Communication

Communication

by Manuel Osornio

​Communication

​Communication involves what you say, how you say it, how you look at someone, how you use your body, and how well you listen.

Open Ended

How well do you communicate?

​Building Communication Skills

​Communication is the sharing of feelings, thoughts, and information with another person. Good communication is important if you want others to receive your message.

Multiple Choice

_________ is the sharing of feelings, thoughts, and information with another person.

• Time

• Colors

• Fire

• ​Communication

​Expression

​Verbal communication is the use of words to express yourself. You can use words to express the same idea in different ways.

​For example, suppose a friend promises to go to a concert with you but cancels at the last minute. You might say, "When you cancelled, I had no one to go to the concert with and I was disappointed." You could also tell him or her, "You're a lousy friend." The first response is an I-message. An I-message is a statement or message that contains a reference to a specific behavior or event, the effect of the behavior or event, and the feelings that result. This type of message allows the other person to explain his or her point of view without feeling attacked. The second response is a you-message. A you-message is a statement or message that blames or shames another person.

​Use tact when you communicate with others. Tact is the ability to know what to do or say to avoid offending others. When you express your feelings, be honest and direct, but avoid being insulting or sarcastic.

​Effective Communication

You need communication skills to build healthful relationships with friends, peers, and family members. Use these guidelines to communicate effectively.

​

1. Choose the best way to communicate.

2. Send a clear message, using I-messages. Be polite.

3. Listen to the other person.

4. Make sure you understand each other. Tell what you heard from the other person. Ask what the other person heard from you.

Multiple Choice

________ is the use of words to express yourself. You can use words to express the same idea in different ways.

• ​Verbal communication

• Nonverbal communication

• Body language

• Heart communication

Multiple Choice

An _______ is a statement or message that contains a reference to a specific behavior or event, the effect of the behavior or event, and the feelings that result.

• I-message

• you-message

Multiple Choice

A ________ is a statement or message that blames or shames another person.

• I-message

• you-message

Open Ended

Give me an example of I-message?

Open Ended

Give me an example of you-message?

​Nonverbal Communication and Active Listening

​Just as you use words to relay a message, you also communicate without words. Nonverbal communication is the use of actions to express yourself. It often involves body language.

​Body language consists of gestures, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.

Body language indicates not only how you are feeling but also how well you are listening. You can show someone that you understand what he or she is saying through your behavior. When you let a friend know that you are paying attention, you show respect and promote opportunities for better communication.

Multiple Choice

_______ is the use of actions to express yourself.

• Nonverbal communication

• Body language

• Active listening

Multiple Choice

_______ consists of gestures, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.

• Nonverbal communication

• Body language

• Active listening

​Below is a list of nonverbal skills for effective communication:

1. Use your body language to say, "I'm interested." Lean forward. Keep a relaxed and open posture. For example, if you fold your arms, you may seem to be disagreeing. Nod your head or smile to show you understand.

2. ​​​Use appropriate facial expressions. For example, don't grin or smirk when someone is sharing his or her troubles. Make eye contact with the person to show that you care about what he or she is saying.

3. ​Give the speaker your full attention. Searching for an item in your backpack or glancing at a magazine while someone is talking to you indicates that you're not interested in what he or she has to say.​

​In addition to using body language effectively, you might practice active listening. Active listening is a way of responding that shows you hear and understand the speaker. Don't interrupt, but look for opportunities to ask questions to make sure that you understand what the speaker is saying. Give feedback. Repeat or rephrase what the speaker has said. This shows that you are listening and interested

Multiple Choice

_______ is a way of responding that shows you hear and understand the speaker.

• Nonverbal communication

• Body language

• Active listening