Chapter 5: Developing Communication Skills Family Living Mrs. Swope Columbian High School

Communication Process: Communication is: an exchange of information between two or more people. Sender: transmits or sends a message. Receiver: hears and interprets the message. What skills are needed to communicate effectively? Shared meaning: good communication has taken place. Feedback: signal understanding back to sender.

Types of Communication: Nonverbal Body language: sending messages through body movements. Examples: facial expressions - gestures - body motions -

Non-verbal Communication- The Documentary <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kc2yRqat7q8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Verbal Communication The use of words to send and receive messages. Includes both spoken and written messages. What influences the words you use to communicate? Environment Family Friends Media Geographic location

Expressing Yourself: I-Statements Use I-statements to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I-statements help you speak for yourself. Using I-statements gives you control over what you communicate to others. Five types of I-statements: descriptive, thought, feeling, intention, and action.

Expressing Yourself: You-Statements Avoid using you-statements, they attack the person not the problem. You-statements judge, command, or blame the other person. You-statements puts the receiver on the defensive and attack their self-esteem.

Receiving Messages Listening is an important part of communicating effectively. 1st you take in the message, 2nd you interpret it.

Receiving Messages ACTIVE LISTENING: message is heard and interpreted. Feedback is given to show understanding. PASSIVE LISTENING: the person hears the message but does not try to understand the message. No feedback is given. How does this make the sender feel?

FEEDBACK Feedback includes: a nod, saying “yes”, making a comment, asking a question. CHECKING OUT: asking questions to clarify the message. REFLECTING: repeat in your own words what you think was said.

Negative Communication Patterns Low self-esteem: may avoid eye contact, fear what others may think, afraid of rejection, afraid to express opinions. Lying - person is not honest, prevents building a healthy relationship. Blaming - accusing another, finding fault. Placating - saying or doing something just to please the other or to keep them for getting upset. Distracting - ignoring an unpleasant situation, deeming it unimportant.

Communication Barriers Low self-esteem Yelling, screaming, intense emotions Using excessive sarcasm Being closed minded - shut out or ignore other’s opinions and beliefs. Prejudiced - forming an opinion without complete knowledge or facts.

Steps to Resolving Conflict 1. Identify the Problem: use I-statements and active listening to figure out the real problem. 2. Identify Who Owns the Problem: the person(s) bothered by the problem owns the problem. 3. Accept Ownership: work to find a solution. 4. Solve the Problem: negotiate and compromise to resolve the problem.

Summary Communication involves sending and receiving messages. Verbal and nonverbal skills are used to communicate. Self-esteem, emotional state, environment influence our messages. Good communication skills are needed to resolve conflicts.