Communicating Effectively (1:46)

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Effective communication is a key to building healthy relationships.

aggressive

passive

assertive

“I” message

active listening

body language

Communication Styles

There are three types of communication styles.

Becoming aware of your communication style will help you to understand how others perceive you.

Communication Styles

Three Styles of Communication

Aggressive Passive Assertive

Communication Styles

People with an aggressive communication style may not pay attention to others’ thoughts, feelings, or needs.

AggressiveBeing overly forceful, pushy, or hostile

Communication Styles

People may adopt a passive communication style because they dislike conflict and will go out of their way to avoid an argument.

PassiveBeing unwilling or unable to express thoughts and feelings in a direct or firm manner

Communication Styles

Being assertive involves standing up for your rights and beliefs while also respecting those of others.

AssertiveExpressing your views clearly and respectfully

Ways to Communicate

To communicate effectively, you need to learn speaking skills, listening skills, and nonverbal communication.

Communication is a two-way street.

Speaking Skills

The key to good communication is to say what you mean.

 

It’s not reasonable to expect other people to read your mind or be able to pick up on subtle hints.

Speaking Skills

One way to make sure you don’t sound disrespectful when talking about a touchy subject is to use “I” messages. 

“I” messageA statement that focuses on your feelings rather than on someone else’s behavior

Speaking Skills

“I feel hurt when I’m left out of a conversation.”  

“You always ignore me when your other friends are around.”

“It bothers me when I get home and find all my CDs in your room.”

“You’re always taking my CDs without asking.”

“I’m feeling stressed because I have a big project due tomorrow. I’ll take out the trash as soon as I finish working on this.”

“I said I’d take out the trash, and I will! You don’t have to nag me about it every five minutes!”

“I feel like my suggestions aren’t being taken seriously.”

“You never listen to anything I say.”

“I really don’t like to be left waiting—it makes me feel like you don’t think I’m important.”

“Why can’t you ever show up on time?”

“You” Messages “I” Messages

Listening Skills

Make sure other people’s messages get through to you by practicing active listening.

Active listeningPaying close attention to what someone is saying and communicating

Listening Skills

Don’t interrupt.

Show interest.

Show empathy.

Restate what you hear.

Ask questions.

Nonverbal Communication

Your body language affects the meaning of the messages you send.

Body languageNonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, behaviors, and posture

Nonverbal Communication

“I’m really interested in what you’re saying.”

“I don’t want to talk to you.”

“I’m worried.”

Offering Useful Feedback

Offering constructive feedback can improve your relationships with others.

The goal of constructive criticism is to bring about positive changes.

Offering Useful Feedback

To offer constructive criticism:

Use “I” messages that focus on the problem, not on the person.

Point out a specific problem, explain why it bothers you, and suggest a solution.

Offering Useful Feedback

Letting people know how their actions make you feel isn’t something you should do only when there’s a problem.

 

Let the people in your life know you value them and appreciate what they do for you.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

Aggressive, passive, and assertive

1. What are the three main styles of communication?

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

2. List three ways to show interest in what another person is saying.

Sample answer: Face the speaker, make eye contact, nod or make comments at appropriate times

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

3. Define the term body language and give an example.

Body language is nonverbal communication through gestures, facial expressions, behaviors, and posture. Nodding to show you agree is one example.