1. Grade 8 Life Orientation
Communication Basics
Grade 8 Life Orientation
Relationships

2. What is communication?
Sending ideas, thoughts, information and attitudes from one person to another.
The process of meaningful interaction between human beings.

3. How do we communicate? Verbally (spoken word) Textually (written word)
Visually (images etc.)
Body language
Digitally (via internet, cellphone etc.)

4. Barriers to Communication
Noise / other distractions
Assumptions / misconceptions
Emotions
Language /cultural differences
Poor listening skills

5. Key elements of communication
LISTENING
BODY LANGUAGE
DICTION (WORD CHOICE)
TONE OF VOICE
EMOTION MANAGEMENT

6. LISTENING LISTENING is not the same as HEARING
HEARING is just physical whereas LISTENING is physical and mental. You have to choose to to actively listen to what is being said.

7. BODY LANGUAGE These are some of the key elements of body language:
Physical distance /closeness
Posture
Facial expressions
Eye contact
Body positioning

8. DICTION (WORD CHOICE)
The words people choose can easily change the direction of a conversation.
For example:
Starting a sentence with “You…” rather than “I…” can make people defensive as they feel like they are being attacked.

9. TONE OF VOICE
Even if you choose your words carefully, if you do not deliver them in an appropriate tone of voice, you may not get your message across.
It is important to consider the following:
The pitch of your voice
The words you emphasize
The speed of your speech
The attitude you are conveying

10. EMOTION MANAGEMENT
Emotions can be very harmful to communication in relationships if not managed properly.
When emotions are not managed people often say hurtful things or things they don’t mean.
Once you’ve said something you can never take it back.

11. Top 10 Communication Tips
Think before you speak
Check that the person you are speaking to, is understanding what you are saying.
Ask questions (To avoid miscommunication and so people know you are listening.
Don’t interrupt
Check the person’s body language for insight into what they are thinking or feeling.

12. Top 10 Communication Tips
6. Listen, really listen (not just to what the person is saying but also to what they are not saying.)
7. Choose your words carefully.
8. Use “I” messages and focus on your feelings rather than attacking the other person.
9. Take a deep breath and count to when you feel your emotions getting out of control.
10. Focus on trying to compromise and achieve a win-win outcome.