Effective Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Description

Course Duration:

1–2 days (or modular format across 3–4 sessions)

Target Audience:

Professionals at all levels seeking to improve workplace communication, strengthen relationships, and increase collaboration and influence.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Communicate clearly and confidently in a range of professional situations.

Adapt communication styles to suit different audiences and contexts.

Build strong interpersonal relationships using emotional intelligence.

Navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict effectively.

Enhance active listening, feedback, and assertiveness skills.

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Communication

The communication process: sender, receiver, and barriers

Verbal, non-verbal, and written communication

The impact of tone, body language, and intent

Common communication pitfalls in the workplace

Module 2: Developing Interpersonal Awareness

Self-awareness and emotional intelligence (EQ)

Understanding personal communication styles (DISC, MBTI or similar tools)

Building rapport and trust

The importance of empathy in professional relationships

Module 3: Active Listening and Feedback Skills

Listening to understand vs listening to respond

Techniques for active listening

Giving feedback constructively

Receiving and acting on feedback

Module 4: Assertive Communication

Passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive vs assertive styles

Setting boundaries and expressing needs clearly

Using “I” statements and confident body language

Role-playing assertiveness scenarios

Module 5: Adapting Communication to Context

Communicating with different personality types

Navigating workplace hierarchy and power dynamics

Cultural sensitivity and inclusive language

Tailoring communication for emails, meetings, and presentations

Module 6: Managing Difficult Conversations and Conflict

Identifying sources of conflict

Conflict resolution strategies (e.g. Interest-Based Relational Approach)

Staying calm under pressure

Structuring difficult conversations using frameworks (e.g. SBI – Situation, Behaviour, Impact)

Module 7: Collaborative Communication in Teams

The role of communication in high-performing teams

Group dynamics and psychological safety

Facilitating discussions and encouraging contribution

Virtual communication best practices

Delivery Style

Engaging facilitation with practical exercises

Role-plays, group discussions, and real-life scenarios

Self-reflection activities and personal action planning

Assessment and Outcomes

Participation in interactive activities

Completion of a communication skills self-assessment

Development of a personalised communication improvement plan

Course Materials Provided

Participant workbook and slides

Communication style diagnostic tool (optional)

Templates for feedback and conversation planning

Follow-up resources and reading list