Aim
This experiment aims to help me understand the range of techniques required to develop interpersonal skills and use them in the process of building my communication skills. These are necessary for effective interaction leading to excellence. It is also for the reasons for improving my ability to convince and influence others. Interpersonal skills are those skills necessary when relating to others verbally and non-verbally. It involves practical ways in which you can communicate with other people you come into contact with at any place including the workplace; these people may be supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, vendors, and customers. I look forward to attaining 50% on body language, 35% on the tone of voice, and 5% on word communication (De Janasz et al, 2006).
Rationale
I have settled to work on how to convey verbal messages and use them effectively and objectively in communication. This is because quite often I have realized that even though I do communicate there are a lot of communication gaps that do occur, this eventually creates some potential problems that make people have a lot of difficulty in understanding my messages. I will pick some of the communication strengths that I have and try to reflect on how to develop them; I will choose a role model who will always make me accountable. I will always try to speak before a class or any crowd of people, attend seminars, try to deeply understand those with problems, and get involved in conflict resolution committees. This will help me understand how to explain myself clearly and honestly at the same time ensure that I communicate always giving me a chance to assess my progress. Close observation of how managers interact with their employees will help me assess their interpersonal skills (De Janasz et al, 2006).
Pre and Post Test measures
To assess my progress, I will record every activity I involve myself within every week, the steps and precautions taken, and how it has contributed towards my goal. My role model will help me ascertain what percentage I have improved in terms of body language, tone of voice, and the words I speak. This will probably be done in the last week.
Action Steps
To measure these action steps, I will have to be practically involved in most of the instances. I will have to thoroughly research the theories that govern excellent interpersonal skills. This will help me attain my objective of reaching at least 50% body language, 35% tone of voice, and 5% communication through words.
References
Caproni, P. (2010). Interpersonal management skills. Management and Organizations, 56. Rose School of Business, University of Michigan.
De Janasz, S.C., Wood, G.J., Gottschalk, L., Dowd, K., and Schneider, B. (2006). Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. Sydney, N.S.W.: McGraw-Hill.
Duffy, D. et al. (2004). Assessing competence in communication and interpersonal skills. Academic Medicine Volume 79. No. 6
Jennings, R. O. (2009). Building blocks for interpersonal skills Training. The Jennings group Columbia, NJ.