What is Interpersonal Communication? Skills, Types, and Examples

COVID has stunned the entire world but internet-based communication has kept us all engaged and alive. We are all connected to stay updated about everything, including requirements and immunisations. I firmly believe that reading this article on “What is Interpersonal Communication” will alter your perspective on communication. Although the majority of people acknowledge the value of communication, it frequently slips our minds or is perceived as a thing that “just happens.” Placing communication at the top of your thoughts and becoming more conscious of your communication style can be educational and have a variety of positive effects.

Do you know Interpersonal communication was crucial in human evolution? Ancient humans who lived as groups passed on interpersonal ties to the following generation. Knowing “What is Interpersonal Communication?” strengthens your social relationships and career progress, especially for occupations like project managers. Also, it benefits both your psychological and physical well-being. People who are skilled at interpersonal communication are kinder to stress and enjoy more fulfilling friendships and relationships. Additionally, they report less anxiety and depression.

What is Interpersonal Communication?

Interpersonal communication is the verbal or non-verbal exchange of information, ideas, or opinions between two or more individuals. Although interpersonal communication mainly entails face-to-face interaction, in today’s technologically advanced society, it also includes messaging and phone calls.

In addition to what we say, we can also convey information through gestures, body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. It is a field of study that aims to comprehend how people use nonverbal as well as verbal clues to achieve a variety of individual and social objectives.

Types of Interpersonal Communication

It is easier to comprehend “What is interpersonal communication” when you are aware of the four different types of interpersonal communication.

Verbal

Whenever you speak or make an affirmative sound, like  “yup” or “ohh!”, you call it verbal communication. Intonation is also an essential aspect of verbal communication along with the words you speak and the context you employ the words.

For instance, imagine saying “Good Luck” in a warm, sarcastic, or even menacing manner, and you can get a variety of distinct interpretations. 

Listening

The most crucial interpersonal skill is listening. Hearing and listening are quite distinct from one another. While listening is concentrated and intentional, hearing is effortless and involuntary. To understand what the speaker is saying, listening demands effort and focus as opposed to hearing, which calls for bodily presence.

Written Communication

It is the backbone of most information sharing in business, from texts and emails to formal documents and reports. Long or intricate pieces of information are typically communicated through written communication. To that purpose, written communication is frequently regarded as having greater legal validity than verbal communication. Because of this, it frequently acts as a means of “official” communication.

Emojis, grammar, clarity, voice, and punctuation are all part of this kind and can help you convey more context and emotional information.

Non-Verbal

The goal of nonverbal communication is to convey ideas without the need for written or spoken language. This can be accomplished using anything from specialised gestures like “thumbs up” to body language, postures, as well as facial expressions and facial movements. 

For example, Consider how mimes can explain entire stories without saying a word.

Interpersonal communication- Examples

Below are some examples to help you understand “what is interpersonal communication” even better.

Phone calls

What number of calls did you make today? Despite having smartphones, we still primarily utilise them to make phone calls. You should be skilled in verbal communication because most calls lack visual indicators.

Emails

In the workplace, reading and writing are used frequently for interpersonal communication. Undoubtedly, it calls for strong written communication abilities.

Presentations

Do you realise that presentations use all forms of interpersonal communication? You may have presented or attended a presentation at college or work. It calls for comprehensive explanations of written texts and visual presentations, as well as strong verbal and gestural abilities.

Text

We engage with screens more frequently than we do with one another. Texting involves written communication which is less formal but more personalised.

The Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication

There is no possibility of misinterpretation if the communication is done properly. In other words, effective communication makes the work 50% complete. You can improve your interpersonal communication skills if you remember the four principles listed below.

Irreversible

There is a couplet in “The Universal Veda”-Thirukkural. The phrase which begins with the word “Theeyinal sutta…”, has a strong message. It implies, a wound brought through the fire can mend but brought on by words will never do so. A word spoken cannot be taken back. We can cherish it later if it’s excellent. On the other hand, nothing else can be done if it hurts someone besides apologising.

Unavoidable

According to BBC dated March 2021, the profit of Zoom jumps from $ 21.7 million in 2019 to $ 671.5m during the pandemic. Did you notice that even quarantine could not break our connection?

Complicated

Every individual has a different point of view. Some speakers presume that their listeners will understand all they say since they must have the same perspective. But it is not the case. After all, perspectives and ways of thinking differ from person to person.

Contextual

Due to the numerous factors, it might be challenging to manage how our communications are received. Who is receiving the message, where are they, and why did they interpret it in that way? Context mostly determines this.

Ways to Improve Interpersonal Communication Skills

It is crucial to establish an inclusive environment for everyone if you want to improve your interpersonal communication abilities. Here are a few tips.

Listening

Communication is a two-way process. So, respecting the other person’s viewpoint is important.

Body Language

Includes your gestures, expressions, and eye contact.

Don’t rush

Rather than rushing to finish, concentrate on getting your point over to the audience.

Be clear and concise

To make your point obvious, use short paragraphs and straightforward sentences.

Reserve judgement

Avoid making quick judgements and pay closer attention instead.

Ask questions

It implies that you are paying attention and interest.

Why Interpersonal Communication Skills are important for Project Managers?

Effective interpersonal communication skills allow you to express yourself clearly and enhance both your personal and professional connections. A crucial “soft skill” in many job descriptions is interpersonal communication skills, particularly for positions like project managers.

The communication skills of Project Managers have to be strong in order to speak with people, inspire them, and maintain group cohesion and morale at a high level.

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Even if you had never managed a project before, the PMP certification course will make you more effective and boost project performance.

Compared to typical project managers, certified PMPs make about 25% more money.

Also, holders of the PMP Certification Course are in charge of top businesses all around the world.

Many polls suggest that PMP certifications increase project managers’ visibility in their pursuit of the next big career change.

Conclusion

Finally, you now have some insights into what interpersonal communication is and why the communication skills of project managers are important. Besides, it is essential to excel in interpersonal communication if you want to build your leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and customer-focused management skills.

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