[Section] - Communication Methods and Practices
Interpersonal Communications
Strengthens interpersonal relationships (Interconnectedness) and encourages understanding others' perspectives (Inquiry).
Empathy supports healthy emotional environments (Vitality) and builds stronger social connections (Interconnectedness).
Understanding both forms of communication enhances clarity and relationships (Interconnectedness) and awareness of communication dynamics (Inquiry).
TABLE OF CONTENTs - Interpersonal Communications
REFLECT - Self-Reflection Questions To Start The Learning Process
EXPLORE - Core Principles and Concepts About Interpersonal Communications
EXAMINE - Lessons on Active Listening, Empathy, and Verbal & Non-Verbal Skills
ENGAGE - Engaging New Ideas and Applying Them in Daily Life
REFLECT - Interpersonal Communications
Self-reflection is a powerful tool to increase self-awareness and prepare mentally and emotionally to engage new ideas!
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As you begin to think about your own communication styles, ask yourself the following questions.
What gets in the way of my ability to fully focus during conversations?
When a conversation becomes emotional or uncomfortable, how do I usually respond?
How well do I understand and respect the personal boundaries of others in conversations?
EXPLORE - Interpersonal Communications
Build emotional and practical connections to new ideas!
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At the heart of strong interpersonal communication is listening. Many people believe they are good listeners, but true listening takes focus and effort. It means giving the other person your full attention, avoiding distractions, and allowing them to finish their thoughts before responding. When people feel heard, they are more likely to trust you and be open in return.
Clear speaking is just as important as good listening. When you share your ideas, requests, or concerns, speak in a way that is direct and easy to understand. Avoid assuming that others know what you mean. Explaining your thoughts fully helps prevent confusion and ensures that everyone is on the same page, whether you are talking about a practice schedule, a group project, or a personal concern.
Nonverbal communication also plays a role in your interactions. Your body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and eye contact all send messages to the person you are speaking with. Even when your words are respectful, negative body language can give the impression that you are not interested or frustrated. Being aware of your nonverbal signals helps you communicate more clearly and respectfully.
Interpersonal communication often involves emotions, especially when discussing challenges, disappointments, or conflicts. Learning to stay calm and respectful in these conversations allows both sides to be heard and creates a chance to find solutions. Speaking calmly and avoiding harsh words keeps conversations productive and prevents situations from getting worse.
Respect for boundaries is another key part of interpersonal communication. Every person has their own comfort levels, whether in personal space, sharing information, or emotional topics. Paying attention to verbal and nonverbal cues helps you recognize when to step back, give space, or adjust your approach during a conversation. Timing can also affect the success of a conversation. Bringing up difficult topics during stressful moments or in public places may not lead to the best outcome. Choosing the right time and place for important conversations allows everyone to approach the discussion with a clear mind and greater focus.
Interpersonal communication is not only about solving problems but also about building connections. Taking time to check in with teammates, support classmates, or encourage friends helps create strong relationships that can make your college experience more positive and rewarding. These small interactions often have a lasting impact.
The way you handle everyday communications and conversations has a powerful impact on your relationships, your reputation, and your success as a competitor!
EXAMINE - Active Listening
Active listening means being fully present, engaged, and responsive in a conversation. Building trust, avoiding misunderstandings, and strengthening your relationships both on and off the field. Becoming a better listener makes you a better teammate, student, and leader.
Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to the speaker in a conversation.
Pay full attention to the speaker.
Maintain eye contact to show engagement.
Avoid interrupting and let the speaker finish.
Show empathy and understanding through non-verbal cues.
Clarify and ask questions to ensure comprehension.
Avoid distractions and focus on the conversation.
Reflect on the speaker's emotions and perspectives.
Control your own biases and assumptions.
Avoid formulating responses while the speaker is talking.
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EXAMINE - VERBAL AND NONVERBAL
Verbal and nonverbal communication work together to shape how your message is sent and received. The words you use, your tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions all impact clarity, trust, and connection. Align what you say with how you say it, so your communication is clear, respectful, and effective in any situation.
Verbal communication involves using words and language to convey messages. It's important to speak clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and express your thoughts concisely.
Nonverbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. It often adds depth to your words and can influence how your message is perceived.
Both verbal and nonverbal cues should align to avoid confusion. If your words and body language contradict each other, your message might not be understood correctly.
Paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues when someone else is speaking shows respect and helps you understand their message better.
Maintaining appropriate eye contact shows engagement and interest in the conversation. However, overly intense eye contact can make others uncomfortable.
Posture, gestures, and facial expressions convey emotions and attitudes. Standing tall and using open gestures can convey confidence and approachability.
The way you say something (tone and inflection) can completely change its meaning. Be mindful of your tone to avoid misinterpretation.
Effective communication involves trying to understand the emotions and perspectives of others. Empathetic responses show that you care about their feelings.
Tailor your communication style based on the situation and the people you're interacting with. What's appropriate with friends might not be suitable in formal settings.
Communication is a two-way process. Be open to receiving feedback, and if necessary, adjust your communication style to ensure mutual understanding.
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EXAMINE - EMPATHY
Empathy is the ability to understand and connect with the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of others. It builds stronger relationships, improves teamwork, and creates a more supportive and respectful environment. Learn how to recognize emotions, listen without judgment, and respond in ways that show care, understanding, and leadership.
Empathy, in communication, involves understanding their thoughts, feelings, and point of view.
Pay close attention when others speak, not just to their words but also to their emotions and body language.
Suspend judgment and avoid making assumptions about others' experiences, allowing for open and honest communication.
Acknowledge the feelings of the person you're communicating with, showing that you recognize their emotions as valid.
Encourage them to share more by asking questions that require more than a simple yes/no answer.
Summarize what the person has shared to show that you've been actively listening and comprehending their feelings.
Sometimes, silence can be powerful, giving the other person space to express themselves fully.
Use your own body language to convey understanding, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding appropriately.
Ask how you can help or support them, demonstrating that you genuinely care about their well-being.
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ENGAGE - Interpersonal Communications
Please look over the following prompts. You’ll be asked to participate in a short discussion about what you have learned, either individually or in a group, with a REBOOT Coach and/or guest speakers. Think about how these lessons will benefit you most in school, competition, and life!
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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF :
[Active Listening]
When someone is talking to you about something important, how do you show that you're really listening? What distractions or habits do you need to work on to become a better listener?
[Empathy]
Think of a time when someone opened up to you about something personal. How did you respond, and how did you try to understand their perspective?
[Verbal and Nonverbal]
What kind of message do you think your body language and tone of voice usually send to others? Are there situations where those signals don’t match what you’re trying to communicate?
QUESTIONS TO ASK OTHERS :
[Active Listening]
How do you model active listening in your leadership role, especially when someone comes to you with a problem or concern?
[Empathy]
What role does empathy play in building trust and relationships within a team or program, and how do you encourage it among teammates?
[Verbal and Nonverbal]
How do you help student-athletes understand the impact of both what they say and how they say it? How do you do this especially during high-pressure situations?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - Interpersonal Communications
If you would like to learn more about Interpersonal Communications, please consider the following resources!
Interpersonal Communications
Michael Van Etten - REBOOT - Didactic Tactics LLC - All Rights Reserved