How can you use the latest communication innovations to improve your interpersonal skills?

1 Use video calls wisely

Video calls are a great way to connect with people across distances, but they can be exhausting, distracting, and impersonal if not used properly. To ensure the best experience for all participants, you should choose a suitable platform and device that allows you to see and hear clearly and avoid technical glitches. Additionally, prepare your environment and appearance to create a professional and comfortable impression. During the call, use eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and vocal cues to convey your message and emotions effectively. Furthermore, avoid multitasking, checking your phone, or looking away from the screen. Finally, respect the time and agenda of the call and follow up with a summary or action plan if needed.

3 Leverage social media platforms

Social media platforms are great for networking, learning, and sharing with others. They can help you expand your reach, showcase your skills, and build your personal brand, but they can also be a source of misinformation, negativity, and cyberbullying. To make the most of social media platforms and develop your interpersonal skills, you should choose the right platform and audience for your goals and interests and create a consistent and authentic profile. Post content that adds value to your followers and reflects your personality and values. Interact with others by liking, commenting, sharing, and joining groups or communities that align with your purpose and vision. Finally, be sure to manage your online reputation and privacy by reviewing your settings, deleting or editing inappropriate posts, and blocking or reporting abusive users.

4 Experiment with virtual reality and augmented reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies that create immersive and interactive experiences for users, allowing you to enhance your learning, entertainment, and creativity by simulating realistic or fantastical scenarios. However, they can also result in physical, psychological, and social issues such as motion sickness, addiction, and isolation. To maximize the benefits of VR and AR while minimizing the risks, you should choose a suitable device and application that matches your needs and preferences and follow the instructions and safety guidelines. Additionally, explore the features and functions of the VR or AR environment to adjust the settings for optimal comfort. Communicate with other users in the environment while respecting their boundaries and preferences. Lastly, it is important to balance your time between the VR or AR environment and the real world, seeking help if you experience any problems or discomfort.

5 Keep learning and adapting

Communication innovations are constantly evolving and changing the way we communicate with others. To stay on top of these changes and to improve your interpersonal skills, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and best practices in communication technologies and platforms. Additionally, it's wise to seek feedback, advice, and guidance from those more experienced or knowledgeable in using communication innovations. Don't be afraid to experiment with different communication innovations and find out what works best for you and your situation. Finally, be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from your mistakes and successes.

6 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?