Chapter 4 Communicating for Wellness

© Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Objectives Describe the components of the communication process List and explain factors that can interfere with the communication process Describe good listening skills Compare the characteristics of different communication styles Explain the importance of being assertive © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

© Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Introduction Good communication skills are key to a healthy, satisfying life Communication is used for Acquiring adult skills Learning in school Developing relationships with others Handling unhealthy suggestions © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Effective Communication Includes listening as well as talking Communication skills can be learned © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Communication Process Determine purpose Encode message Send message – it may be spoken, written, or visual Listener decodes (interprets) message Communication problems Feedback © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Communication Process © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Nonverbal Communication Body language Facial expressions Gestures Movements Postures Appearance Conveys up to 60%–70% of communication Body language is more believable than words © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

© Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Listening As important as talking Not the same as hearing, which is passive Means paying attention and interpreting what is heard Demonstrates caring Characteristics of good listeners Ways to improve listening skills © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

© Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Communication Styles Style tends to reflect communicator’s personality type Styles Passive Aggressive Passive-aggressive Assertive © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

Using Communication Effectively Good communication skills can improve personal well-being Assertiveness Handling aggressive communication Expressing feelings © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.

© Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Summary Good communication is an important wellness skill Communication skills can be learned and improved Effective communication takes planning and practice © Copyright 2005 Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.