audience and avoid unnecessary jargon or ambiguity. Strive for directness and conciseness to ensure your message resonates.
Non-verbal communication: Keep a check on your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These silent cues can significantly impact the message you convey.
3. Get control over emotions
Strong emotions can lead to misjudgment and poor communication. Learn to manage your emotions effectively, especially in stressful situations.
Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and taking breaks can help you regain composure and approach conversations with a clear head.
Remember, communication is a two-way street; listen actively and respond thoughtfully, even when emotions run high.
4. Use internal communication tools
Modern communication platforms like Assembly provide powerful tools to streamline internal communication and enhance collaboration in corporate environments. By leveraging features such as instant messaging, file sharing, and task management, organizations can keep teams informed, aligned, and engaged. Incorporating such tools into corporate training programs can further strengthen soft skills like effective communication and teamwork. Assembly’s user-friendly interface and robust capabilities make it an excellent resource for fostering a culture of open communication, shared knowledge, and continuous learning within your organization.
5. Utilize team collaboration tools
Effective collaboration is key to achieving shared goals. Utilize project management tools to collaborate, break down complex tasks, assign roles and responsibilities, track progress and keep everyone in the loop.
Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams can help teams stay organized, communicate effectively, and celebrate successes together. They provide shared workspaces, and communication channels, ensuring everyone is on the same page and contributing effectively.
By streamlining collaboration, you can foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and communicate openly.
6. Ask for feedback
Seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to enhance your communication skills. Encourage them to observe your interactions and provide constructive criticism on areas for improvement. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to refine your soft skills and become a more effective communicator, particularly in corporate environments where strong communication is essential for success. Organizations can integrate corporate training programs, including sales training and soft skills development, to conduct 360-degree feedback reviews. These reviews assess employees’ skills, talents, and areas for growth, offering opportunities to connect them with mentors or tailored training programs to address weaknesses and unlock their full potential.
Final thoughts
Interpersonal skills and leadership skills go hand in hand. If you want to know how to boost your team’s productivity, collaboration, and build a strong rapport, it won’t come by doing more hard skills training. Invest time and resources into improving your team’s (and your own!) interpersonal skills. More than any other skill, it has the potential to transform your entire workplace culture.
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