Social skills are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language and our personal appearance. Human beings are sociable creatures and we have developed many ways to communicate our messages, thoughts and feelings with others. What is said is influenced by both verbal language and the way we use it – ...

Verbal communication is the use of words to share information with other people. It can therefore include both spoken and written communication. However, many people use the term to describe only spoken communication. The verbal element of communication is all about the words that you choose, and how they are heard and interpreted. This page focuses on spoken communication. However, ...

Dealing with criticism positively is an important life skill. At some point in your life you will be criticised, perhaps in a professional way. Sometimes it will be difficult to accept – but that all depends on your reaction. You can either use criticism in a positive way to improve, or in a negative way that can lower your self-esteem ...

“Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.” – Napoleon Hill Conflict, or more specifically, interpersonal conflict, is a fact of life, and particularly of organisational life. It often emerges more when people are stressed, for example, when there are changes on the horizon, ...

How often have you needed to persuade others to do something? It’s a situation that arises almost every day, whether it’s getting your teenager to tidy their room, or your preschooler to get dressed, or a colleague to attend a meeting on your behalf. Some people seem to be able to do it effortlessly, and almost without anyone noticing, whereas ...

From time-to-time, whenever people are together, conflict and disagreement are bound to arise. People have different needs, wants, aims and beliefs and sometimes they clash. Negotiation is a process that can be used to address and resolve disagreements between people, and find common ground. Without negotiation, such conflicts may lead to argument and resentment resulting in one or all of ...

Rapport is a connection or relationship with another person. It can be considered a state of harmonious understanding with another individual or group. Building rapport is the process of connecting with others. Sometimes harmony happens naturally. We’ve all had the experience of “getting along” or “getting along well” with others without any effort. That’s how friendship begins. However, relationships can ...