Interpersonal Communication Skills Flashcards

Which communication technique involves repeating back what someone has said in the officer's own words to confirm understanding?

Answer: Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing involves restating the speaker's message in different words to confirm understanding and show the speaker they have been heard.

An officer is speaking with an emotionally distressed crime victim. Which statement best demonstrates empathic communication?

Answer: 'I understand this is a difficult situation. Take your time.'

Acknowledging the victim's difficulty and offering time demonstrates empathy and builds trust, which is essential for effective communication with distressed individuals.

During a call involving a language barrier, which action is the most appropriate for an officer to take?

Answer: Use a qualified interpreter service

Using a qualified interpreter ensures accurate communication, protects rights, and avoids errors that bystander or improvised interpretation can cause.

What does the term 'proxemics' refer to in interpersonal communication?

Answer: The use of space and physical distance in communication

Proxemics is the study of how physical distance and the use of personal space affect communication and human interaction.

When communicating with a person experiencing a mental health crisis, officers should:

Answer: Speak slowly, calmly, and use simple language

Speaking slowly, calmly, and using simple language helps de-escalate a mental health crisis by reducing stimulation and allowing the person to process communication.

An officer's report states a witness 'seemed nervous.' This is an example of:

Answer: A subjective interpretation

'Seemed nervous' is an interpretation of observed behavior, not a factual, objective description. Reports should describe observable behaviors instead.