Interpersonal Skills Facts & Worksheets

People who have good interpersonal skills can create healthy relationships with others. It is an essential tool that can help raise productivity, positive relationships, and efficiency in daily activities.

See the fact file below for more information on Interpersonal Skills, or you can download our 27-page Interpersonal Skills worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

INTRODUCTION

• As soon as babies are born, they create interactions with their parents.
• These are non-verbal forms of communication, such as eye contact, face recognition, and sound.
• As they grow, they also learn to communicate their feelings in their way.
• Their environment is one of the most critical factors in developing their interpersonal skills.
• Over time, they learn how to communicate through words and sentences.
• Interpersonal skills are the skills used to interact with other people.
• It is sometimes referred to as social skills or people skills.
• Interpersonal skills include verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and listening skills.
• It can also cover emotional intelligence, negotiation, team working skills, conflict resolution, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Children must be taught as early as they can.
• However, parents and guardians must always support, guide, and give appropriate discipline to the children with the proper use of interpersonal skills.

BRIEF HISTORY OF COMMUNICATION

• Humans in the ancient period needed to have a consistent mutual understanding.
• Therefore they need to be creative in the way they communicate.
• Communication changed when speech was introduced.
• However, it was not polished, and people still needed help using and understanding it. 
• Images and symbols were also used as a medium of communication.
• These are all written and drawn in stones, wood, leaves, cave paintings, and carvings that usually depict scenes of their daily lives.
• These cave paintings turned into pictograms, and later on, ideograms were used to portray concepts.
• People in ancient times were intelligent and creative because they could express their ideas through simple drawings that served as visual communication.
• Before the 15th century, communication was through verbal and limited written communication.
• They used handwritten notes to exchange with a group or individual.
• In the 1300s, China’s Bi Sheng and Wang Cheng dynasties invented the first printing press.
• It lessened the need to do handwritten messages.
• Years later, Johannes Gutenberg developed a more modern version of the printing press that could mass-produce printed materials.
• The ability to produce more written materials catered to a larger reach of audience to spread information.
• In 1690, the newspaper was invented, and almost all cities in the world published more newspapers to inform a wider range of people about local and international news.
• In the 18th century, public postal systems were established to deliver letters.
• However, it still had a lot of flaws, such as delayed deliveries and lost letters.
• The postal service was remodeled with the help of Benjamin Franklin.
• The delivery became more productive, efficient, and organized.
• In the 19th century, telecommunications were created.
• Sending and receiving messages and information were made through electronic means.
• Joseph Henry invented the electric telegraph in 1831.
• It catered to long-distance communication.
• In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
• Telephones allowed users to conveniently speak with each other directly without having to see them.
• The distance was not a hindrance anymore to communicating with other people.
• In the early 1900s, radio and television were great sources of information.
• Later on, the first version of the mobile telephone was invented.
• However, they were heavy-duty and were only found in cars and trains.
• Pagers were also introduced.
• In the 1990s, mobile phones became more handy and convenient to use.
• Today, mobile phones do not only cater to text messages and calls.
• Social networking sites can be used to communicate and share daily lives. 
• Information and media became more accessible too.
• Meetings can be through video conferences.
• Communication has developed a lot ever since people started communicating. 
• Until today, advancements in communication are still continuously made.
• Computers and the internet significantly contributed to its evolution.
• Emails and sending of files and pictures became available.
• Today, technology is fast-paced, and everything can be done digitally.

DISADVANTAGE OF COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN DEVELOPING INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Technology created easy access to almost all the information we need to know.
• Despite the convenience we get from having communication devices, it can also affect our interpersonal skills.
• People who usually communicate through technology might find it difficult to make normal conversations.
• Understanding non-verbal communication can also be a challenge for them since there are no face-to-face interactions that could help them practice their skill.
• Slang is often used when chatting or messaging through devices.
• Their knowledge of the language and vocabulary could deteriorate.
• People can be rude and aggressive online.

CHALLENGES WITH DEVELOPING INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• It can be a challenge for most to create and develop their interpersonal skills.
• It could be harder for those who are naturally shy and always at home. 
• Most parents also worry that their kids would be afraid to mingle with others.
• The good thing is that interpersonal skills can be learned by all ages.
• Learning this skill can help a child be successful in life.
• People with good interpersonal skills can work easier within a team or group.
• Here are some of the barriers and challenges to interpersonal communication:
  • Language Barrier
    • It is hard to communicate with someone with words you cannot understand. 
    • A common language must be used to carry on a conversation.
  • Lack of Cultural Understanding
    • People have different cultures incorporated into their way of living.
    • Some non-verbal and verbal words might be different from the other culture. 
      • A little misunderstanding on this can create conflict with one another.
      • Environmental Barrier
        • Examples of these are noises, the distance between the persons talking, and timezones. 
        • Defects on devices can also turn into a barrier because if the communication device is faulty, it is hard to understand a person talking, and the message could be relayed incorrectly.
        • The medium of communication should be properly chosen for effective interpersonal communication.
      • Psychological Barrier
        • Psychological factors that can affect communication can be emotions, attitude, daydreaming, and pessimism.

FACTORS AFFECTING INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP

• If communication is done ineffectively, it can cause trouble to your interpersonal relationship with others.
• Examples are:
  • Honesty
    • Honesty and trust are both important as the foundation of any relationship.
    • If honesty is lacking, it would be hard to trust the person, and communication will never be productive.
  • Compatibility
    • People with the same likes can comfortably form a bond.
  • It will be a challenge for someone to create a relationship if there are no common interests.
  • Miscommunication
    • Miscommunication is often the root cause of ruined relationships.
    • Make sure to always clearly convey yourself clearly.
  • Calmness
    • It is hard to communicate with a person who is hot-tempered.
    • Keep your calm and learn to listen.
  • Facial Expressions
    • There are facial expressions that are hard to interpret that can cause misunderstanding.
    • Try to assess the person and when to speak and listen.
  • Time 
    • Time is valuable, so if you have appointments, be on time.

THE BENEFITS OF HAVING GOOD INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Children develop a range of interpersonal skills that make the foundation of their personality in the long run.
• These are the benefits when a person establishes good interpersonal skills:
  • Feeling of belongingness
  • Easier collaboration with others
  • Having a positive outlook on life
  • Making more friends
  • Building connections and long-lasting relationships
  • A person can become a great leader
  • Moreover, it also helps improve self-confidence, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-analysis.

IMPROVING INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Here are some good practices to improve interpersonal skills:
  • Willingness to take part and initiate group discussions and activities.
  • Continue conversations despite distractions
  • Resolving conflicts and how to react to the result
  • Have a deep understanding of the non-verbal signals
• For your self-assessment:
  • First, identify what areas you need to improve.
    • Find out what are the strengths and weaknesses of your interpersonal skills.
  • Focus and improve your communication skills.
  • Work on personal skills.
    • Attract a positive attitude and manage your stress.
    • Enhance your emotional intelligence by prioritizing understanding, embracing, and assessing your emotions.
  • Make sure to practice your interpersonal skills.
    • Join in group activities.
    • Grab opportunities when you can negotiate, persuade, and influence others.
  • Experience is the best teacher.
    • Your experiences will always help you improve.

WHAT COMPRISES INTERPERSONAL SKILLS?

• • • It is encouraged kids must start developing their interpersonal skills early.
    • The types below are interpersonal skills parents should focus on teaching their children.
  • VERBAL COMMUNICATION
  • • • • Observe the kid’s interests and talk about them.
        • Learning for kids will be easier if the topic discussed is something they are interested in.
  • NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
  • • • • Guide them with the proper recognition of feelings, emotions, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language.
        • Make sure to explain as simply as you can.
  • LISTENING SKILLS
  • • • • Give instructions they can follow, and always remember to provide feedback.
  • ASSERTIVENESS
  • • • • Teach them what is right and wrong.
        • Remind them that refusing something is okay, especially when they feel it is wrong.
        • Let them know that there is no harm in asking questions.
        • Give them a chance to solve the problem on their own.
  • PROBLEM-SOLVING
  • • • Provide important suggestions and teach them the step-by-step problem-solving method.
      • DECISION MAKING
      • Allow them to make their own decisions and entertain as many questions as you can because it can help them come up with their solutions.
      • NEGOTIATION
      • Teach them how to negotiate properly, express opinions, and make decisions.

THINGS TO DO TO IMPROVE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Learning interpersonal skills is not worth it if you do not apply and practice them.
• Here are the practices to enhance your interpersonal skills:
  • Teachers should create activities that will allow students to communicate with others.
  • Learn to listen and be respectful when speaking with others.
  • Team building helps create bonds and relationships.
  • Join clubs or organizations in your school.
  • Manage emotions.
  • Always listen.
  • Accept criticisms and feedback and consider them as a guide.
  • Teach them empathy.
  • Encourage public speaking.

Interpersonal Skills Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Interpersonal Skills across 27 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Interpersonal Skills. People who have good interpersonal skills can create healthy relationships with others. It is an essential tool that can help raise productivity, positive relationships, and efficiency in daily activities.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Interpersonal Skills Facts
2. How Will You Relate?
3. What The Body Says
4. Body Language
5. A Checklist For Me
6. I Am A Listener
7. My Story To Tell
8. How We Communicate
9. The Personality Test
10. Improving Interpersonal Skills
11. Insighting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills are the abilities and behaviors that allow individuals to effectively communicate, interact, and relate with others. They involve skills such as active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, verbal and nonverbal communication, collaboration, and building relationships with others.

Why are interpersonal skills important?

Interpersonal skills are crucial in both personal and professional settings. They help individuals establish and maintain positive relationships with others, improve communication, resolve conflicts, and work effectively in teams. Strong interpersonal skills also enhance leadership abilities and contribute to overall success in various social and work situations.

How can I improve my interpersonal skills?

Here are some ways to improve your interpersonal skills:

• Practice active listening, which involves fully focusing on the speaker and responding appropriately.
• Develop empathy by understanding and acknowledging others’ perspectives and emotions.
• Enhance your verbal and nonverbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact, using appropriate body language, and speaking clearly.
• Learn conflict resolution techniques, such as finding common ground, being assertive but respectful, and seeking win-win solutions.
• Build and maintain positive relationships by showing appreciation, being reliable and trustworthy, and demonstrating good teamwork.

How can interpersonal skills be applied in the workplace?

Interpersonal skills are highly valuable in the workplace. They can be applied in various ways, such as:

• Building effective work relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
• Communicating clearly and professionally in written and verbal interactions.
• Resolving conflicts and addressing challenging situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Collaborating and working effectively in teams to achieve common goals.
• Providing feedback and actively listening to others’ perspectives in order to foster a positive work environment.

Can interpersonal skills be learned and developed?

Yes, interpersonal skills can be learned and developed over time with practice and effort. They are not solely innate traits, but rather abilities that can be honed and improved through self-awareness, observation, and intentional practice. Seeking feedback from others, engaging in role-playing exercises, and continuously working on self-improvement can help in developing and strengthening interpersonal skills.

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