Download Communicating Effectively

Communicating
Effectively
People use many different ways to communicate their feelings.
Writing a note
Facial expressions
Communication is critical to healthy relationships.
Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you’ll learn to:
Classify forms of communication and apply criteria for using
passive, aggressive, or assertive communication.
Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and
maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, peers, and
others.
Apply communication skills that demonstrate consideration
and respect for self, family, friends, and others.
Effective
Communication
Basic Communication Skills
Being an effective communicator means that you correctly interpret
the messages you receive and respond appropriately.
Three basic skills are needed for
effective communication:
1.
Speaking
2.
Listening
3.
Body language
Effective
Communication
Communication Styles
Passive communicators do not stand up for themselves or
defend their attitudes or beliefs.
Aggressive communicators often try to get their way through
bullying and intimidation.
Assertive communicators defend their attitudes and beliefs, but
they also respect the rights of others.
Effective
Communication
Speaking Skills
You demonstrate good speaking
skills when you clearly say what
you mean.
Changes in the tone, pitch, or
loudness of your voice can affect
communication.
Using “I” messages can help you
communicate your feelings
positively, without blame or
name-calling.
Effective
Communication
Stating Your Feelings Effectively
Effective
Communication
Listening Skills
You can make use of
active listening to improve
your communication skills.
Active listening involves
giving your full attention
to whatever the speaker is
saying without
interrupting or making
judgments.
Effective
Communication
Tips for Active Listening
Make direct eye
contact.
Don’t interrupt the
speaker.
Use body language
and signals, which
show you are listening.
Put away prejudices,
images, or
assumptions.
Effective
Communication
Techniques for Active Listening
Reflective listening: Rephrase or summarize what the other
person has said.
Clarifying: Ask questions to help understand more fully what is
being said.
Encouraging: Encourage the speaker to signal that you are
interested and involved.
Empathizing: Imagine and understand how someone else
feels.
Effective
Communication
Nonverbal Communication
You use body language when you nod or shake your head to
show that you agree or disagree with something that is said.
When you hold yourself in a tense posture, you silently
communicate that you’re feeling nervous or worried.
Nonverbal communication can be subtle, taking place at an
unconscious level.
If your words and your body language seem to contradict each
other, the person you are speaking to may be confused or
unsure of what to believe.
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Obstacles to Clear Communication
Image and identity issues
Unrealistic expectations
Lack of trust
Prejudice
Gender stereotyping
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Image and Identity Issues
Many teens spend at least part of their teen years searching
for an identity.
If someone is unsure of his or her values, the uncertainty can
complicate the communication process.
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Unrealistic Expectations
Avoid imposing unrealistic
expectations on your listener.
This may cause the individual
to become frustrated or
defensive.
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Lack of Trust
Good communication is built on
trust between two people.
If you believe that you can’t
count on a person to tell you
the truth or to keep a
confidence, communication is
very difficult.
Prejudice
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Prejudice prevents a person from having an open mind and
listening to new information.
To avoid developing prejudices, you can demonstrate tolerance.
Being tolerant helps you understand the differences among
people and recognize the value of diversity.
Eliminating
Communication Barriers
Gender Stereotyping
Gender stereotyping is a type of prejudice that involves having
an exaggerated or oversimplified belief about people of a certain
gender.
Assuming that all males like sports and that all females enjoy
cooking are examples of gender stereotyping.
Constructive Feedback
Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism is intended to bring about positive
changes.
You may find that giving the person feedback in a more positive
manner helps him or her and your relationship.
It is very important to begin your discussion by using an “I”
message to explain how you feel.
Point out what the person is doing or has done, and suggest a
better way to do it.
Acknowledgements and
Compliments
Expressing Yourself
Expressing and receiving
respect, admiration, and
appreciation with grace and
sincerity can help you build
and maintain healthy
relationships.
It shows that you do not take
the relationship for granted, and
it demonstrates good
sportsmanship and good
character.