Communication

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

Communicating with Children

• Get at child’s eye level• Use words they can understand• Keep it simple• Eliminate distracters• Listen• Respect their feelings