Course Syllabus

"Personal Communication Skills Level 2" is a comprehensive course designed to deepen your understanding and mastery of interpersonal communication. This course delves into the intricacies of communication within two-person relationships, offering a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. It's tailored to enhance your ability to construct and maintain relationships across various contexts, be it personal or professional, involving family, friends, romantic partners, co-workers, or supervisors.

At the heart of this course is the exploration of basic human needs within the context of relationships. It provides insights into how to effectively communicate to meet both your own needs and those of others. This understanding is crucial, as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest studies of adult life, has consistently shown that good relationships keep us happier and healthier. In this course, you'll learn how fulfilling these needs through communication can lead to more satisfying and rewarding relationships.

The course also addresses common challenges in interpersonal communication, equipping you with strategies to handle difficult conversations and conflicts. Given that a study by CPP Inc. found that employees spend an average of 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict, the skills you gain here are not just beneficial for personal relationships but also vital in a professional setting.

One of the key aspects of the course is communication competence, which involves understanding your own communication style and adapting it to various contexts. This adaptability is essential, as research indicates that effective communication skills are linked to career success. A LinkedIn survey found that 57% of senior leaders value soft skills, like communication, more than hard skills.

Intercultural communication is another critical component, going beyond mere interaction with people from different nationalities. It's about understanding and respecting cultural differences, which is increasingly important in our globalized world. With research showing that diverse companies are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts (McKinsey), skills in intercultural communication are not just desirable but necessary.

The course also delves into the self-perception and its impact on communication. How we see ourselves shapes our interactions with others, making self-awareness a key skill. This aligns with findings from the field of psychology, where self-perception is linked to emotional intelligence, a predictor of success in personal and professional relationships.

Nonverbal communication, often overshadowed by verbal communication, is given due importance in this course. Studies suggest that nonverbal cues can carry between 65% - 93% more impact than the actual words spoken, highlighting the need for skills in this area.

Interpersonal perception is another focus area, where you'll learn about the dynamics of perceiving others in communication. This is crucial, as misperceptions can lead to misunderstandings, which are a common cause of conflict in relationships.

Listening, a skill often taken for granted, is thoroughly explored. The course provides techniques for effective listening, which is essential for understanding and empathy. Considering that poor listening skills can lead to significant losses in business, this skill is invaluable.

Social relationships and the emotional rewards they bring are also explored. This aspect of the course is particularly relevant in the context of mental health, as strong social ties have been linked to a lower risk of mental health issues.

The course addresses the role of emotions in communication, acknowledging their significance in our lives. Understanding and managing emotions is critical, as emotional intelligence is a key factor in successful interpersonal interactions.

Conflict resolution and the role of conflict in relationships are examined. Rather than viewing conflict negatively, the course encourages a constructive approach, viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding in relationships.

Argumentative and aggressive communication styles are discussed, with a focus on distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy ways of expressing disagreement. This is essential in a world where aggressive communication is often normalized but can be detrimental to relationships.

The course concludes with lessons on communicating with confidence and assertiveness, and on targeting your message effectively. These skills are vital for personal advocacy and success in various life domains.

In summary, "Personal Communication Skills Level 2" is not just a course; it's an essential toolkit for anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal relationships and communication skills. Whether you're aiming to improve your personal relationships, excel in your professional life, or simply understand the complex dynamics of human interaction, this course offers invaluable insights and practical tools to help you achieve your goals.