Download Mental and Emotional Health Skills

Communication
Skills
Choose the Best Way
to Communicate
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Verbal (face-to-face, on the phone)
Nonverbal (actions, body language)
Via E-mail, text message
Write a letter
Draw a picture
Express Your Thoughts
and Feelings Clearly
o
Don’t expect the other person to know
what you feel…
“I-Message”
Expresses your thoughts or feelings on a subject
(does not blame or shame the other person)
“You-Message”
Blames or shames the other person and puts him/her on
the defensive
Mixed Messages
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Gives two different meanings
The words you use and the tone of voice
when you speak may send two different
messages.
You present yourself as being insincere
Sarcasm
HEARING vs. LISTENING
Hearing
The act of perceiving sound by the ear.
Listening
Not only hearing, but understanding what
is being said.
It requires concentration and focus.
Make Sure You Understand
Each Other
o
Be an “Active Listener”
- Clarifying a response
(ask for more information)
- Restating a response
(repeat what you think the
speaker has said)
- Summarizing a response
the speaker has stated)
- Affirming a response
what the speaker has said)
(summarize the main idea
(state your appreciation for
Personality
Types
and
Communication Styles
Assertive
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The honest expression of ideas,
feelings, and decisions without worrying
about what others think
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People with assertive behavior are selfconfident and show others that they
are in control of themselves.
Passive
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The holding back of ideas, feelings, and
decisions
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People with passive behavior lack selfconfidence, and may make excuses,
avoid sharing feelings and/or making
decisions
Aggressive
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The use of words or actions that are
disrespectful towards others
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People with aggressive behavior might
interrupt others or dominate a conversation
They might call others names, make sarcastic
remarks
They threaten others because they lack selfconfidence
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COMMUNICATION CAN BE:
Constructive
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Can be healthy
Cause others to feel better
People can more easily express
themselves, without feeling judged,
guilty, etc.
Can further relationships
Future constructive communication is
possible
COMMUNICATION CAN BE:
Destructive
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Can be unhealthy
Cause others to feel judged, guilty, or
unworthy
Further communication is ended or
slowed
Cause others to be defensive
Conflict Response
and
Conflict-Resolution
Skills
Avoidance
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When a person chooses to avoid
disagreements
o
Even if you disagree with a person you
are unwilling to challenge him/her
o
This is an example of passive behavior
Confrontation
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o
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When a person attempts to settle a
disagreement in a hostile or defiant way
You want to win or be right
You view a conflict as “win-lose”
You believe your side is the only one
worth considering
This is an example of aggressive
behavior
Resolution
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When a person uses “conflictresolution” skills to resolve a problem
You remain rational and in control
You listen to the other person’s side
You see the potential for a “win-win”
solution
This is an example of assertive behavior
How to Use ConflictResolution Skills
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Remain Calm
Set a Positive Tone (avoid placing blame, putdowns, and threats)
Define and then Describe the Conflict
Take Responsibility for Personal Actions
Listen to the Needs and Feelings of
Others
List and Evaluate Possible Solutions
Agree on a Solution
Decision Making
Styles
Inactive
When a person fails to make choices
HABITS…
o Postpone something until a future time
o Take little control of the direction of
their lives
o Have difficulty gaining self-confidence
Reactive
When a person allows others to make
his/her decisions
HABITS…
o Easily influenced by what others think
o They give control of the direction of
their lives to others
o They lack self-confidence and have a
great need to be liked by others
Proactive
When a person makes a decision using the
“Responsible Decision-Making Model”
HABITS…
o Not easily influenced by peers
o Has control over his/her own life
o They have principles which help guide
their decisions
Questions to Consider
How do you like to
communicate?
and WHY?
Questions to Consider
What is your personality
type?
Give an example…
Questions to Consider
How do you deal with
conflict?
Give an example…
Questions to Consider
How do you make decisions?
Give an example…
Questions to Consider
Review the Seven Building Blocks
of Good Character…
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COMPASSION – showing sensitivity to others
GOOD CITIZENSHIP – obeying laws and respecting authority
FAIRNESS – abiding by the rules and not taking advantage of
others
RESPECT – treating others the way you want to be treated
RESPONSIBILITY – doing what you promise; being accountable
TRUSTWORTHINESS – being dependable and loyal
HONESTY – refusing to lie, steal, or mislead someone
Questions to Consider
Which values do you demonstrate?
(please list at least 3 if you can)
Give an example of a situation in
which you demonstrated one of
these values.