Communication Skills

Skills that help a person share feelings, thoughts, and information with others

How to use interpersonal skills Choose the best way to communicate Express your thoughts and feelings clearly (no one is a mind reader); use I-messages not you messages Listen Be sure you understand; clarify, restate, summarize or affirm

I Message vs. You Message I- Message: - event - effect of the event on the person speaking - emotions Ex: “I am in a difficult situation because you didn’t return my book to me before class. Now if the teacher calls on me to read, I won’t be able to.” You- Message: blames another person - puts down another person for what they have done. Ex: “ I can’t believe you forgot my book! You are so stupid! Can’t you do anything right?”

Peer Pressure Influence people of similar age or status place on others to behave in a certain way Can be positive or negative

Consequences of Negative Peer Pressure Harm health Threaten safety Break laws Disrespect yourself and others Disregard your parents and other adults Disappointment in self Resentment toward peers Hurts self-confidence Feel guilt and shame

Resistance Skills Skills that help a person say “no” to an action or to leave a situation that could be or is negative

Using Resistance Skills Say “no” with self-confidence Give reasons for saying “no” Repeat your “no” Use nonverbal behavior to match verbal Avoid situations where there will be negative pressure Avoid people who make wrong decisions Resist pressure to engage in illegal behavior Influence others to make responsible decisions

Self- Confidence and Assertiveness Self-confidence-belief in self Assertive behavior-honest expression without worrying what others think or feeling threatened by others reactions Passive behavior-holding back of ideas, feelings; not standing up for self Aggressive behavior-words or actions that are disrespectful towards others

Conflict Disagreement between two or more people or choices

Conflict Types Intrapersonal Interpersonal Intragroup Intergroup

Conflict Response Styles avoidance confrontation resolution

Conflict Skills remain calm set a positive tone define the conflict take responsibility for actions listen to needs and feelings of others list and evaluate possible solutions agree on a solution

Mediation process in which an outside person (mediator) helps resolve a conflict

Mediation Steps 1. agree upon a mediator 2. set ground rules 3. define the conflict 4. identify solutions to conflict 5. evaluate suggested solutions 6. negotiate a solution 7. schedule a follow-up meeting

Prejudicial Behavior discriminate-to distinguish between things or people by noticing or emphasizing differences prejudice-an adverse judgment formed without looking at the facts

Avoiding Prejudicial Behavior show respect for all people challenge stereotypes show empathy avoid prejudicial comments learn about people who are different from you