Interpersonal skills
Unlike specialised and technical skills (hard skills), interpersonal skills (soft skills) are used every day and in every area of our lives.
Be aware of the words you are using when talking to others. Could you be misunderstood by the person listening? Practice clarifying your information and learn to seek feedback to ensure your message has been understood.
Techniques and cues
A range of techniques and cues fall under the category of interpersonal skills. These include
Use of body language - If you are talking to someone and you don’t realise you have your arms crossed it would give the person you are talking the impression you aren’t interested
Use of intonation - Intonation is when there has been a change in the tone of someone’s voice wither it is through the pitch of their voice or the speed. This can keep a listeners attention or ‘awaken them’ if they weren’t listening properly.
Use of smileys - Smileys are used to show the reader how they are feeling. They are normally used in text messages are on the internet when in a chat room, blogs are forum. Some examples:
:@, :S, :O
Capitalisation in text and emails - Capitalisation is also used during text messages and is used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Capitalisation of whole sentences can also express anger.
Active Engagement
To do this in a conversation the person who is not speaking can just make facial expressions or nod at the person speaking therefore showing the person speaking that you understand or even agree with what the other person is saying. Once the person has finished speaking you can contribute with your opinion.
Unlike specialised and technical skills (hard skills), interpersonal skills (soft skills) are used every day and in every area of our lives.
Be aware of the words you are using when talking to others. Could you be misunderstood by the person listening? Practice clarifying your information and learn to seek feedback to ensure your message has been understood.
Techniques and cues
A range of techniques and cues fall under the category of interpersonal skills. These include
Use of body language - If you are talking to someone and you don’t realise you have your arms crossed it would give the person you are talking the impression you aren’t interested
Use of intonation - Intonation is when there has been a change in the tone of someone’s voice wither it is through the pitch of their voice or the speed. This can keep a listeners attention or ‘awaken them’ if they weren’t listening properly.
Use of smileys - Smileys are used to show the reader how they are feeling. They are normally used in text messages are on the internet when in a chat room, blogs are forum. Some examples:
:@, :S, :O
Capitalisation in text and emails - Capitalisation is also used during text messages and is used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Capitalisation of whole sentences can also express anger.
Active Engagement
To do this in a conversation the person who is not speaking can just make facial expressions or nod at the person speaking therefore showing the person speaking that you understand or even agree with what the other person is saying. Once the person has finished speaking you can contribute with your opinion.