Definition of interpersonal communication: The exchange of information (a message) between two or more people.

The process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means--speech (oral communication), writing (written communication), signs, signals, or behavior. These are many different models of the interpersonal communication process, but here are some of the key elements:

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the sender or communicator (the person who initiates a message) the receiver or interpreter (the person to whom a message is directed) the message (the verbal and/or nonverbal content that must be encoded by the sender and decoded by the receiver) the channel (the medium by which the message is delivered and received) the context (the setting and situation in which communication takes place) noise (anything that interferes with the accurate expression or reception of a message) feedback (a response from the receiver indicating whether a message has been received in its intended form)

Effective communication takes place when a sender's message is fully understood by the receiver. Unit 4 public speaking he words public speaking strikes fear and anxiety in the minds of otherwise competent and confident people. Does the thought of speaking in front of a group evoke fear, make you sweat, starts your heart pounding? It's likely you have gloss phobia - the fear of public speaking. Gloss phobia is the most common of fears. There are many ways to increase business exposure so why bother to overcome your speaking jitters? Stepping up to the podium not only positions you as an expert in your area of business but provides effortless referrals and improved sales opportunities.Presenting a non-sales informative speech warms up your target market and builds trust. Unlike endless cold calls the people you present to and follow up with are more receptive to listening to your offering of products and services.Overcome your fear of public speaking and boost your business with these 7 tips: 7 Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking 1.Start Small: If you're new to the world of speaking, start small. Find a few friends and family to practice on. Begin by speaking to smaller groups and build up from there.. 2.Prepare: Nothing helps ease the fear of public speaking than knowing your material. The ability to connect with your audience comes from having the confidence you won't get lost during your delivery. Rehearse several times before the big talk. Time your presentation and always have back up material in case time is left over. 3.Don't Memorize: Mastering the art of public speaking comes not from memorizing word for word your entire speech. The real pros know their material by remembering key points and prompts on sub topics and examples to cover. 4.Reduce Stress: The most fearful moment of any presentation is the one minute before your stage entrance. Use the tactic of elite athletes by visualizing a positive outcome and using deep belly breathing to reduce stress and build confidence. 5.Find a Friend: Prior to your public speaking on stage introduce yourself to a few members of the audience in the front row. During your talk look these people in the eye to ease your nerves and connect with your audience. 6.Engage the Audience: Creating a monologue presentation puts the entire task of informing and entertaining the audience on you. Make your talk a two-way interaction with questions and participation to reduce boredom and speak with ease. Having the group involved also gives you time to reorganize your thoughts if things are going off track. How to run a meeting Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, so not all of these strategies will be useful, but here are some things I try to remember when Im in or running a meeting:

1. Very obvious: Start on time, and end on time. Once people see that meetings are starting late, the bad habit builds, because people see theres no point in showing up promptly. Heres one solution for late starts: a friend worked at a law firm that started fining partners $100 if they were late to a meeting, which turned out to be very effective. If the meeting has to run long, say, Were not through with the seven points, so can everyone stay fifteen extra minutes to wrap up? That way, people know that the end is in sight. 2. At the same time, remember that its helpful to spend a little time in chit-chat. For a long time, I didnt believe this to be true, and I tried to be hyper-efficient, but now I realize that its important and productive for people to have a chance to relate on a personal level. People need to build friendships, they need a chance to show their personalities, they need to establish rapport. Meetings are very important for this process. 3. If some people hesitate to jump in, find a way to draw them out. Ability to grab the floor doesnt necessarily correlate with capacity to contribute. 4. One of the most insightful things my father ever told me was, If youre willing to take the blame, people will give you the responsibility. Meetings often involve blame-giving and blame-taking, and although its not pleasant to accept blame, its a necessary aspect of getting responsibility (if deserved, of course). 5. Share the credit. Along with blame, a meeting is also a great place to give people credit for their ideas and accomplishments. Be quick to point out great work or to call for a round of applause for a colleague. 6. Making people feel stupid isnt productive, and it isnt kind. A friend has a good suggestion: Be cheerfully, impersonally decisive. 7. Have an agenda and stick to it. If possible, circulate the agenda in advance, along with anything else that needs to be read to prepare for the meeting. Make sure people know if they should bring anything. Along the same lines 8. Never go to a meeting if you dont know why youre supposed to be there! This seems obvious, but its a situation that arises surprisingly frequently. 9. Standing meetings should be kept as short as possible and very structured. Have rules for canceling the meeting when appropriate if such-and-such doesnt happen; if only a certain number of people can attend, etc. 10. Dont say things that will undermine or antagonize other people. Turns out they do in fact notice this, and they dont appreciate it. If you wonder if youre an offender, check yourself against this list. 11. Be very specific about what the action items are (to use the business-school term). Who is agreeing to do what, by when? Make sure someone is keeping track of what is supposed to happen as a consequence of the meeting, and at the meetings end, review these items so its crystal clear to everyone. Follow up by email. 12. If a meeting is long, schedule breaks when people can check their email and phones. Otherwise, they get very distracted by feeling theyve been out of touch for too long (for some people, this takes about ten minutes), and they start sneakily emailing under the table. As if no one will notice. Which they do. 13. Meetings should stay tightly focused. If people want a chance to discuss side issues, theoretical problems, or philosophical questions that arent relevant to the purpose of the meeting, they should set up a separate meeting