Communication is an essential skill that every human being needs in the current world. The demand for effective communication skills in workplaces, schools and informal relationships is on the rise. Effective communication goes beyond talking and listening to integrate the right message for the right audience and effective delivery of the message. Communication breakdown can lead to conflict in relationships and time-wasting. One of the factors that are a prerequisite to healthy inter-personal relationships is effective communication. Therefore there is a need to improve communication skills and interpersonal interaction through paying attention to non-verbal cues and having emotional intelligence.
Non-verbal cues complement the message conveyed during communication. Non-verbal cues include facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, physical contact and silence (Barnum and Wolniansky, 1989). Non-verbal cues give information about one’s emotions and intentions behind the message. Some of the ways of improving communication skills by non-verbal cues include maintaining eye contact. Eye contact shows that you are actively listening to the message. Also, using hand gestures and appropriate facial expression ensures that the audience gets immediate feedback as they communicate. Expressing one’s message accompanied by non-verbal cues enhances delivery and comprehension of the message, therefore improving communication and interpersonal skills.
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Emotional intelligence empowers an individual to understand their emotions and those of their audience better. Emotional intelligence refers to being able to reason beyond emotions and using emotional knowledge in acting and decision-making (Mayer, Roberts and Barsade, 2008). At times, our emotions can hinder effective communication causing a communication breakdown. Responses such as overreacting and shouting prevent effective communication. It is also essential to ensure that during communication, one understands and empathizes with the emotions of the audience. Emotional intelligence ensures that during communication, emotions are incorporated with enough reason and thought.
In conclusion, it is important to improve communication skills to ensure good interpersonal relationships. Observing non-verbal cues and emotional intelligence are some of the ways of improving communication.
References
Barnum, C., & Wolniansky, N. (1989). Taking cues from body language. Management Review, 78(6), 59-61.
Mayer, J. D., Roberts, R. D., & Barsade, S. G. (2008). Human abilities: Emotional intelligence. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 59, 507-536.
