Letter of Advice and Interpersonal Communication - Coursework Example

Interpersonal Communication Introduction Effective communication aids in making things easy and in its absence we would always talk and speaking out of context thus conveying the wrong message. An interpersonal communication skill that is efficient allows one to express precisely ones personal thoughts, information and feelings in an effective and quick manner. Besides, it creates a venue for an experience that is interpersonal in nature. A good interpersonal communication skill enables a couple to understand each other well. Besides, it helps provide a setting favorable for effective communication between couples (Agarwal, 2010). The barriers to effective interpersonal interactions Even though communication has a significant role building of relationships in, a regular individual is likely to encounter many obstacles that will prevent effective communicate. Communication problems lead to difficulties in conveying messages to for example work mates, friends, and even family. Having an emotion that is contrary from an earlier experience is a barrier to effectiveness in the interpersonal relation between couples in a relationship. In case one does not do away with this negative emotion, it continues influence the way one talk and the feeling can be uttered when one least expects. These emotions might be as a result of situations like the previous that had showed up earlier. One will not be able consciously to notice these feelings on them. The negative emotions make one upset and in the process speak in a raised tone. So long as one cannot see and let go the negative feelings, it could bar ones otherwise effective interpersonal interaction and communication. It is because one will be unable to recognize really from where ones emotions run high or when one overreacts (Berger, 2014). A little self-esteem bars an effective interpersonal communication and thus interaction in a relationship. Lacking the courage to communicate ones ideas and thoughts may convey an entirely different meaning than the one intended to reveal. It sends a misleading message instead to the other person making them suppose a different meaning to it. Low self-esteem results from a lack of confidence where one tends to believe they are not that worthy enough. Lacking the commitment in a communication process is also a barrier to effective interpersonal interaction. It occurs in an instance where one is not keen enough to what the other person wants to know out of the conversation. It is also not always possible to notice that one lacks the commitment while communicating. It leads to an intended message being often ignored because one is not paying attention to what the other is saying. Making of generalized assumptions in a communication acts as an impairment to an effective interpersonal interaction between people in a relationship. People often make judgments and assume what the other is going to say. It leads to a breakdown in communication in case the assumption is wrong. While a one person intention is to express a particular message, the recipient might perceive a different message because of making an assumption. If we must make assumptions out of a conversation, it is essential to verify that the assumptions are in fact accurate (Daly, 2010). When one becomes Insensitive or lacking compassion in a conversation, it will lead to a breakdown in how perceives the others feelings accurately. An insensitive listener will see a message differently because of trying to divert the focus from the other person talking. One also disregards the concerns or the other person communicating thus impairing the interpersonal interaction between them. The tendency to judge people while they are also communicating blocks their interpersonal communication. It is because one may disapprove or approve what the other person is saying since they have a predetermined opinion already. The process by which self-concept is developed and maintained Self-concept describes the way one thinks and feels. Self-concept ranges from your attitudes, physical appearance, beliefs, weaknesses, strengths and mental capability. It includes our self both outside and inside requiring one to have a perception of oneself. Self-concept is developed through our relationship with other individuals. The manner in which we identify ourselves is determined by the level of how we consider other people perceive. A self-concept is a compilation of viewpoints about a person’s own unique, nature, typical behavior, and qualities. Ones self-concept refers to the mental depiction about oneself. Role taking is the first process of developing a self-concept in a relationship. It refers to where when someone takes a particular position, one comes up with expectations and attitudes others think of him or her. It enables one to know his or her role in a relationship and what is required of him or her. The dislikes and dislikes of a person are also reflected upon. Understanding and being tolerant of a person after assessing their role is vital in maintaining good communication. The second process of self-concept occurs all through one’s life. It involves one being continually evaluated to identify their aspects and recognizing their changes during the different growth stages in a relationship. The thirdly way in the developing one’s self-concept is by identifying constraints in the relationship in terms of the depth, scope and configuration of a person. The fourth process is assessing the rate of change in a relationship so as to be in a position to foresee the development of the self-concept. A couple can maintain the self-concept in a relationship, by the way, one being in a position to know oneself well in terms of potential, weaknesses and strengths. One also needs to be honest to oneself at all times by being true to what one value who one is. A person can help uphold his or her taking full responsibility for ones actions and choices. Eventually, one ought to accept and love oneself which helps in developing and improving aspects one chooses. Emotional intelligence and its role in effective interpersonal relationships Emotional intelligence is the capability to know one’s emotion and, besides, the emotion of others too. Emotional intelligence enables one to take action in a way that is useful basing on one understands. Emotional intelligence has some roles. It allows us to have the capability to identify other people and our emotions. It enables us to use our ability of thinking effectively by understanding emotions of our partners in a relationship. Emotional intelligence permits us to know how the various emotions and their relation to one another. Additionally it enables the regulation of our emotions and facilitating others to regulate theirs too. If we lack emotional intelligence, it might create difficulties in maintaining a good relationship especially among couples.  Evaluation of appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships In relationships, we usually disclose information to our partners. However, it is essential to establish if it is appropriate to go on with the disclosure or not. This decision is guided by the potential risks and situation consideration before disclosing any information. Then it is vital to establish where, when, and the manner to communicate the information. It is because all these courses of actions will have an effect on a relationship. The levels of self-disclosure are starts with individual self-disclosure followed the reaction of the recipient to the disclosure and finally the discloser has to process the response by the other partner. The way the recipient responds interprets to the disclosure is vital essentials of the self-disclosure process. The response from the receiver is, as a result, the way he or she attributed to the exposure. It is important to begin an exposure with thoughts and observations then shift onto needs and feelings of the other partner in a relationship. It is vital to make a decision on when to disclose information during a conversation with your partner. It might be appropriate not to disclose precise information to your partner in a relationship. On the other hand revealing information at a wrong time in a conversation may result in a negative response. Thus, an appropriate time must be determined (McGraw, 2001). Strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts It is hard to avoid interpersonal conflicts in relationships. Unless the couple develops strategies to manage these conflicts, it will create problems that if not handled carefully can lead to a divorce. The ability to perceive plays a vital role in the management of interpersonal conflict because it will help us justify the behavior of the other partner. When a conflict occurs, it is important to deal with it instead of avoiding it. Avoiding a conflict is not always the solution. Dealing with it creates a better relationship with helping in coping with future conflicts. Before confronting a partner after a conflict, one should think about it to clarify the need for it and the real issues at hand. Face to face communication or talk is also vital. It is because it allows for instant feedback and exchange of information actively. The use of a mediator is also an option in case the conflicting partners in a relationship are not willing to iron out their issues. If someone is the cause of the conflict, apologizing is appropriate. The apology, however, must be sincere. Steps ought to be undertaken to as much as possible minimize the incidences of conflict by being friendly and developing a constructive relationship. Working on one’s communication skills is also an essential strategy that can manage interpersonal conflicts in a relationship. One’s capability to openly express you allows speaking your mind, getting a point across and asking for what is required. Culture has influences on the ways we use to solve conflict basing on our norms and culture. Interpersonal conflicts in relationships can be best handled by way of pointing out the items and situations that create these conflicts (Eunson, 2007). Conclusion If we lack emotional intelligence, it might create difficulties in maintaining a healthy relationship, especially among couples. A couple will, for example, be unable to know their emotions and regulate them. It will create problems in dealing with your partner in a relationship. If we in no position to know the emotions felt by others, and then acting correctly will be a problem. If we lack emotional intelligence then understanding others and controlling ourselves will be difficult hence creating problems in a relationship. Active relationship succeeds when there is an understanding between the two people. Communication barrier and constant conflicts are some of the significant aspects that affect the level of interpersonal communication among the couples. Ones skills to effectively communicate enable one to convey an intended message since it will be easy for the other participant in the communication to comprehend. For an effective communication, one need to start communicating by acknowledging the other person one is engaging in. The communication must convey a message that is clear. It is essential also to state the importance of the message to the other party in the communication so as to ensure the communication is as efficient as possible. References Agarwal, O. (2010). Effective communication (Rev. ed.). Mumbai [India: Himalaya Pub. House. Berger, C. (2014). Interpersonal Communication. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton. Daly, J. (2010). Interpersonal communication. London: SAGE. Eunson, B. (2007). Conflict management. Milton, Qld.: Wiley. McGraw, P. (2001). Self matters: Creating your life from the inside out. New York: Simon & Schuster Source. Read More