COMMUNICATING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Broad objective: To equip the service providers with knowledge and skills to enable them to communicate effectively with the young people

Specific objectives: · Define communication ·   State the purpose of communication ·  State the Process of communication  ·  Discuss the two types of communication ·  Describe the perception process ·  State barriers to communication Describe ways of overcoming communication barrier

Definition of communication The process of transmitting information or thoughts on a particular topic through words, actions or signs aimed at reaching a common understanding

Purpose of communication: We communicate to motivate people to act, change, adopt and achieve desired results.

Process of communication Source (sender), Message Channel of communication, Receiver and Feedback/response

FIVE COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS

FIVE COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS The feedback can be in the form of: - Action Non-verbal communication or Verbal response

FIVE COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS… The response is based on the message perceived.This depends on the receiver’s:- State of mind Health Attitudes Values & beliefs etc,at the time the message was relayed This helps the individual to assign meaning to the signal relayed in the process known as perception

Perception This is the process through which people select, organize and interpret information to create a meaningful picture of the world Looking is one thing Seeing what you look at is another Understanding what you see is the third Learning from what you understand is still something else But acting on what you learn is all that really matters

The Five C’s of packaging information Consideration: what is the needed response? Credibility: What must I do to get the needed response? Content: What must I say to get the needed response? Conviction: How must I say it? Conclusion: What steps must I take to get the needed response?

Types of communication Verbal Non-verbal

Verbal Communication (What you hear) CLEAR: Is an acronym used for verbal behaviour that facilitates communication   C – Clarify L – Listen actively E – Encourage A – Acknowledge and Ask questions R – Repeat and reflect

Non Verbal Communication (What is is percieved through other senses) ROLES: Is an abbreviation used for non-verbal behaviour that facilitates communication. R - Help client Relax by using facial expressions and words that show Concern and interest O - Help client Open up by using a caring tone of voice and asking questions that show you care L - Lean towards client. E - Use Eye contact. S - Sit squarely and smile.

Barriers to communication Age difference Language Education level Attitudes, values, beliefs and perceptions of both the sender and the receiver Environment (noise, temperature, ventilation, lack of privacy etc)

How to overcome barriers ·Establish good relationship with the client ·Use conventional language ·Understand the client’s background – level of education, religion, culture etc ·Maintain privacy and confidentiality ·Clear voice ·Friendly and polite tone of voice ·Show your client that you have confidence in him/her to gain his/her trust ·The sender should be non-judgemental Ensure conducive environment (less noise, good ventilation, etc)