Communication Mr. Marinaro

What is Communication? Communication is the exchange of ideas through the use actions or words.

Communication continued… 3 parts The SENDER The RECEIVER The MESSAGE It’s important for sender to give a clear message… Demonstrate the 3 parts using a ball as a metaphor: Throw the ball to a student and talk about the different parts of communication Sender-the person throwing the ball Receiver-the person catching the ball Message-the ball Throw a bad pass at another student and ask them why they didn’t catch it. They should say “it was a bad pass.” -Discuss how that is similar to a sender giving an unclear message. Find a student who has their back to you and toss the ball towards their back. When they don’t catch it ask the class why. They should say “the student wasn’t paying attention!” -Discuss how this represents a receiver who isn’t listening. FOR COMMUNICATION TO OCCUR: -the sender must send a clear message -the receiver must be listening.

Types of Communication The use of words to communicate. Ex include: Talking Texting Email TV... Verbal- Activity: Telephone 1. Have students line up and give the person at the end a phone number. The student must pass the number along to the person next to him/her Once the phone number is passed down the whole line, have the last person write the number they got on the board. Students will be amused to see how the message got changed. 2 Repeat the activity with other phrases. 3 Discuss the questions, “what does this activity show us about verbal communication?” This should lead into discussions of rumors and how when a person is telling a story, they often times add in extra details to make it seem better or to fill in parts they may have forgotten.

Types of Communication continued… Non-Verbal Getting a message across w/o using words. Instead we use BODY LANGUAGE! Activity: Students must get in proper order by ONLY using non-verbal communication! They MAY NOT talk or mouth words. Get in order from: Tallest to smallest Biggest ears to smallest ears Darkest hair to lightest hair Number of letters in you name Oldest to youngest Discuss that non verbal communication can be a great way to communicate but it can be very difficult to be clear with your message.

Communicating Efficiently Body Language can: Give your words extra meaning OR send messages you’re not aware of Teacher demonstrates a person being interviewed and portrays two different non-verbal messaged using body language. 1. Shake a students hand loosely, while looking down at the floor and in a soft voice say “Hi, I’m (insert name), it’s nice to meet you.” 2. Repeat by shaking another students hand firmly, making eye contact and saying in a confident voice “Hi, I’m (insert name), it’s nice to meet you.” Ask the students what was different in the body language of the two examples and how did that give my words extra meaning/send messages I may not have been aware of? To reinforce the idea of body language sending messages you aren’t aware of, you can also talk about why poker players wear sunglasses, facial expressions, etc….

Communicate Effectively Speaking Skills Think about what you’re going to say. Be Clear!!! Use Tact Use examples Use “I” messages to express your feelings

Effective Communication Continued… Listening Skills Make eye contact DON’T INTERRUPT Use body language to show you’re listening (nod)

Communicate Effectively Continued…. -Using writing to get your message across This can be good because you can edit your message before you send it Writing Skills

Communicate Efficiently How could a written message be a poor way of communicating? This can be bad because your message may be misunderstood!

Communication Styles Passive Communication holding back your true feelings and going along with the other person. ie- criticizing yourself; always apologizing.

Communication Styles Aggressive- you communicate opinions and feelings in a way that seem threatening or disrespectful to other people ie- criticizing other people; never giving a compliment

Communication Styles Assertive- you’re able to stand up for yourself while expressing your feelings in a way that doesn’t threaten the other person. ie-expressing appreciation; being respectful