Which term refers to the ability to communicate with and deal effectively with people?

• A. Interpersonal skills
• B. Motivation
• C. Negative attitude
• D. Objective

Answer: (A)

Interpersonal skills describe the ability to communicate with and deal effectively with people, including listening, speaking clearly, showing empathy, and managing interactions in a respectful and productive way. These skills help you build rapport, understand others’ needs, and work well with patients, families, and colleagues in healthcare settings. In practice, strong interpersonal skills enable you to gather information accurately during patient interviews, explain procedures in understandable terms, comfort anxious individuals, and collaborate smoothly with a care team.

Motivation refers to your drive to accomplish goals, which influences effort but isn’t a direct measure of how you interact with others. A negative attitude can hinder communication and teamwork, making it harder to engage with people effectively. An objective is a goal or target you aim to achieve, not a skill for relating to others. Therefore, the term that best fits the ability to communicate with and deal effectively with people is interpersonal skills.