Introduction
Interpersonal communication is form of communication or interaction between two people who have contact with each other for some period of time. The communication involves the use of one’s ideas, thoughts as well as feelings. It is a daily occurrence to most people.
Q1. Recount an interpersonal situation in which you failed to listen effectively. Describe the factors which caused you to listen poorly. What could you have done to change those factors? Use specific example.
A. My 2 year girlfriend Juliet came over to my place on a Sunday afternoon right a few hours after we got out from church. This was the time I was busy watching my favorite sport, soccer, in the English Premier league where I am a strong Chelsea supporter. It was long since we had a one to one communication and spend romantic time together, this was why she was here. She laid out her concern to me to which I did not carefully follow as I had divided attention with the football match. To avoid any serious impact on our relationship, I simply nodded or smiled and easily said yes to her concerns or I would do my best just to shrug her off. She however had several demands to which I had no clue, so even if I had tried to concentrate her I simply would be confused, though she really did put across genuine concerns.
There are various factors which caused my poor listen to easily come to play. Her concerns were actually genuine, but the time set to discuss it was totally not the right time, a Sunday evening when everyone was tired in addition to my concentration being placed somewhere else. Additionally she introduced several topics whereas we had not completely solved the initial one effectively. My nodding and smile were simply not enough and was quite fooling too.
A prior communication should have been set when we are both free and comfortable to communicate; this would hinder any divided mind set of the two parties involved. As defined earlier interpersonal communication, it is a communication between people who have a contact with each other in thoughts, ideas and feelings. My response to her concerns was quite important, though the smile and nodding too do portray understanding, they were too deceiving. For an effective personal communication both parties must be involve wholly in the communication.
Q2. Imagine a conflict which cannot be solved. What have you learned about interpersonal communication that might enable you to cope with irresolvable conflict?
A. In resolving an irresolvable conflict two parties must voice out their concerns in a clear manner. Laying out ones feelings and desires is quite necessary for an efficient communication to be established. A clear communication will bring out better both of your concerns. When the other party put across his or her needs the other party should listen carefully and try to understand it to its maximum. Any attempt to counter the other parties concerns should be avoided. One should avoid or place to a minimum the encouragers and paraphrasing when one party is putting across his or her concerns, a sense of understanding is necessary.
The form of language used should be aimed at enhancing cooperation and a sense of respect between them. This will more so be accomplished by supportive communication. This will bring the parties closer in understanding (RONALD. B. ADLER, 2010). The use of I is necessary, as this creates an essence of ownership to your words, thoughts and ideas.
This approach will create a win-win situation where both parties have involved themselves in the conflict resolution, end your conflict resolution with a statement that portrays each party cares for the other party’s feeling and needs.
Q3. An interpersonal communication course can be designed to accomplish any number of goals. Take a position-and defend it- as to what you consider to be the primary purpose(s) and value of an introductory course in interpersonal communication.
A. Interpersonal relationship is necessary for people to be able to understand each other in a more advanced and clear manner. This is due to the involvement of the body language and the gestures. The relationships already established can be strengthened with the application of interpersonal techniques in the communication. The standard of coordination involved in the communication is at a high level. It helps to remove any form of doubt or misunderstanding that may accrue to the partners.
In the instance of an organization the interpersonal communication involved effects their productivity level. In today’s market its value cannot be evaded as it contributes to one being able to finding employment. The desire to be in long full filling relationship is necessary to incorporate it. The elderly are able to extrapolate their links which in consequence enhances their physical and emotional well being. The interpersonal relationship between patients with his or her doctor may elevate or fasten the speed of healing taking place. Another value that may be achieved is in relation to the classroom is that it may improve one’s academic performance. The students that are more involved in communication with their fellow students are able to perform better in relation to the understanding they acquire.
A person’s relationship with his family and friends is improved; a person’s listening ability is elevated when communicating to his or her roommate, the language involved is sensitive when communicating to a young brother or sister, a defensive nature or retaliatory nature of communication is reduced. A person is able to take responsibility for each and every action he takes.
Interpersonal communication can also lead to an improved life. One is able to acquire information about one’s self, according to Abraham Maslow who is a psychologist call this a self-actualization process. This brings out the best in us; one is able to maximize his potentials and consequently reduce ones disadvantage.
A constant effort should be employed by the two parties to ensure that the process of communication is well achieved to its maximum. Anything less than the expected will lead to the failure of the whole process.
Bibliography
RONALD. B. ADLER, R. P. (2010). Looking Out Looking In. Retrieved May 10, 2011, from http://www.amazon.com/Looking-Out-Ronald-B-Adler/dp/049509580X
