Better Interpersonal Communication

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 1
Introduction to Communication

Because it’s such a commonplace activity, we usually don’t think about how we communicate too much. However, the power of effective, persuasive communication should never be underestimated. Your success in any number of settings—in your relationships, in school, on the job, and as a member of society— hinges on your ability to master the full communication process. Our first module discusses the basics of verbal and nonverbal communication, as well as uses and misuses.

• Why We Communicate
• Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Uses and Misuses
• Cultural Differences and Language

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 2
Listening, Self-Esteem, and Self-Disclosure

Listening is the learned process of hearing, attending, evaluating, retaining, and responding to verbal and nonverbal messages. In this module we will learn more about each stage of the listening process: review both the benefits to listening, as well as the challenges to effective listening; and explore the ways in which you can improve your listening skills. We’ll also discuss the principles behind self-concepts and self-disclosure.

• Listening Process
• Benefits to Listening
• Steps for Improving Your Listening Skills
• Self-Concepts
• Self-Disclosure

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 3
Personality Styles and Perception

Do you notice that you act in different ways around certain people? Perhaps you act inhibited around your supervisor, but you wish you could act confident like you do around your co-workers and other colleagues. In other situations, you act polite and deferential around acquaintances, but may wish you could act more sociable like you do around your friends. In this module, we’ll discuss how personality styles effect communication as well as the perception process. Finally, we’ll explore the basics behind defense mechanisms.

• How Does Personality Style Effect Communication?
• Physiological and Psychological Factors of Perception
• Challenges to the Perception Process
• What is Defensiveness?
• Defense Mechanisms

Better Interpersonal Communication Module 4  
Conflict and Electronic Communication

Interpersonal conflict occurs in interactions where there are real or perceived incompatible goals, scarce resources, or opposing viewpoints. We’ll discuss types of conflict and conflict styles in our final module, as well as characteristics of electronic communication.

• What is Conflict and What Contributes to It?
• Types of Conflict
• Conflict Styles
• What is Electronic Communication?
• Characteristics and Misuses of Electronic Communication