Good Communication FCS Overview

What is Communication? 0 The sending and receiving of messages

Why Do We Need Communication? 0 It determines the amount, kind & quality of all relationships. 0 It teaches us everything we need to know in our world 0 Links us to other people in the world so we can know and care about others – thinking outside of ourselves 0 Survival

Good speakers- 0 Keep the listener in mind. 0 Keep messages short and simple. 0 Be considerate of others’ feelings. 0 Be open and honest. 0 Respect the listener. 0 Be positive. 0 Check to see whether the message is being received accurately. 0 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Technology & Communication 0 Cell phone etiquette 0 Voice mail etiquette 0 Social media etiquette

They also use I Messages 0 I messages say how you feel and what you think, rather than criticizing someone else. 0 “I feel…” (name an emotion) 0 “when you……” (what behavior is bothering you) 0 “because…..” (why it bothers you) 0 Sometimes adding “I want….” helps start action.

Example 0 “I feel angry when you leave your bedroom a mess, because you can’t find anything and I have to look for it. I want you to at least keep your clothes off the floor.” 0 VS. 0 “You are such a slob! Why can’t you pick up this mess?”

Practice Time 0 Write (or say) an I message responding to each of the following situations One of your teachers says “Your work in my class has really gone downhill the last month or so. What seems to be the problem?” 0 2. Your boy/girl friend says “You haven’t seemed very friendly lately. Are you getting tired of going out with me?”

More practice 0 3. Your coach says “I’m really impressed with your effort during practice tonight. If you continue to improve, you’ll make varsity soon!” 0 4. Mom says “If you can’t get in by 10:00 tonight, don’t plan on going out at night for two weeks!” 0 5. Your sister says “That’s the last time I ever do a favor for you. I do your dishes for you and you pay me back by telling Mom I had a beer the other night!”

Good communicators are aware of body language. 0 Body language refers to a person’s posture, facial expressions, gestures, and way of moving. It affects not only how others see you, but also how they react to your verbal message. 0 Eye Contact – direct visual contact with another’s eyes. 0 Appearance – what message is your clothing and grooming sending about you?

What is each body saying?

They are Good Listeners. 0 What is the difference between hearing and listening? 0 Good listeners are concentrating on what was said so that you understand and remember the message.

Hearing vs. Listening 0 Use ears to hear sounds 0 No eye contact 0 No memory of message 0 No action taken 0 “in one ear and out the other” 0 A reflex action 0 Use ears to hear WORDS 0 Maintain eye contact 0 Remember the message 0 Uses the brain to understand and use info 0 Eliminate distractions 0 Requires concentration 0 Attentive body language 0 A learned skill

How do you become a good listener? 0 Keep an open mind – be prepared to accept the other person’s view. 0 Concentrate – eliminate distractions to better “hear” 0 Identify WHY you’re listening. 0 Be positive 0 Make eye contact 0 Control your emotions 0 Don’t interrupt 0 Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

Give Feedback 0 Feedback – a listener lets a speaker know that he/she is trying to understand the message being delivered. 0 How? 0 Make a related comment when the speaker pauses. 0 Summarize what the other person is saying and ask if that’s right. 0 Ask questions that will lead to more information. 0 Show empathy

Good communicators also pay attention to the details - 0 Smiling 0 Choose the right time and place for a conversation. 0 Choose the right tone of voice. 0 Respond appropriately to others 0 Are informed of what’s going on 0 Know how to give and receive compliments 0 Use good manners 0 Practice, practice, practice!