Warm-Up List as many ways that you can think of that people communicate with each other. Circle the three that you do most. Think back 5 years. Were these the three that you used most then. What about 10 years ago?

Communication Skills Lesson 10

Objectives: Classify forms of communication and apply criteria for using passive, aggressive or assertive communication Analyze and demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, peers and others Apply communication skills that demonstrate consideration and respect for self, family, friends and others Demonstrate strategies for communicating needs, wants and emotions in healthy ways

Communication Critical in building and maintaining healthy relationships When done effectively, you send clear messages to others Also refers to correctly interpreting messages received, and responding appropriately

Communication Styles Passive Aggressive Assertive Inability or unwillingness to express thoughts and feelings These communicators do not stand up for themselves “push-over” Aggressive Try to get their way through bullying and intimidation These communicators do not consider the rights of others These people often attack the person, not the problem Assertive Involves expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and directly, but without hurting others These communicators defend their attitudes and beliefs, but also respect the rights of others These people attack the problem, not the person

3 Basic Skills of Communication Speaking Listening Body language If someone is deaf, can they be an effective communicator? Yes, they talk with their hands

Speaking Skills Do not assume that others can read your mind Make your thoughts and feelings known Changes in tone, pitch or loudness affect communications Considerations: When speaking about strong emotions consider using “I” messages to communicate your feelings without placing blame on another person Remember, often times it’s not what you say, its how you say it Ex: sarcastic tone,

Listening Skills Active listening: paying close attention to what someone is saying and communicating Techniques for active listening: Reflective listening: summarize what the other person said Clarifying: ask the speaker what he or she thinks about the situation being discussed, ask questions to make sure you understand what is being said Encouraging: signal that you are interested by nodding or commenting on what is being said Empathizing: show that you understand what someone else is going through Empathizing would not be appropriate if the action goes against your values

Non-Verbal Communication Body language: non-verbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, behaviors and posture Eye contact or lack of eye contact You want to make sure that your non-verbal communication and your words do not contradict each other so you do not send mixed signals Eye contact shows interest and confidence, lack thereof could signal embarrassment or ashamed

Eliminating Communication Barriers Image/Identify Issues: teens who are searching for their identity (a sense of who they are) the communication process could be complicated Unrealistic Expectations: avoid posing unrealistic expectations on your listener as this could lead to frustration on your part and their part Lack of Trust: foundation of good communication; without trust good communication will be difficult Prejudice: unfair opinion or judgment of a particular group of people. This prevents a person from having an open mind Demonstrating tolerance (accepting others’ differences and allowing them to be who they are without showing disapproval) will help you to understand and recognize the value of diversity Gender Stereotyping: type of prejudice that involves having an exaggerated or oversimplified belief about a certain gender Unrealistic expectation: talking to someone about something they have no interest in, using scientific terms to someone who wouldn’t understand them,

Constructive Feedback Constructive criticism: non-hostile comments that point out problems and encourage improvement Intended to bring about positive changes Delivered in a calm way Not what you say but how you say it