Journal Entry: Do you think that you communicate more like a child, a parent or an adult? Why?

Communication Story - “The cookie crumbles” or “The broken limb”

If we are to live and work together, we have to talk to each other. Eleanor Roosevelt

Points to ponder:  We chose how we communicate.  Effective communication is a basic component of all relationships.  Effective communication is a necessity for success.  Therefore, we chose our success potential by how we communicate.

Communication can be broken down into three personality styles:

Child like:  This style of communication is the easiest and most natural to use.  It is the emotional part of our personalities  It is also very immature and the LEAST effective method of communication when you are an adult.  To communicate in this form, you do not need to be a child.  Many teens and adults revert back to these childish communication habits when they are frustrated or upset.

Child like is characterized by:  Giving orders  Not listening  Topping  Throwing tantrums  Whining  Name calling  Yelling  Verbal abuse  Interrupting  Acting out of control  Blaming  Laughing  Snickering  Pointing out mistakes

Parent like:  This style of communication has nothing to do with age or being a mother or father.  Is the rule giver, reprimander and, as you grow older, your conscience.  It is the mode of communication that directs others’ behaviors.  It is effective in that you usually get someone to comply or act a certain way, but it is a one-way or dictatorial communication.  It is usually used to deal with someone who is communicating like a child.

Parent like is characterized by:  Giving instructions  Directing  Punishing  Demanding  Ordering  J0f5EsQ J0f5EsQ

Adult like:  This style is the highest level and is the most desirable and effective.  This is the thinker, critic, problem solver and decision maker.

 The message you send out affects the message you receive in return.  The best way for communication to take place is adult to adult.  An adult message is far more likely to get back an adult response.  The more you communicate like an adult, the more likely it will be that your parents will deal with you adult to adult.  When you respond as a child to your parents, they have no choice but to respond to you as a parent or as a child as well.

Adult like is characterized by:  The desire for open, two-way communication  Taking responsibility for comments and actions.  Remaining calm  Showing respect for others’ feelings and opinions  Wanting to resolve problems with a win-win attitude.  Having trust in others  Controlling emotions while discussing

Communication Types Video Clips