- What is communication?
➢ A process of sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal messages
➢ It involves feelings and recognizing that everyone has the right to express their feelings
➢ It is knowing how to express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly - Why is communication an important skill?
➢ It helps people connect and build relationships with one another
➢ It helps people understand one another through sharing thoughts and feelings - What is healthy verbal communication?
➢ Speaking clearly and listening carefully
➢ Asking questions to make sure one understands what is being communicated and to check in to make sure the other person also understands
➢ Incorporating non-verbal cues (nodding, eye-contact, etc.) to show one is paying attention and listening - How can miscommunication happen?
➢ Technology (context might be misunderstood, language may have double meanings, missing non-verbal cues)
➢ Inaccurate information may be communicated
➢ Communication may be misrepresented if it is passed on between a large number of people
➢ There may be a mismatch between verbal and non-verbal communication
➢ The meaning of what is communicated may be misunderstood
➢ The individual may not be listening to what is being communicated
➢ The individual may not believe what is being communicated - What are some strategies for resolving miscommunication and/or conflict?
➢ For important conversations, have them in person rather than over text or social media
➢ Respectfully clarify with the speaker the meaning of what they are saying if you are having difficulty understanding
➢ Use “I-statements”* rather than “you-statements” to express how you feel
➢ Keep communication open and honest while always remaining respectful
➢ In a conflict, respectfully “agree to disagree” if you and the other individual cannot come to a compromise
➢ As long as it is safe, speak directly to the person concerned rather than passing it on through other people - Responding is a crucial part of communication. Why is it important to develop responding skills?
➢ For establishing healthy boundaries in relationships
➢ To navigate “tricky” or potentially unsafe social situations
➢ To facilitate communication in difficult relationship scenarios - Why is it important to respond assertively?
➢ Responding assertively means you are clearly expressing yourself while at the same time remaining respectful of the other person
➢ Responding assertively means you are firmly establishing boundaries - Why is clear communication important for getting help for yourself or others?
➢ The person you are getting help from needs to know what is wrong
➢ Communicating clearly can help to ensure you get the help you actually need
➢ Communicating clearly can prevent miscommunication/misunderstanding around the help you need - What should you do if the person you are trying to communicate with is not listening?
➢ Check in with them to see if they are listening and understanding what you are trying to say (e.g., gently tap them on the shoulder, raise your voice a little, re-establish eye contact, ask them if they are listening, use their name to bring attention back, etc.) - What should you do if the person you are trying to get help from is not listening?
➢ Do not give up and get help from another adult that you feel safe with
➢ Keep asking for help from other trusted adults until the person listens carefully to you and can help you
*“I-statements” focus on the thoughts and feelings of the speaker (e.g., “I feel…” or “I think…”). It can facilitate healthy communication and help resolve conflict because it allows the speaker to express what they need without making assumptions or accusations of the listener (e.g., “You feel…” or “You think…”).