1. Marriage and Family Life Unit 1: Communicating With Others

2. Objective 1: Identify the definition of communication. Communication is the process of conveying thoughts, feelings, and information in such a way that the message is received and understood by verbal or nonverbal means.

3. Objective 2: Identify communication uses. To socialize To build and strengthen relationships To exchange information and knowledge To persuade or motivate someone To resolve problems and issues To share feelings

4. Objective 3: Identify methods of communication. Personal contact Telephone (land line) Cell phone E-mail Fax Video messaging/ videoconference Text messaging Instant messaging Voice mail Written letter

5. Objective 4: Identify factors that affect communication. Culture and custom – Gender roles – Gestures and body language – Protocol – Tone of voice Topics Gender Physical and psychological conditions Group membership – Language – Nationality – Religion Social circumstances – Event type (formal or informal) – Relationship (between sender and receiver)

6. Objective 5: Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal methods of communication. Verbal communication – Listening – Reading – Speaking – Writing Nonverbal communication – Appearance – Body language – Personal space – Silence

7. Objective 6: Distinguish between the levels of communication. Level 5: Casual conversation Level 4: Reporting information Level 3: Giving opinions Level 2: Telling feelings Level 1: Sharing emotions

8. Objective 7: Discuss ethics in communication. Communication can be unethical if the information is wrong or misleading. Communication can be unethical if it does not occur at the appropriate time and place. Communication can be unethical if the information does not need to be shared, and sharing it will hurt someone.

9. Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication. Failing to see a person as an individual and/or lack of understanding of other cultures Failing to listen Allowing emotions to affect communication Having a “closed” mind Using clichés, automatic responses and colloquialisms Allowing interruptions

10. Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication. Having low self-esteem and confidence Using a specific and limited vocabulary Assuming knowledge Being prejudiced Falling back on teachings from childhood Not hearing the message clearly Sending mixed messages Noise

11. Objective 9: Identify the importance of message context. Selective listeners tend to pick out only part of what the speaker is saying. Partial information can be misleading. Verbal and nonverbal messages may be misinterpreted if taken out of context. Angry or defensive listeners may read an unintended meaning into what is being said. “Closed-minded” listeners may hear only what they want to hear and may misinterpret the message.

12. Objective 10: Interpret the impact of context on messages.

13. Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. I-messages Reflect what the speaker thinks or feels Give facts about the speaker Give the speaker responsibility and control over communication Use during confrontational topics to create more positive responses States how the speaker reacts to the actions of others Are non-threatening Requires practice in using them successfully

14. Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. We-messages Improve communication Are non-threatening Generate positive responses Define a problem of mutual concern to all involved and give everyone equal responsibility

15. Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. You-messages Blame, judge or accuse another person of an action Easy to use when you are mad or hurt Give challenging or even threatening messages Usually close communication channels

16. Objective 12: Interpret scenarios using I-messages, we-messages and you- messages.

17. Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening. Active listening Show the speaker you are paying attention Do not dominate the conversation. Maintain eye contact with the speaker. Encourage further communication. Show interest and respect. Stay focused on what is being said and keep the conversation on what the speaker is sharing. Provide feedback. Don’t finish the speaker’s sentence. Plan your response after the speaker’s remarks.

18. Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening. Passive listening Do not listen effectively. Offer no feedback that you heard or understood the message. Give the sender the impression that you are not interested. Discourage further communication Show that you are preoccupied with your own thoughts

19. Objective 14: Complete a listening activity.

20. Objective 15: Identify the purposes of feedback. Clarify a message Encourage the speaker to keep talking Evaluate or judge a person’s comment Paraphrase what the other person has said Gain more information

21. Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication. Use I-messages or we-messages rather than you- messages Choose an appropriate time for communicating Build trust Use language the listener can understand Do not be sarcastic or critical Be attentive Be interested

22. Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication. Be patient Focus on the message Keep an “open” mind Ask questions Be aware of multiple meanings Pay attention of tone of voice Be aware of body language Be empathetic

23. Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication. Accept that the speaker’s point of view might not be the same as yours Give feedback Make use of repetition Understand that each person communicates differently Know when to drop the issue

24. Objective 17: Identify skills for communicating with children. Position yourself at the child’s eye level Use vocabulary that a child will understand Keep the message simple Try to eliminate distractions Listen to what the child is saying Respect the child’s feelings

25. Objective 18: Evaluate opinions about the role of communication in relationships.

26. Objective 19: Record a “communication log” for assessing effectiveness/skills.

27. Objective 20: Write a note of acknowledgement.