Interpersonal communication can be described as the process of sending and receiving information between two or more people. It can be done talking face to face with another person or via telephone, email, letters or meetings.
It involves a speaker who sends a message to a listener. They receive the message, develop and send a response and so it continues. The content of a message during interpersonal communication is important, however other aspects to fully understand the message are important such as body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. The content of the discussions must match the non verbal cues to make communication effective (About.com 2007; Wikipedia 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people that are Deaf or hard of hearing, it is essential during interpersonal communication to follow the communication tips outlined in hearing (see relevant internal link). It is also crucial to utilise active listening techniques especially when conversing with many people such as in staff meetings or training. See links below for more information:
If talking one on one try and make sure that the person is in a quiet area with little background noise and use private offices when available to enhance interpersonal communication.
Simplify language—avoid jargon, occupation or industry terms unless understood by everyone present.
Recognise cultural differences including Deaf culture—as not all aspects of communication can be translated via Auslan. Consider using the Auslan For Employment program to have a deaf awareness training session conducted within your workplace by an accredited trainer to highlight any particular needs to co-workers of a deaf employee communicating via Auslan. See link below for more information:
Be aware of emotions expressed when communicating and ensure they are appropriate to the situation and not based on personal feelings or experiences.
Consider body language that can affect how a message is understood or perceived, that is raising eyebrows, crossing arms, hunched shoulders, hands on hips, not making eye contact with the speaker—these actions can be voluntary or involuntary however will impact on how your message is perceived.
Facial expressions are also important in conversations and expressions are often involuntary responses to what we are hearing i.e. smiling, frowning, anger, puzzled. To facilitate good interpersonal communication ensure facial expressions are consistent with the message.
A range of equipment solutions is also available to enhance communication for those that are Deaf or hard of hearing:
(WA Deaf Society 2006; Auslan Hearing 2005; Wikipedia 2007; Better Health Channel 2007).
References
Australian Hearing 2005, Communication Tips, Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 3 August 2007, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=227&languageId=1&contentId=-1
Better Health Channel 2007, Hearing loss—communicating at work, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 13 July 2007, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hearing_loss_communicating_at_work?open
WA Deaf Society Inc. 2006, Providing Accessible Services and Facilities for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, WA Deaf Society Inc., Perth, viewed 13 July 2007, http://wadeaf.onlinepublicity.net/media/docs/Providing_accessible_services_brochure2006.pdf
About.com 2007, Interpersonal Communication Tips, The New York Times Company, New York, viewed 3 August 2007, http://humanresources.about.com/od/interpersonalcommunicatio1/qt/com_com5.htm
Wikipedia 2007, Interpersonal communication, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, St. Petersburg, viewed 3 August 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpersonal_communication
Wikipedia 2007, Body language, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, St. Petersburg, viewed 3 August 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_language
Wikipedia 2007, Facial expression, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, St. Petersburg, viewed 3 August 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_expression