 To speak effectively:  Be calm and honest.  Speak for yourself.  Be brief and to the point.  Be positive.  Use appropriate language.  Avoid extremes.  Address behaviors, not your theories about the behaviors.  Stay aware of your body language.  Be responsible for making sure the listener hears and understands you. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 To listen effectively:  Be attentive.  Focus entirely on the speaker and forget about yourself.  Show your interest.  Indicate that you hear, understand, and care.  Ask questions.  Clarify content and meaning.  Reflect back what you hear.  Repeat the speaker’s own words. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 To write effectively:  Plan ahead.  Be logical; each sentence should be meaningful.  Be organized.  Use appropriate words and terms for the situation.  Use simple words.  Use action verbs.  Proofread. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 To read effectively:  Skim the article or item first.  Take notes.  Ask yourself about the information as you read.  Summarize the main points. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.