USING GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS

OBJECTIVES:1.Summarize why good communication is important.

2.Differentiate between passive, aggressive, and assertive.3.Name 5 characteristic of good listening skills.

4.List 3 examples of body language.

Communication: The process through which 2 or more people exchange information.

1. PREVENTING MISUNDERSTANDING: Miscommunication can have some negative effects such as arguments and hurt feelings.

2. BUILDING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS: How you communicate with others affects how people relate to you.

3. EXPRESSING YOURSELF: Communication skills are important for letting others know what you need and want.

1. Passive: Does not offer opposition when challenged or pressured.

1. Aggressive: To be hostile and unfriendly in the way one expresses oneself.

3. Assertive: The most healthy communication style…is to express oneself in a direct, respectful way.

VOICE VOLUME: How loud or soft you speak…be aware of the voice volume you use when speaking to others.

TONE AND PITCH: This the inflections or emphasis in your voice when you speak. This can convey the attitude you are trying to express.

“I” MESSAGE: This is a way of talking that expresses the way you feel while remaining firm, calm, and polite.

“YOU” MESSAGE: Place blame…and sound like this, “ You did this” or “You are so selfish.”

EMPATHY: The ability to understand another person’s feelings, behaviors, and attitudes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD LISTENERS:1. Maintain eye contact.2. Lean forward and face the speaker.3. Ask questions.4. Nod your head.5. Paraphrase the speaker.

ACTIVE LISTENING: To clarify anything the speaker is saying… “ I GUESS YOU MUST HAVE FELT” “TELL ME ABOUT…” “REALLY…”

PHARAPHRASING: Using your own words to restate what someone else said.

Body Language: revealing how you feel through facial expressions, gestures, and posture.

Opening your eyes wide Scratching your head Opening your mouth wide Snarling Scrunching your eyebrows in a “V’ shape Standing up straight and tall Winking

Misunderstandings can occur when our body language say one thing and our mouths say another…