How to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills

Millions of messages are communicated every day. Whether it's the billboard you see on the way to work, the excuse you give your boss for being late or the kiss you give your spouse when you come home, communication is what helps individuals express themselves, provide direction and share information. Interpersonal communication is any form of communication between two people. This can be two friends, two lovers or the interaction with the cashier at the local coffee shop. Anyone can improve his or her interpersonal skills, and do it successfully.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Voice recorder
• Video recorder
• Open mind
• Willing heart

Instructions

Observe the Self

1. Take a piece of paper. Draw a line down the middle. Write "verbal" above one column and "nonverbal" at the top of the other. Purposely observe yourself for a day. Write down notes about your verbal and nonverbal communication after you interact with someone. Take note of the other person's reaction. Record both positive and negative responses throughout the day.

2. Before you communicate with someone, think about what you want to say. Use a voice recorder to practice what you want to say. Play it back a few times and listen as if you were the other person. Ask yourself, "Is my message clear or is it confusing?" Find the loopholes and places of verbal weakness. Reword the message to make it as clear, concise and comprehensive as possible.

3. Take note of your nonverbal communication. Have a friend videotape a conversation you have with another person. Play the tape back and observe your nonverbal cues. Ask yourself, "Do my verbal and nonverbal cues complement or disagree with one another?" Take what you observe and create an action plan on how to change your nonverbal to agree with your verbal communication.

4. Gather feedback. Create a survey that you can hand out to friends and family to gather accurate feedback on how others perceive your communication. Use a scale at the top of the sheet, making 1 represent "disagree strongly," and 10 "agree strongly." Write at least 25 statements that address your verbal and nonverbal communication skills for interpersonal relationships. Hand out the surveys to those you interact with on a daily basis. Have them fill it out and return it. Add up the scores and discover areas of weakness and strength.

References

• Pellissippi State College
• Harvard University
• Louisville University

Resources

• Mind Tools