1. Communicating with Others

2. Communication
Process of sending and receiving information

3. Verbal Communication The use of words to send information
Includes speaking and writing
Speaking
Slang terms: words used by a particular group of people
Emphasis
Writing
First make an outline
Writing / texting is a problem because it is taken out of context

4. Nonverbal Communication
Any means of sending a message that does not use words
Appearance and grooming
First impressions
Being dirty = I don’t care
Fails to communicate a positive message about yourself
Distracts others
Body language
Sending messages through body movements (gestures, facial expressions, posture)
Eye contact = I care what you’re saying
Posture
Good = confident
Slouching = not interested
Mixed messages
Personal space

5. Are You Interested?

6. Barriers to Good Communication
Mixed messages
Gossip
Telephone game
Stereotypes
A fixed belief that all members of a group are the same
Based on a group’s sex, age, race, work, locality, culture, religion or looks
If people belong to certain groups, it is believed they will act a certain way
Examples: girls like to cook; boys like sports

7. Barriers to Good Communication
Prejudices
Opinions that are formed without complete knowledge
Often negative
Can lead to name-calling
Comes from a lack of knowledge about a certain group of people
Racism – an extreme type of prejudice
Racism is the belief that one culture or race is superior to another.
People who are racists are called bigots

8. Improving Your Communication Skills
Sending clear messages
Think before you speak
Make points in a clear, concise manner
Provide all of the needed facts
Be considerate of others’ feelings
Tone of voice
Eye contact
Manners
Rules for proper conduct
Reflects your attitudes toward others
Active listening
Restate what the speaker says
Send signals such as nodding your head
Don’t interrupt