communication. why is effective communication between partners and family members important? why is...
TRANSCRIPT
Why is effective communication between partners and family members important?
Why is it important to remember that communication is two-sided?
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
Purposes of Communication
• Socialize• Build and strengthen relationships• Exchange information or knowledge• Persuade or motivate• Resolve problems• Share feelings
Methods of Communication
• Personal Contact• Telephone (Land line)• Cell Phone• E-mail• Fax• Video Messaging/Conferencing• Texting• Instant Messaging• Voice Mail• Written letter
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)
Verbal Communication
• Listening – tone of voice• Reading – checking work• Speaking – tone of voice• Writing – may be misunderstood;
allows for reflection
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
Five Levels of Communication
1. Sharing Emotions = Peak Communication
2. Telling Feelings
3. Giving Opinions
4. Reporting Information
5. Casual Conversation
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
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
We-Messages
• Improve communication• Are non-threatening• Generate positive responses• Define a problem of mutual concern to
all involved and give equal responsibility
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
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
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
Feedback Purposes
• Clarify• Encourage speaker to continue• Evaluate or judge a person’s comment• Paraphrase what the other person has
said• Gain more info.
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