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COMMUNICATION
Definition
The sharing of thoughts, feelings and
information with others.
Good communication requires
you to:
1. Have a clear goal and express it
effectively.
 2. Be aware of your emotions and your
body language.
 3. Be a good listener, reflect back what
you heard.
 4. Know how and when to compromise.

What forms does it take?
Non-verbal – body language (Kinesics)
Verbal – spoken words
Written – letters, e-mails, newspapers, etc.
Kinesics
The science of body language
A way of communicating mood, attitude, or
information through body movements,
posture, gestures and facial expressions
Activity
Body Language Match

Groups of 2

Cards on the table in 2 groups - pictures
and words

Take turns matching cards, 1 picture and
1 word at a time
Review
What does their body language
indicate?
Your sister, head lowered, shoulders slumped, drags
herself off the basketball court after her team’s lastsecond defeat in the playoffs.
Your mother quickly glares in your direction, wrinkles her
forehead, and frowns when you tell an inappropriate
joke at a family gathering.
While talking to a friend, he looks around, shifts his
position constantly, and taps his fingers.
What skills are needed?
Effective communication requires the
following skills:
-
Observing for body language
Expressing yourself clearly when
writing and speaking
- Listening intently to others
Communication Styles
Passive – Accepting or submitting without objection or resistance;
submissive
Aggressive – Intense or harsh; behaving in an actively hostile fashion
Assertive – Bold, firm or confident assertion
ACTIVITIES
Response Styles – handout
Passive, Aggressive, Assertive
Are You an Effective Communicator?
ACTIVITY
CLASS PICTIONARY
Groups will work together to guess what the picture is that
their group member is drawing.
The first group to correctly guess what the picture is wins a
point for that round.
Each group member will have a turn to draw a picture
“I” Statements
A statement of your feelings that does not blame or judge another person.
The word “you” puts people on the defensive and causes them to tune out.
Examples:
- You need to stop yelling, you are out of control.
- It makes me angry when people speak to me that way.
-
You should have invited everyone in the class, you aren’t very
thoughtful.
- I would feel better if we invited the whole class to the party.
-
You always leave me out!
- It upsets me when I am left out of the group.
Activity
“I” Statements handout
“I” Statements
Activity
“I” statements handout
Communication Do’s
LISTEN
LOOK THE PERSON IN THE EYES
ASK QUESTIONS
HEAR A PERSON OUT
RESIST DISTRACTIONS
BE OPEN-MINDED
USE “I” STATEMENTS
Barriers to good communication
Unclear explanations
Bringing up the past
Conflicting messages
Using guilt trips
Not listening
Using profane language
Interrupting
Giving unwanted advice
Blaming or yelling
Mocking or ridiculing
another person
Assuming you understand
Using violence
Activity
Class Charades

Two groups

On my signal 1 person picks up a card and acts out the message
written on it without talking or writing.

Group members call out their guesses until the message is correctly
guessed.

Once the message is correctly guessed, the next player picks up a
card and begins acting.

Continue playing until one team guesses all of the cards. The first
team to do this is the winner.

Why were some messages harder than others to convey without
using words?
Activity
Tanks
Strong speaking and listening skills are
essential for good communication!
When could not understanding or not giving
clear directions be dangerous or cause a
problem?
Refusal Skills
NO means NO, not yes or maybe
How to say NO:

Decide how you feel ahead of time so you won’t be caught off
guard. This will give you confidence and control over your choices.

Be friendly, but firm. Repeat what your friend said (You want me
to cut school and drink all day?)

Be honest. Don’t’ lie or you may be forced to make up more lies
to cover the first one. Simply state the truth. (I really don’t want to
do that).

Speak only for yourself. You’re not responsible for everyone
else’s actions. Speak only about how you feel. Use “I” statements.
No means NO! (continued)

Suggest an alternative. (Let’s plan to go to the movies this
weekend instead)

Separate the activity from the person. Let them know you
care about them, but you do not wish to do what they want.
(You’re a close friend, but I don’t feel comfortable drinking and
cutting school).

Discuss the possible consequences. (If I were to get caught
drinking, I’d be grounded and it’s not worth it.

If the person persists, walk away from the situation.
Suggest that they join you in something else. (I’m going to
school now. I’ll be at the usual table at lunch, and I hope you’ll
meet me there.)

Be prepared to accept the fact that you may be rejected
anyway.
One-Way Communication
One way communication allows for no
questions or clarification and involves only
one person speaking.
Activity
One-Way Communication Picture Cards
TEST
All questions on the test will be taken from
your Communication/Resistance Skills Unit
notes and handouts.