1. Practicing Communication Skills

2. What Is Communication
COMMUNICATION- The exchange of information through the use of words or actions.
Sending and receiving messages
What are ways you communicate with others?

3. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
BODY LANGUAGE- postures, gestures, and facial expressions.
Posture- how you hold your body
Gestures- motions you make with your hands
Your Body language can speak louder than our words? How?
MIXED MESSAGE- a situation in which your words say one thing but your body language says another.
If your body language does not match the tone of your voice.
Can make communication difficult. How?

4. Good Communication Skills
Good communication involves sending and receiving information that is understood by everyone involved.
Communication in person is the most direct way.
Both Verbal and Nonverbal communication happens.

5. Speaking Skills Think, then speak Make Clear, Simple Statements
Avoid saying the first thing you think of.
Plan what you might say
Make Clear, Simple Statements
Be specific, stick to the subject.
Be Honest
Be polite but say what you really think.

6. Speaking Skills
Use “I” MESSAGES- speak from your point of view to send the message.
Avoid starting with “you”
Use Appropriate Body Language
Make eye contact
Avoid mixed messages
Be careful with gestures, they may mean different things in different cultures.
Pointing can be considered rude in some cultures.

7. Listening Skills
ACTIVE LISTENING- hearing, thinking about, and responding to another person’s message.
Pay attention
Listen and think about the message you are receiving.
Use Body language
Face and look at the person speaking

8. Listening Skills Wait your turn Ask questions
Let the other person finish speaking
Avoid interrupting.
Ask questions
When appropriate.
Use I messages
Mirror thoughts and feelings
Repeat back in your own words what you believe the other person said.

9. Writing Skills
Nonverbal communication does not go through written messages
Write clear, simple statements
Reread your words before you send the message.

10. Your Communication Style
A communicator can be assertive, aggressive, or passive
ASSERTIVE- states his or her position in a firm but positive way
Shows respect for self and others
Examples?

11. Your Communication Style
AGGRESSIVE- overly forceful, pushy, hostile, or otherwise attacking in approach
May be selfish and not show respect for others
Can hurt feelings and may make others angry
Examples?

12. Your Communication Style
PASSIVE- has a tendency to give up, give in, or back down without standing up for his or her rights and needs.
May care too much about what others think of them.
May have low confidence or self-respect