Interpersonal Communication - Research Paper

Introduction

In this interpersonal case paper, I will utilize a self-written case study to categorize the key guidelines of interpersonal communication that will facilitate person-centered support when taking the role of a service user. Section 2 of the Survival Guide, "Course Frameworks and How-Tos" illustrates the concepts of service-learning and presentation macrostructure. In evaluating a conflict in a relationship, I will ensure that I express my thoughts, ideas, and feelings to the individuals in the surrounding. Interpersonal communication is crucial because it influences numerous aspects of a person's life. I will also focus on the connection between 'self' and communication by illustrating how my interpersonal communication such as individual convictions, outlooks, and attitudes sustain the anti-discriminatory practice.

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Background

Communication is collaborative and usually occurs within a relationship. It entails sending and obtaining information, sharing feelings, thoughts, and attitudes which can entail verbal and non-verbal communication. Communication can include eye contact, gestures, expression, body language, mirroring and listening. It also facilitates an important contribution to working relationships (UALR.edu, 2019).

During my communication with the service user, I use eye contact, gestures, nodding, posture, and facial expressions. The setting of how we interact may affect the nature of our communication such as timing. The location and the presence of another individual may influence the communication content and the delivery of the information. For instance, if I am at a restaurant with my colleagues or in a job interview, the language used would be different. The verbal communication skills such as listening, empathy, language reflecting, explaining and asking questions are crucial to a successful communicator and can be mirrored in my practice (UALR.edu, 2019).

Verbal communication may entail an exploration of an individual's tone, facial expression, pitch, pace, pauses, paraphrasing, silences and questioning to obtain more information. However, active listening is the key interpersonal skills that demonstrate that sentiments re-identified and body gestures are suitably utilized. It also ensures that disruptions are evaded and focus on the speaker is clearly present.

Theoretical Grounding

Humanistic theory deliberates the key guidelines in communication and has proposed that an individual requires to have the needed competencies to be an effective communicator. Empathy is crucial and requires the capability to comprehend the world from the other individual's viewpoint. Empathy is regarded as an effective communication skill as it has been said to make people encounter security and to feel listened to (Koprowska, 2010).

Unconditional positive consideration is being respectful towards service users regardless of individual judgments and beliefs concerning their conducts and outlooks and being non-judgmental. An individual is also expected to show approval and warmth (Koprowska, 2010).

In the Person-Centered Theory in connection to effective communication, it is proposed that every individual has the capacity to develop provided he or she has the right conditions. The theory also notes that every person is exceptional and has the right to free will. Additionally, communication and interpersonal skills are essential in implementing the core conditions of this theory. Principles of effective communication that are helpful in the theories emphasize on solution-oriented strategies and use interpersonal and communication skills to attain considerable feedback. Although the process of communication is continuous and inevitable, the conducts used in the process are not. In that case, an individual can learn to communicate the ways that will positively influence a situation. An individual who provides an effective speech appears to have learned the required communicative behavior in making a meaningful conversation.

Analysis

I am interested in homelessness in low-income families. As an approach to understanding this social problem, I contacted Habitat for Humanity Restore, a nonprofit organization that helps raise money to build simple, decent and affordable homes for low-income families in the community. I emailed the contact person to find out more concerning the organization. I told him that I am a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and wished to participate in a four-hour service-learning assignment.

I was not sure that this was the best communication strategy to use. In some organizations, they prefer a telephone call. I was in a dilemma on what communication strategy to use. They noted that telephone communication is important due to quick feedback and expression of feelings. Eventually, I opted to visit the organization so that I could obtain physical feedback and understand elements such as facial expressions, gestures, and body movements.

Recommendations

There are various recommendations essential in the case study provided. The case study has shown that communication should be simultaneous. Therefore, communication should involve the exchange of behaviors that will be understood by the other individual. In every communication, every individual should ensure there is a sender and the receiver and no one should be the sender and receiver at the same time.

Every person should evaluate the ethics of the communication process. As noted in the case, it is clear that some communication ethics were not followed. Therefore, it is important to assess whether the questions are right or wrong during communication.

The communication should also be based on truth, accuracy, honesty, and reason. This will give communication a sense of integrity. However, every party to the communication in the case study should refrain from communication that downplays an individual and humanity through changing information, intimidation, violence, and expression of hatred.

Reflection

After studying the foundational principles of communication, I learned that the process of communication is multi-faceted. The communication with the service user showed that it is important to highlight aspects like facial gestures, gestures, body movement, and mirroring. I also learned that communication is inevitable. I ensured that during my interaction with the contact person, I communicated in the best way possible. I also learned that behavior is symbolic possible and can be incorporated by others.

Another aspect I learned is that communication is irreversible. Therefore, everything I do I ensured that there is due diligence. Every message I sent was scrutinized to ensure that the contact person is not offended. I feel that my skill in using communication principles from the UALR is effective and can be shared with another individual.

Conclusion

Communication is a crucial aspect of maintaining a relationship between individuals. It entails sending and acquiring information from the sender to receiver respectively. Communication entails gestures, eye contact, body language, listening and mirroring. Section 2 of the Survival Guide, "Course Frameworks and How-Tos" explains the aspects of service-learning and presentation design. In assessing a conflict in a relationship, I ensured that I demonstrate my thoughts, notions, and sentiments to the persons in that setting. The case study involved communication with a contact person with a nonprofit organization tasked with helping the needy. Although there were communication problems, efficiency was achieved in the long-run.

References

Koprowska, J. (2010). Communication and interpersonal skills in social work. Exeter: Learning Matters.

UALR.edu. (2019). ACOM 1300: Introduction to Communication SURVIVAL GUIDE. Available from: https://ualr.edu/online/courses/spch-1300-speech-communication/ (Accessed: 18/3/2019).