1. Communication Skills

2. Skills that help a person share thoughts, feelings and information with others. There are several different ways to communicate Not everyone is comfortable communicating in the same ways Not everyone is comfortable communicating in the same ways Brainstorm some ways that you can communicate with other people.

3. Verbal vs. Non Verbal Activity – Non Verbal Communication Without talking Without talking Activity – Verbal Communication Someone giving directions Someone giving directions

4. Non Verbal Communication The use of actions or body language to express feelings or thoughts. Cues Body Language Eye Contact People are observant… People are observant… Non verbal communication can cause trouble…How? Non verbal communication can cause trouble…How?

5. Expressing yourself clearly Do not expect others to know what you mean or want to say… Use I-messages… “I feel…because…” Use I-messages… “I feel…because…” “ “I am in a difficult situation because you didn’t return my book to me before class today. Now if the teacher calls on me to read, I won’t be able to, and Mrs. Clark will think I’m not prepared for class.” I-messages give another person a chance to respond

6. Expressing yourself clearly You-messages – a statement that blames another person for a situation or problem “You did this…you are stupid…” “You did this…you are stupid…” “I can’t believe you forgot my book. You are so stupid! Can’t you do anything right?” You-messages do not give the other person a chance to respond in a positive way. You-messages put people on the defensive

7. Listening to the other person Active Listening – the way you respond during a conversation to show the speaker you understand what he or she is saying. Active Listening Active Listening Brainstorm some ideas of how to show a person you are paying attention…

8. Understanding each other Active Listening Clarifying a response – asking for more info Clarifying a response – asking for more info Restating a response – repeat what he/she said Restating a response – repeat what he/she said Summarizing a response – summarize the main idea Summarizing a response – summarize the main idea Affirming a response – state your appreciation for what the speaker has said Affirming a response – state your appreciation for what the speaker has said

9. When you don’t listen You run the risk of hurting someone’s feelings. You risk making that person feel unimportant. You could harm your relationship with that person Reasons people tune out Reasons people tune out Thinking of someone/something else Could not hear the speaker Tired or dozing off Thinking about what you were going to say next Heard a distracting noise Thought you knew what the speaker was going to say next

10. 5 Minute Check 1.What is nonverbal communication? Give an example. 2.Hat is the difference between an I-message and a You-message. 3.Why is sending a mixed message poor communication? 4.Why is listening an important part of communication skills? 5.How could you tell someone you are too distracted to actively listen to him/her?