1. Communication

2. Why is it important to remember that communication is two-sided?
Why is effective communication between partners and family members important?
Why is it important to remember that communication is two-sided?

3. Causes or Barriers that lead to: Ineffective Communication
Not listening
Allowing interruptions
Not hearing message clearly
Preconceived notions (ideas)
Clichés or automatic responses
Sending mixed messages
Having a closed mind
Having low self-esteem
Using specific and limited vocabulary
Assuming knowledge
Being prejudiced
Allowing emotions to affect communication
Falling back on teachings from childhood
Noise

4. Purposes of Communication
Socialize
Build and strengthen relationships
Exchange information or knowledge
Persuade or motivate
Resolve problems
Share feelings

5. Methods of Communication
Personal Contact
Telephone (Land line)
Cell Phone
Fax
Video Messaging/Conferencing
Texting
Instant Messaging
Voice Mail
Written letter

6. Factors Affecting Communication
Culture/Customs
Gender Roles
Gestures/Body Language
Protocol (code of conduct)
Tone/Pitch of Voice
Gender
Physical/Physiological Condition (of person)
Group Membership
Language
Nationality
Religion
Social Circumstances (Formal/Informal)

7. Verbal Communication
Listening – tone of voice
Reading – checking work
Speaking – tone of voice
Writing – may be misunderstood; allows for reflection

8. Non-Verbal Communication
Body language - gestures, nodding, handshake, eye contact
Personal space – may be too close for comfort
Silence – mainly means agreement but can mean disagreement

9. Five Levels of Communication
1. Sharing Emotions = Peak Communication
2. Telling Feelings
3. Giving Opinions
4. Reporting Information
5. Casual Conversation

10. Beware…
Angry or defensive listeners may read an unintended meaning into what is being said
“Close-minded” listeners may only hear what they want to hear and misinterpret the message

11. I-Messages Reflect on what the speaker feels or thinks
Give facts about the speaker
Give the speaker responsibility and control over what he/she is communicating
Use during confrontational topics to create positive responses
States how the speaker reacts to the actions of others
Are non-threatening
Requires practice in using them successfully

12. We-Messages
Improve communication
Are non-threatening
Generate positive responses
Define a problem of mutual concern to all involved and give equal responsibility

13. You-Messages
Blame, judge, or accuse another person of an action
Easy to use when you are mad or hurt
Give challenging or even threatening messages
Usually close communication channels

14. Active Listening Listening with a purpose
Show speaker your attention! (Nod, smile)
Don’t dominate conversation
Maintain eye contact
Encourage further communication
Show interest and respect
Stay focused on conversation topic
Provide feedback (Ask questions)
Don’t finish speaker’s sentence
Plan your response after the speaker’s remarks

15. Passive Listening
Don’t listen
Offer NO feedback
Give impression you are uninterested
Discourage further communication
Show that you are more interested in your own thoughts

16. Feedback Purposes
Clarify
Encourage speaker to continue
Evaluate or judge a person’s comment
Paraphrase what the other person has said
Gain more info.

17. Improve Communication
Use I/We messages
Choose good time to communicate
Build trust
Use understandable language
Be attentive
Be interested
Be patient
Focus on message
Be aware of multiple meanings
Pay attention to tone
Be aware of body language
Be empathetic (put yourself in other’s shoes)
Accept that people have different opinions and/or ideas
Give feedback
Use repetition
Understand people communicate differently
Know when to drop it

18. Communicating with Children
Get at child’s eye level
Use words they can understand
Keep it simple
Eliminate distracters
Listen
Respect their feelings