Return to Advanced Manuals

Interpersonal Communication

Everyday life presents challenging communication situations. Topics in this manual include conversing with ease, negotiating, handling criticism, coaching someone to improve performance, and expressing dissatisfaction effectively.

1. Conversing with Ease

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Identify techniques to use in conversing with strangers.
  • Recognize different levels of conversation.
  • Initiate a conversation with a stranger.
  • Use open-ended questions to solicit information for further conversation.

2. The Successful Negotiator

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Employ win/win negotiating strategies to achieve your goals.
  • Enjoy the benefits of win/win negotiating.

3. Diffusing Verbal Criticism

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Respond non-defensively to verbal criticism.
  • Employ a five-step method to identify the problem, diffuse the attack and arrive at a solution.

4. The Coach

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Determine reasons for someone’s substandard performance.
  • Coach the person to improved performance.

5. Asserting Yourself Effectively

Time: 10-14 minutes
Objectives:
  • Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being assertive.
  • Employ the four-step method for addressing a problem and asking for help.
  • Overcome resistance to your requests.