Communication Skills “Communication” is the process by which ideas, feelings, and information are shared. It involves the skills of listening, speaking, and writing. In order for communication to occur, a message must be sent and received. Basic to all communication is self-concept. A person must understand himself or herself before he or she can communicate effectively with others. Communication is influenced by various factors including the attitudes, personalities, perceptions, ideas, sensitivities, and communication skills of the sender and the receiver. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication Skills The types of communication include verbal and nonverbal communication. Mixed messages occur when someone does not say what she or he really means. This affects the listener’s perception of what the sender is really communicating. It is also important for verbal communication and body language to agree. Physical conditions, such as impaired sight and hearing, affect communication. A person who is visually impaired must make special provisions to communicate--primarily in regards to written communication. Braille is a method of communication that enables the visually impaired to read. f communication include verbal and nonverbal Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication Skills Sign language is a communication tool used by individuals who are hearing impaired and others wishing to communicate with the hearing impaired. Some hearing impaired individuals may use hearing aids or read lips rather than use sign language. Selective listening occurs when a person only hears what he or she wants to hear. Communication can be improved by pleasant facial expressions, appropriate eye contact, appropriate tone of voice, and a touch on the hand, arm, or shoulder. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication– Words to Know Listening - important part of communication. The listener receives the message and then interprets it. A good listener make an effort to clearly understand the message. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication– Words to Know Passive Listening - occurs when an individual receiving information provides responses that invite the speaker to share opinions and ideas. The passive listener may hear the words without listening for meanings. Active Listening - requires the listener to understand what the speaker actually means. An active listener repeats what the speaker says to make sure the content of the message is clearly understood. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication– Words to Know Feedback – response a person gets to a message sent. Two-way communication - occurs when the speaker and the listener both provide feedback. One-way communication - occurs when the person receiving information cannot obtain feedback. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Communication – Words to Know Body Language - communicating messages through gestures and body movements. Perception - how one selects, organizes, and interprets information. Self-disclosure - occurs when people voluntarily tell others information about themselves that the other party is unlikely to know or discover from other sources. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.