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Virtual Learning Event 2016

VLE #1: Communication for Interpersonal Relationships

October 12, 2016 | https://learn.extension.org/events/2702

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Connecting military family service providers and Cooperative Extension professionals to research and to each other through engaging online

learning opportunities. www.extension.org/militaryfamilies

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2016 Military Caregiving VLESensitive Topics in Caregiving: Tough Questions and Complex Answers

• VLE focuses on learning skills and strategies for improved communication in times of crisis for military helping professionals.

• Three-part session with topics involving interpersonal relationships, families in crisis, and empowering caregivers.

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Join the Conversation1. Plug in mic-enabled headset.2. Request audio rights.

3. Voice Rights Granted.

4. Allow Camera and Microphone Access.

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No microphone? Share with us in the

chat pod.

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Today’s Presenter• Professor & Director of Graduate

Studies, Department of Communication, University of Illinois

• Research Focus: • How military families communicate after

reunion following deployment• How couples communicate following a

depression diagnosis

Leanne K. Knobloch, Ph.D.

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Why Learn about Interpersonal Communication?

1. You spend so much time doing it. 2. To build better relationships. 3. To be more successful in your career. 4. To have better mental and physical health.

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Why do you want to learn about interpersonal communication in this webinar series?

What about You?

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Types of Goals in Interpersonal Communication

1. Instrumental goals2. Relational goals3. Self-presentational goals

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What goal type do you tend to focus on the most? Instrumental, relational, or self-presentational?

What about You?

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Examples of Interpersonal Communication Tasks

1. Disclosing information2. Maintaining relationships3. Providing support4. Managing conflict

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What are the challenges of disclosing private information to someone?

Module #1: Disclosing Information

Reasons for Disclosing Information

1. Obtain support2. Build trust3. Establish reciprocity

Reasons for Withholding Information

1. Avoid vulnerability2. Preserve the relationship3. No opportunity for

assistance

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Guidelines for Disclosing Information

1. Weigh rewards vs. costs2. Consider your goals3. Pick the right time

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What benefits do caregivers gain from maintaining relationships with friends?

Module #2: Maintaining Relationships

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Strategies for Maintaining Relationships

1. Positive strategy2. Openness strategy3. Assurances strategy4. Sharing activities strategy

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Guidelines for Maintaining Relationships

1. Put in the effort2. Attend to equity3. Seek a strategy match or

a strategy mix

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What could you say to offer comfort?

Module #3: Providing ComfortA family is upset after their service member receives orders for a second deployment.

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3 Levels of Comforting MessagesLow

Person-CenteredMessage

“It’s only six months. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

MediumPerson-Centered

Message

“Deployments are really hard, and most people struggle, so don’t feel bad.”

HighPerson-Centered

Message

“That must be frustrating after all you’ve been through. Do you think you’ll do better now that you know what to expect?”

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Guidelines for Providing Comfort

1. Do not rely on diversions or advice.

2. Focus on the other person.

3. Stay neutral and seek information.

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In your opinion, what kind of goal conflict is most challenging to resolve: Instrumental, relational, or self-presentational? Why?

Module #4: Managing Conflict

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Fundamental Choices in Managing Conflict

1. Decision to confront vs. avoid2. Decision to cooperate vs. compete

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Guidelines for Managing Conflict

1. Define your needs2. Keep it short3. Be ready with several

potential solutions

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Resources• Preparing Caregivers to Communicate Effectively Using Three Types of

Communication Skills: (https://learn.extension.org/events/1467) • Communication in the Crunch:

(https://learn.extension.org/events/2588)• Rethinking! Creating New Strategies to Build Trust and Credibility:

(https://learn.extension.org/events/2187)• Caregiver Communication Skills: A Voice for Change:

(https://learn.extension.org/events/820) • Additional Military Caregiving Courses:

(https://extensiononline.tamu.edu/courses/military_caregiving.php)

Keep the Convo Going!

Reflect on lessons learned in today’s session via social media.

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What is the biggest communication challenge faced by military couples and families you serve?

MFLN

Military Caregiving

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Continuing Education Credit& Certificate of Completion

• The MFLNMC Concentration Area offers 1.5 credit hour(s) from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)/ certificates of completion for today’s webinar.

• To receive CE credits or certificate of completion, please complete the evaluation and post-test found at: https://vte.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4JgGebkJL3kqhEN

• *Must pass post-test with an 80% or higher to receive CE credit.

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VLE Session #2:Challenges Facing Families in Crisis

• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET• Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2016• Location: https://learn.extension.org/events/2703

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Session #2 will address some of the unique challenges for military families and examine ways to support them.

We invite MFLN Service Provider Partners to our private LinkedIn Group!

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8409844

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Find all upcoming and recorded webinar covering: Community Capacity Building, Family Development, Family Transitions, Military Caregiving, Network

Literacy, Nutrition & Wellness, and Personal Finance.www.extension.org/62581

28This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Family Readiness

Policy, U.S. Department of Defense under Award Numbers 2014-48770-22587 and 2015-48770-24368.

All images and graphics within this presentation are purchased from iStockphoto by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Military Families

Learning Network (MFLN), under Member ID: 8085767.

29This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Office of Family Readiness

Policy, U.S. Department of Defense under Award Numbers 2014-48770-22587 and 2015-48770-24368.