Principles of Effective Interpersonal Communication
The Principles of Effective Interpersonal Communication have emerged from the practice of mediation, and in particular, Community Mediation, which focuses on the nature and quality of relationships and interpersonal communication.
By identifying common ways in which we interact that promote Effective Communication, this page and the links to the Principles will help you to become conscious of them.
Click on the links below to read more about each Principle...
1. That we treat each other with respect So how does that help? It means we can put the energy we spend 'demonising' others and complaining about them to better use, like enjoying ourselves and being present for loved ones instead of continuously distracted by our difficulties with others.
So how does that help? It means we find out that, by not interrupting others and focusing our attention on what they say, we become listened to ourselves a lot more! Our conversations become more interesting, useful, worthwhile and sometimes even joyful, instead of difficult, tiring, boring or anxious.
3. That we have the right to pass So how does that help? It means that we can choose not to do something instead of feel we have to or that we 'should' when we don't want to. It means acknowledging that trying to change others is not only not very loving, but is also impossible. It means acknowledging that when others try to change us, it can feel very uncomfortable. It means taking responsibility for our choices and actions - because no-one else can.
So how does that help? It means recognising the importance of valuing others' right to choose and not to use our language in a way that assumes we can choose for them.
So how does that help? It means making more accurate statements with our communication - instead of assuming we can speak for others, we only speak for ourselves. This saves a lot of unnecessary resentment and resistance towards us.
So how does that help? It means acknowledging that filling up 'air time' in a conversation prevents us from connecting with others through our communication. It means we gain the opportunity to learn and be creative through hearing others' views about what we say.
7. That we challenge the behaviour and not the person So how does that help? It means that difficult situations can be 'de-personalised' and therefore become an opportunity for learning and creativity rather than a personal 'battle'. It means using a more effective approach to communicating, removing the unnecessary personal labels and destructive comments. It means keeping a focus on the issue, allowing for a more creative response to any difficult situation.
So how does that help? It means generating a feeling of trust, safety and in some situations, intimacy through valuing that which is important to another, and acknowledging and respecting their vulnerability in relation to an issue.
So how does that help? It means acknowledging the fact that we are not robots and that mistakes are opportunities for learning, connection and insight rather than opportunities to condemn another - as if we are ourselves 'perfect'. It means adopting a no-blame approach to difficult situations.
Press the play button below to hear Alan describe the content of Contemplations (3:09)
The Principles of Effective Communication are based on the Underlying Philosophies of Mediation that you can read about on the Conflict Resolution page.
You may also be interested in the skills used to promote effective communication and in conflict resolution practice which are,'simply':
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