FOUNDATIONS OF

INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS
SESSION 1
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
IS…
• the verbal and nonverbal interaction between two interdependent people
(sometimes more).
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

• Personal and social success

– Your close friendships and marital relationships are made, maintained, and sometimes destroyed
largely through your interpersonal interaction.
• Professional success
– From the initial interview at a college job fair to interning to participating in and then leading
meetings, your skills at interpersonal communication will largely determine your success.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to communicate and interact well with other people.

• Also called people or soft skills.
• Skills required to effectively communicate, interact, and work with individuals and groups.
• Those with good interpersonal skills are strong verbal and non-verbal communicators and are
often considered to be “good with people”.
• Most interpersonal skills can be grouped under one of four main forms of communication: 
1. verbal,
2. listening,
3. written,
4. non-verbal communication
EXAMPLES OF INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS
Emotional
Empathy Active listening
intelligence

Verbal and written

Giving feedback Working in groups
communication

Body language and

Assertiveness Negotiation skills
facial expressions
AND THE LIST CONTINUES…

• Positive attitude
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Sensitivity and tolerance for others’ POV
• Socializing skills
• Networking and building relationships
• Conflict management and resolution skills