1. Presented by Grace Malek Fall 2012
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Presented by Grace Malek
Fall 2012

2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Test your communications skills:
Go to “Word”

3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Conversational skills … what are they?
Starting a conversation
Taking turns
Asking questions
Answering questions
Being relevant
Repairing
Ending conversations
Listening

4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Body Language … what is it? Gesture Posture
Distance
Facial expression
Touch
Personal appearance
Eye contact
fidgeting

5. COMMUNICATION SKILLS The Way we Talk
Rate: not speaking too fast or too slow
Clarity: speaking clearly, not mumbling
Intonation: sounding interesting, not boring
Fluency: not hesitating too much
Volume: not speaking too loud or too soft

6. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Assertiveness … What is it?
Standing up for yourself
Making suggestions
Refusing
Disagreeing
Complaining
Apologizing
Requesting explanations
Expressing feelings

7. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Communication Skills Friendship Bullying
Pick up on “red flag” signals
Respect the “bubble”
Pressure
Read Warnings, Hints, In between the lines to stop undesirable behavior
Respect Differences
Breaking the Law
Anticipate Consequences
Trustworthy
“Chicken” Factor
Think Safety First
Loyal
“Dare” Factor
Body Language and sending Messages.
Kind/helpful
Uncomfortable
Listener
Understanding

8. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Mary continues to tell one or the other of her two favorite classmates, “You are not my friend!” almost every day. She uses this accusation to pit one child against the other. She also says it to many of the other children. This is very hurtful to the children she targets. What can I do to stop this unpleasant behavior?

9. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Mary, it hurts people’s feelings when you tell them they’re not your friend. If you just want to play with Julia, tell your other friend,’Julia and I are playing now, but you and I can play later, OK?’”
“Michael, Mary’s busy with Julia. They don’t need another person to play with them right now. Come on, let’s find a different friend to play with you. You can play with Mary later.”

10. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
“Mary, do you like your mom? Your dad? Your sister? Sure you do. It’s easy to like many people at the same time. You can like your friends Julia, Michael, and Violet all at the same time, too! Play with the friend you want to play with now, and tell the others that you like them even if you are not play8ing with them at this moment.”
“Violet, will you play with Julia when you and Mary are finished jumping on those rocks? Will you tell her, so she can look forward to it?”
“Julia, Violet wants to play with you in a little while. What will you and Violet play? What would you like to do now? Maybe a puzzle with me?”

11. WRAP UP 1. Respect each others' differences
2. Recognize each others' strengths
3. Compromise and meet half way
4. Control your anger/feelings
5. Separate yourself till you calm down
6. If it becomes recurrent, annoying, threatening, hurting... REPORT IT!

12. Keys to Good Communication & Friendship Skills
ASSERTIVENESS
HONESTY
CONTROL YOUR FEELINGS
DON’T TAKE IT PERSONAL