Lesson 3

Lesson 3

Barriers to Effective Interpersonal Communication

Stress and out-of-control emotion

• misread other people

• send confusing or off-putting nonverbal signals

Lack of focus

• You need to stay focused on the moment-to-moment experience

Inconsistent body language

• Non-verbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it.

• For example, you can’t say “yes” while shaking your head no.

Negative body language

-to rebuff the other person’s message:

*crossing your arms

*avoiding eye contact

*tapping your feet

Guides to Improve a Person’s Communication Skills

1. Be an attentive listener.

2. Observe nonverbal signals.

3. Be stress-free during communication.

4.Be assertive.

1. Be an attentive listener.

• Closely observe the speaker

• Make sure that your ears are in good condition. 

• Minimize distractions and redirect the conversation to all concern.

• Exhibit gestures to imply interest to what is heard

• Don’t be judgmental. 

• Always consider feedbacks.

2. Observe nonverbal signals.

-Be aware of individual differences.

-Look at nonverbal communication signals as a group. 

Delivery of Nonverbal Communication

-Use nonverbal signals that match up with your words. 

-Give contextual nonverbal signals. 

-Use body language to convey positive feelings 

3.   Be stress-free during communication.

• Compose one’s self before speaking

• Organize one’s thought. 

• Share ideas one by one 

• Speak clearly. 

• Summarize ideas before stopping 

Stress Relievers for Successful Communication

• Be sure to feel that you are stressed. 

• Pause to relax 

• Be sensible to your ideas

• Insert humor if possible. 

• Be willing to compromise. 

• Agree to disagree, 

Developing Confident Communication Strategies

• Empathy 

• Escalating assertion

• Practice assertiveness 

4. Be assertive.

• Respect one’s opinion. 

• Know your goals and ambitions

• Be a positive thinker

• Receive feedback positively

• Accept negative ideas