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The development of effective interpersonal communication skills is an important endeavor for any individual who is seeking to become a stronger and more efficient communicator. Interpersonal communication skills play an integral role in establishing both a healthy home-life with loved ones, as well as a successful and rewarding professional career. People use communication skills to maintain relationships, transfer information, and convey emotions. In many ways communication is the foundation, the backbone, of a well-functioning and healthy society. We use communication every day, whether it is in the kitchen with our family, at the store with the cashier, or in the boardroom during an office presentation. The development of well-honed and flawless communication skills will therefore have a tangible and positive impact on an individuals ability to create and maintain relationships, as well as navigate the complex interaction that is required in a modern society. Interpersonal communication involves the interaction between two or more people, including both verbal, nonverbal, and physical communication. People use interpersonal interaction to convey information between each other and developing a relationship based on mutual experiences, understanding, and emotional connection. Developing strong interpersonal connections results in an improved connection to the surrounding world, and a greater feeling of self worth and self confidence. Besides these personal and psychological advantages, improved interpersonal communication skills can improve an individuals ability to function effectively in the workplace. Strong communication leads to fewer breakdowns in information transfers, increased task productivity, and improved worker efficiency. A well-developed interpersonal connection between colleagues also improves the overall workplace environment within the office, which enhances the time employees spend there. It goes without saying that a happy worker who enjoys coming to work is likely a more productive worker. The development of effective communication skills can be achieved when the individual is willing to commit the time, energy, and limited expense required to bring about personal change. Improvement in the areas of communication can be accomplished through structured planning and diligent practice. The individuals first step on the path to improvement is acknowledging and identifying the areas of communication where they are weakest. It is often difficult for someone to admit where faults, but this step is vital if they are to be successful. It is important to remember that many forms of communication are subtle and occur without the sender fully realizing; this is particularly true with many forms of physical and non-verbal communication. For instance, a simple communication skill that many people struggle with is maintaining eye contact with those individuals they are interacting with. Of course it should be obvious that communicating is not only about sending messages. Strong interpersonal interaction is a two-way street that requires that both the sender and receiver are practicing effective communication skills. Becoming an active listener is an important component of developing into an effective communicator; this includes maintaining eye contact with those that are communicating to you, showing enthusiasm for what they are communicating, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. Active listening ensures that the senders message is received both effectively and efficiently. The clarity and efficiency of information transfer is important both at home and in the workplace, where misunderstandings and mistakes can be reduced if not eliminated. The development of effective interpersonal communication skills by the majority of people will result in a higher functioning and healthier society, as well as a more productive and efficient one. Christopher Sheppard is currently working on articles for a website about Effective Communication Skills and Interpersonal Communication Skills, as well as any information closely related to the development of effective communication both at home and in the workplace.
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