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Communicating Effectively
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Effective communication is a key to
building healthy relationships.
aggressive
passive
assertive
“I” message
active listening
body language
Communication Styles
There are three types of communication
styles.
Becoming aware of your communication style
will help you to understand how others perceive
you.
Communication Styles
Three Styles of Communication
Aggressive
Passive
Assertive
Communication Styles
People with an aggressive communication style
may not pay attention to others’ thoughts, feelings,
or needs.
Aggressive
Being overly forceful, pushy, or hostile
Communication Styles
People may adopt a passive communication style
because they dislike conflict and will go out of their
way to avoid an argument.
Passive
Being unwilling or unable to express
thoughts and feelings in a direct or
firm manner
Communication Styles
Being assertive involves standing up for your
rights and beliefs while also respecting those of
others.
Assertive
Expressing your views clearly and
respectfully
Ways to Communicate
To communicate effectively, you need to learn
speaking skills, listening skills, and nonverbal
communication.
Communication is a two-way street.
Speaking Skills
The key to good communication is to say what you
mean.
It’s not reasonable to expect other people to read
your mind or be able to pick up on subtle hints.
Speaking Skills
One way to make sure you don’t sound
disrespectful when talking about a touchy subject
is to use “I” messages.
“I” message
A statement that focuses on your
feelings rather than on someone
else’s behavior
Speaking Skills
“You” Messages
“I” Messages
“Why can’t you ever show up on time?”
“I really don’t like to be left waiting—it makes me
feel like you don’t think I’m important.”
“You never listen to anything I say.”
“I feel like my suggestions aren’t being taken
seriously.”
“I’m feeling stressed because I have a big
“I said I’d take out the trash, and I will! You don’t
project due tomorrow. I’ll take out the trash as
have to nag me about it every five minutes!”
soon as I finish working on this.”
“You’re always taking my CDs without asking.”
“It bothers me when I get home and find all my
CDs in your room.”
“You always ignore me when your other friends “I feel hurt when I’m left out of a conversation.”
are around.”
Listening Skills
Make sure other people’s messages get through to
you by practicing active listening.
Active listening
Paying close attention to what someone
is saying and communicating
Listening Skills
Don’t interrupt.
Show interest.
Restate what you hear.
Ask questions.
Show empathy.
Nonverbal Communication
Your body language affects the meaning of the
messages you send.
Body language
Nonverbal communication through
gestures, facial expressions, behaviors,
and posture
Nonverbal Communication
“I’m really
interested in what
you’re saying.”
“I don’t want to talk
to you.”
“I’m worried.”
Offering Useful Feedback
Offering constructive feedback can improve
your relationships with others.
The goal of constructive criticism is to bring
about positive changes.
Offering Useful Feedback
To offer constructive criticism:
Use “I” messages
that focus on the
problem, not on the
person.
Point out a specific
problem, explain why
it bothers you, and
suggest a solution.
Offering Useful Feedback
Letting people know how their actions make you
feel isn’t something you should do only when
there’s a problem.
Let the people in your life know you value them
and appreciate what they do for you.
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
1. What are the three main styles of
communication?
Aggressive, passive, and assertive
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
2. List three ways to show interest in what
another person is saying.
Sample answer: Face the speaker, make
eye contact, nod or make comments at
appropriate times
After You Read
Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary
3. Define the term body language and give
an example.
Body language is nonverbal communication
through gestures, facial expressions,
behaviors, and posture. Nodding to show you
agree is one example.