OTHERS: COMMUNICATION non-verbal communication (page 56 – 60 in Text) (p. 31 – 35 ATAR) body language gestures physical distance facial expressions touch and smell effective communication (page 137 – 144) listener/receiver attributes active listening working collaboratively assertive communication the impact of hearing impairment and language delay (p. 299-306) role of language in initiating, maintaining and regulating interpersonal relationships – Robinson’s social skills (p.375 – 381)

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION? Communication requires BOTH talking and listening. Effective communication exists when the listener receives, interprets and understands the message as it was intended from the speaker. Although speaking and listening come naturally, without listening, there can be no communication. We can speak but if no one hears us, there is no communication. Listening requires learning and practice through paying attention when people are talking to you.

COMMUNICATION Effective communication involves “successful” transfer of info from one person (sender) to another (receiver) through verbal & nonverbal means. There are many methods of communication: Reading and writing Mobile phones (apps such as tango, viber, skype, facetime, whatsapp) Email, fax, twitter, snap-chat and face-book Translating languages Verbal face to face conversation Non-verbal communication (body language such as gestures and facial expressions)

COMMUNICATION There is much more to communication than just a sender conveying a message to a receiver. What do you think this means? How does the context in which a message is delivered affect how it is received?

You’re talking to someone. These are their facial expressions You’re talking to someone. These are their facial expressions. What are they thinking while you’re talking?

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION Passive Not addressing your own needs, neutral, uncaring, uninvolved Aggressive Full on, ‘in your face’ all about MY needs, angry Assertive Caring for my rights and the rights of others. Expressing how you feel and your options in a firm but friendly manner

ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION Assertive communication is an effective way of resolving conflict. It means being honest without infringing on the rights of the other person It is not aggressive

ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION 3 steps Say something to show that you are trying to understand the other person State the problem State what you would like to change When communicating: Use ‘I’ messages to express ownership of your thoughts and feelings Keep to the facts

EFFECTIVE OR ACTIVE LISTENING The listener must let the speaker know that they’re listening by either replying, smiling or head nodding. Active listening means trying to understand what the speaker is thinking, feeling or wanting before responding. There should be ongoing checking, feedback and replying between listener and speaker.

12 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LISTENING Face the speaker & maintain eye contact Pay attention & screen out distractions Listen to words & work out the meaning of the message. Do not interrupt Wait for a pause before asking a question Ask questions only to clarify meaning

12 TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LISTENING For long periods of listening, focus on key words and issues Give the speaker feedback Pay attention to what is not said (including non-verbal cues) Do not be distracted by your biases and views. When dealing with difficult people, spend more time listening than speaking. When in doubt, keep listening

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE LISTENING Being distracted ‘Topping’ the speaker Being judgemental

TALKING, LISTENING & UNDERSTANDING TIPS FOR SPEAKER Don’t speak too fast Don’t speak too soft Modulate your voice Exclude unnecessary detail Use assertive language

TALKING, LISTENING & UNDERSTANDING TIPS FOR LISTENERS Don’t be preoccupied with your own thoughts Don’t be busy thinking of a reply during talk Don’t let the way the message is conveyed distract you. Ask when you don’t understand Give your undivided attention Be aware of your body language

HEARING IMPAIRMENT Children who have hearing impairments cannot hear the sounds of language. Around 5% of all children in WA have a difficulty hearing in one or both ears. Hearing loss that is present at birth or occurs before language has been learned is more disruptive to language development than any loss that occurs after language has developed.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear that prevents sounds from being conducted to the inner ear and hearing nerves. It affects the volume of sound & is usually medically or surgically treatable. Often caused by ‘middle-ear infection’

HEARING IMPAIRMENT SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS This is due to a problem in the cochlea (the sensory part of the ear) or the hearing nerve (the neural part) It can be acquired or be present at birth. This includes a loss of clarity as well as volume. MIXED HEARING LOSS Having both conductive & sensorineural hearing loss.

HEARING IMPAIRMENT The extent to which a child is disadvantaged by a hearing loss depends on: The severity of the loss The cause of the loss How early the loss is detected What age the loss occurred The use of hearing aids & cochlea implants which restores hearing ability. Even ear infections can lead to problems with language. Ear infections are more common in Indigenous children. Hearing problems are more common in boys than girls.

http://youtu.be/ZZZ7k8cMA-4 (Ted Talks) https://youtu.be/5X7fKZTmZa4 (Jane Hargrave) https://youtu.be/rk_SMBIW1mg (20 minutes) http://youtu.be/ZZZ7k8cMA-4