Effective Communication Life Skills continued
Define Communicate: Ways we communicate: Verbal Non-verbal Share or exchange information, news, or ideas. Ways we communicate: Verbal Non-verbal
Active Listening When you focus your full attention on what the other person is saying and letting that person know you understand and care. Examples: Showing interest by looking at the person, nodding your, and showing concern on your face. Avoid passing judgment. Do NOT be a “one upper” or turn the conversation to yourself.
Assertiveness This is the ability to stand up for yourself while expressing your feelings in a way that does not threaten the other person.
Aggressive You communicate opinions and feelings in a way that may seem threatening or disrespectful to other people. Pg. 138
Passive This is when you hold back your true feelings and go along with the other person.
Body Language This includes your posture, gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.
What is an “I” Message? This is a statement that expresses YOUR feelings, but does not blame or judge the other person.
Get out a sheet of paper: Creating your own “I” message… Come up with at least 2 “you” messages. Then turn them into “I” messages. Make sure you are not blaming the other person, but making it about your feelings.
Example: You didn’t help me with our project and now we are going to fail because of you! I am worried we are not going to finish our project. I think we should take time today and work on it?