Communicating Effectively

Communication Communication is a process through which you send messages to and receive messages from others. There are three basic skills associated with listening: speaking, listening and body language. Although these skills take practice and energy, the time is worth it because it helps you form healthy relationships with others.

Speaking Skills This means saying clearly what you mean, as it is your responsibility. Your tone of voice, loudness and pitch play a large role. “I” Message is a statement in which a person tells how he or she feels using the pronoun “I”. Using “I” messages can help you avoid blaming, name-calling or antagonizing the other person in other ways.

Listening Skills Listening is as important to effective communication as speaking but it is the part of the communication process that is most often overlooked. Active Listening is really paying attention to what someone is saying and feeling.

COMMUNICATION SCULPTURES GET INTO A GROUP OF THREE: RUNNER OBSERVER BUILDER NO MATERIALS TAKEN OUT OF THE ROOM OR UP TO DOOR NO CELL PHONE PICTURES!

Active Listening Techniques Reflective Listening. You rephrase or summarize what the other person has said so that you are sure you understand what is intended. Clarifying. Asking the person how he/she feels about the situation or asking questions to understand more fully what is being said. Encouraging. Giving signals that you are really interested and involved. Empathizing. Actually feeling the other person’s feelings as you listen.

Nonverbal Communication Body Language: Nonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions and behaviors. Most non-verbal communication is subtle and often takes place on a subconscious level. Being aware of your body language helps you make sure you are sending the messages you intend and that those messages are understood. If your words and your face of body seem to be saying two different things, the other person may be confused or unsure of what to think or believe.

Barriers to Effective Communication Unrealistic Expectations. If your goal is to help another person understand your feelings, you need to be prepared for the reality that he/she will not receive the message in the spirit you intended. The need to project a tough or superior image. During the teen years it is common to search for an identity; a sense of who you are and your place in the world. Prejudice. Is an opinion or judgement against a particular group of people.

Constructive Criticism Constructive Criticism is a non-hostile comments that point out problems and have the potential to help a person change.

Acknowledgements and Compliments Complimenting another person is a way of acknowledging his/her self worth. These small, unexpected gestures go a long way toward improving the health of a relationship and another person’s opinion of you. Self Effacing: Kind words offered at the expense of your own pride or personal feelings. Ex: Congratulating a team that defeats you.