1. Communicating Effectively
People use many different ways to communicate their feelings.
Writing a note
Facial expressions
Communication is critical to healthy relationships.

2. Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you’ll learn to:
Classify forms of communication and apply criteria for using passive, aggressive, or assertive communication.
Demonstrate communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, peers, and others.
Apply communication skills that demonstrate consideration and respect for self, family, friends, and others.

3. Effective Communication
Basic Communication Skills
Being an effective communicator means that you correctly interpret the messages you receive and respond appropriately.
Three basic skills are needed for
effective communication:
Speaking
Listening
Body language

4. Effective Communication
Communication Styles
Passive communicators do not stand up for themselves or defend their attitudes or beliefs.
Aggressive communicators often try to get their way through bullying and intimidation.
Assertive communicators defend their attitudes and beliefs, but they also respect the rights of others.

5. Effective Communication
Speaking Skills
You demonstrate good speaking skills when you clearly say what you mean.
Changes in the tone, pitch, or loudness of your voice can affect communication.
Using “I” messages can help you communicate your feelings positively, without blame or name-calling.

6. Effective Communication
Stating Your Feelings Effectively

7. Effective Communication
Listening Skills
You can make use of active listening to improve your communication skills.
Active listening involves giving your full attention to whatever the speaker is saying without interrupting or making judgments.

8. Effective Communication
Tips for Active Listening
Make direct eye contact.
Use body language and signals, which show you are listening.
Don’t interrupt the speaker.
Put away prejudices, images, or assumptions.

9. Effective Communication
Techniques for Active Listening
Reflective listening: Rephrase or summarize what the other person has said.
Clarifying: Ask questions to help understand more fully what is being said.
Encouraging: Encourage the speaker to signal that you are interested and involved.
Empathizing: Imagine and understand how someone else feels.

10. Effective Communication
Nonverbal Communication
You use body language when you nod or shake your head to show that you agree or disagree with something that is said.
When you hold yourself in a tense posture, you silently communicate that you’re feeling nervous or worried.
Nonverbal communication can be subtle, taking place at an unconscious level.
If your words and your body language seem to contradict each other, the person you are speaking to may be confused or unsure of what to believe.

11. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Obstacles to Clear Communication
Image and identity issues
Unrealistic expectations
Lack of trust
Prejudice
Gender stereotyping

12. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Image and Identity Issues
Many teens spend at least part of their teen years searching for an identity.
If someone is unsure of his or her values, the uncertainty can complicate the communication process.

13. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Unrealistic Expectations
Avoid imposing unrealistic expectations on your listener.
This may cause the individual to become frustrated or defensive.

14. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Lack of Trust
Good communication is built on trust between two people.
If you believe that you can’t count on a person to tell you the truth or to keep a confidence, communication is very difficult.

15. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Prejudice
Prejudice prevents a person from having an open mind and listening to new information.
To avoid developing prejudices, you can demonstrate tolerance.
Being tolerant helps you understand the differences among people and recognize the value of diversity.

16. Eliminating Communication Barriers
Gender Stereotyping
Gender stereotyping is a type of prejudice that involves having an exaggerated or oversimplified belief about people of a certain gender.
Assuming that all males like sports and that all females enjoy cooking are examples of gender stereotyping.

17. Constructive Feedback
Constructive Criticism
Constructive criticism is intended to bring about positive changes.
You may find that giving the person feedback in a more positive manner helps him or her and your relationship.
It is very important to begin your discussion by using an “I” message to explain how you feel.
Point out what the person is doing or has done, and suggest a better way to do it.

18. Acknowledgements and Compliments
Expressing Yourself
Expressing and receiving respect, admiration, and appreciation with grace and sincerity can help you build and maintain healthy relationships.
It shows that you do not take the relationship for granted, and it demonstrates good sportsmanship and good character.