You want to improve your interpersonal communication skills. How can you use new technologies to do it?

2 Adapt your style and tone

Another step to improve your interpersonal communication skills is to adapt your style and tone to the platform and the situation. Different platforms may require different levels of formality, clarity, and politeness. For example, you may use more abbreviations, emojis, and slang on text messages than on emails. You may also use more humor, enthusiasm, and empathy on video chats than on voice calls. However, you should also be aware of the potential pitfalls of using these elements, such as misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and offense. Therefore, you should always proofread your written messages, use appropriate language and expressions, and avoid sarcasm and irony.

3 Use visual and audio aids

A third step to improve your interpersonal communication skills is to use visual and audio aids to enhance your message and engagement. Visual and audio aids can help you convey your ideas, emotions, and personality more effectively and creatively. For example, you can use images, videos, gifs, memes, or slides to illustrate your points, show your mood, or make your message more memorable. You can also use voice notes, podcasts, music, or sound effects to add variety, emotion, or humor to your message. However, you should also be careful not to overuse or misuse these aids, as they may distract, confuse, or annoy your audience. Therefore, you should always check the relevance, quality, and size of your visual and audio aids.

4 Seek and give feedback

A fourth step to improve your interpersonal communication skills is to seek and give feedback regularly and constructively. Feedback is essential for improving your communication performance, understanding your audience, and building trust and rapport. For example, you can ask for feedback on your message content, style, tone, or delivery. You can also give feedback on the message you received, such as appreciation, agreement, disagreement, or clarification. However, you should also be respectful, honest, and specific when seeking and giving feedback. Therefore, you should always use open-ended questions, positive statements, and constructive suggestions.

5 Practice and learn

A fifth step to improve your interpersonal communication skills is to practice and learn from your communication experiences. Practice can help you improve your confidence, fluency, and accuracy in using different platforms and situations. For example, you can practice your writing skills by sending emails, texts, or blogs. You can practice your speaking skills by making phone calls, video chats, or presentations. You can also practice your listening and reading skills by paying attention to the messages you receive, taking notes, or summarizing. However, you should also be willing to learn from your mistakes, feedback, and examples. Therefore, you should always review your communication outcomes, reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and seek improvement opportunities.

6 Use online resources

A sixth step to improve your interpersonal communication skills is to use online resources to support your learning and development. Online resources can provide you with valuable information, guidance, and inspiration for your communication goals. For example, you can use online courses, books, articles, or podcasts to learn about communication theories, principles, and techniques. You can use online tools, apps, or software to enhance your communication skills, such as grammar checkers, translators, or speech-to-text converters. You can also use online communities, forums, or groups to connect with other learners, mentors, or experts. However, you should also be selective, critical, and ethical when using online resources. Therefore, you should always check the credibility, relevance, and quality of the resources you use.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?