Skilled interpersonal communication

The contribution of effective interpersonal communication to success in both personal
and professional contexts is now widely recognised. This topic is studied in its own
right on many further and higher education courses. Interpersonal training programmes have also been reported in the literature for every professional group, and
the contribution of communication to social and personal well-being has been extensively researched. It is clear that the ability to communicate effectively at an interpersonal level is a vital part of the human condition. As such, knowledge of various
types of skills, and of their effects in social interaction, is crucial for interpersonal
functioning. It is for this reason that interest in the study of skilled communication
has mushroomed in the past few years.
In the intervening period since the fourth edition of this book was published, a
considerable amount of feedback has been provided by tutors and trainees involved in
interpersonal skills programmes, as well as from practising professionals. The result
of this feedback has developed and shaped the current text. For example, the term
‘social skill’ tends to predominate within clinical contexts and in developmental/elementary educational fields. In academic and professional spheres, the more common
usage is ‘interpersonal skill’ or ‘communication skill’. The title of this book reflects the
fact that its heartland lies in the academic domain of interpersonal communication, as
applied to higher order contexts. It also reflects the fact that the treatment of skill in
the book encompasses a comprehensive review of research findings and analyses
of theoretical perspectives, as well as direct applications to practice in a range of
settings.
The function of the book is to provide a key reference for the study of interpersonal communication per se. It is concerned with the identification, analysis
and evaluation of a range of skills that are employed widely in interaction. As
such, this text will be of interest both to students of interpersonal communication in
general, and to qualified personnel and trainees in many fields in particular. Detailed
accounts are provided of 14 areas, namely: the nature of interpersonal skill; nonverbal
communication; reinforcement; questioning; reflecting; listening; explaining; selfdisclosure; set induction; closure; assertiveness; influencing; negotiating; interacting
in and leading group discussions.
However, from a personal perspective, the most significant change is the absence
of my former co-author, colleague and close friend, David Dickson, who passed away
xiii
09:01:02:08:10
Page 14
Page 14
on 24 May 2008. David and I were school pals, university friends and close work
colleagues. He was a constant source of inspiration, wisdom, support, creativity and
unending good humour. His untimely death meant that his absence was particularly
deeply felt in this fifth edition. In fact, David had begun working on the new edition
before his death and his contributions are evidenced throughout the book.
I also remember with great fondness and affection another close friend, and coauthor of the first three editions of this text, the late Christine Saunders. As with
David, Christine’s contributions are widely reflected in this new edition. Working on
this publication was a lonely task following the years of fun and camaraderie with
Christine and David when producing the earlier editions. I miss them and think of
them often. Their influence pervades the book and it has been a privilege for me to
produce this new edition in their memory. However, while I recognise with gratitude
and affection their role in forming and shaping this text, I also fully accept sole
responsibility for any of its flaws.
I would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the School of
Communication, University of Ulster. Thanks also to all those members of staff at the
university, and at other centres, who have been involved in, and contributed to, the
evolution of Communication programmes. The support, advice and encouragement of
these colleagues are reflected throughout this book. The invaluable feedback provided
by trainees enrolled on skills programmes is also recognised.
A special note of thanks is given to the editorial staff at Routledge for all their
help, support and expertise. Words of appreciation are due to Philip Burch and David
Barr, Graphic Design Technicians in the School of Communication at the University
of Ulster for their skill in producing some of the more intricate diagrams. Finally, I am
indebted to my wife, Patricia, who provided the necessary motivation and love to
sustain me throughout the production of this text