Communication embodies the ability to convey a message through the use of verbal (words) and non-verbal (behaviors) in a process of comparison, transmission and interpretation of messages. Garside and Kleiner (2007) describe communication as sharing thoughts and feelings with other people. For this process to be effective, the message should be conveyed with “maximum accuracy and minimum effort” (Garside and Kleiner 2007) with “awareness” (Burgoon, Bieger, and Waldron 2002) on both sides. Mindfulness requires the sender and receiver to be attentive to the "content, situation, and sequence of verbal messages, as well as paralinguistic cues, gestures, facial expression, body movements, and cues produced by the physical environment that occupy verbal messages" (Burgoon, Burger, and Waldron 2000). Not everyone is competent in transmitting information, which results in ineffective communication. Ineffective communication can be interpreted as a neglect of awareness during an interaction, an obstacle to the process of acquiring valuable information, and an ineffective transmission of our thoughts and beliefs. Interpersonal communication is “a distinctive, transactional form of human communication involving mutual influence, usually for the purpose of managing relationships” (Beebe, Beebe, and Redmond 2008). By studying interpersonal communication skills, you can hope to gain an appreciation for the benefits of using effective communication skills on a daily basis. This reflective essay will analyze and deconstruct effective and ineffective communication skills that were used in an interaction involving myself. In an effort to develop new skills, identify, deepen and improve existing knowledge, an examination and reflection on the ineffective...... middle of paper......y interaction that hinders our ability to develop new relationships and build from existing ones. I believe that reflection on ineffective communication is essential in the process of developing a more effective communication style that can be used to convey and interpret interpersonal messages. Through the study and correct use of verbal and nonverbal messages, future interactions can be approached accordingly by applying the interpersonal skills learned and practiced. Conversely, many situations we encounter on a daily basis may not be the same because everyone is different, so it is helpful to learn many skills to apply to different encounters. Ultimately, the goal of effective interpersonal communication is to recognize that “everyone wants to feel important and that their message is appreciated” (Garside and Kleiner 1991).