1. Warm Up How important do you consider effective communication skills? Write a brief paragraph about the importance of effective communication skills.

2. Warm Up Guided Question: How effectively do I communicate, and how may I improve upon my communication skills?

3. Warm Up Attempt to nonverbally communicate with the people at your table for the next few minutes. No texting.

4. What is Communication? Communication is the process of sending messages to-and receiving messages from- others.

5. What are Messages? Messages are facts, opinions, and feelings. You SEND messages in what you say and how you say it. You RECEIVE messages when you listen.

6. Verbal Communication Verbal communication is speaking to communicate. Use words effectively to communicate accurate messages.

7. To be an Effective Communicator: Speak clearly Use appropriate language Think before you speak Express a positive attitude Send specific messages

8. To be an Effective Communicator: Make sure your listener understands you Consider the person receiving the message Don’t Hog the conversation Be interested in what others say Be a Good LISTENER

9. How to be a Good LISTENER: Give your full attention to the speaker Do NOT interrupt Concentrate on what they are saying Listen for the overall meaning, not just details that are important to you

10. How to be a Good LISTENER: Remember to notice nonverbal cues Avoid making quick judgments Resist distractions Give feedback to indicate that you understood

11. What is Nonverbal Communication? Nonverbal communication is any message sent without use of words. Nonverbal communication includes: Body Language Body Language Written Messages Written MessagesTextsEmailsNotesLetterscards

12. Body Language Leaning Forward Hand/ Arm Gestures Crossed arms Hands on hips Facial Expressions SmileExcitementSadnessFrowning Spacing Out ContemplatingBored Staring Down LyingGuiltydisinteresteddefeated

13. Communication Roadblocks GossipLiesInsultsThreatsAccusationsNaggingSarcasmInterruptions