Communicating Effectively

1. Communicating Effectively A Guide to Building Healthy Relationships Chapter 11

2. Today’s Presentation: • Presented by: • Barika Bridges • Erika Everett • William Pokorny • Raque’l Smith • Lindsay West • Today’s Target Audience is Young Men • Ages 18-25 Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

3. Listening vs. Hearing • Listening: • Clarifying what the person is saying and asking how he/she feels. Ask questions to understand more fully what is being said. • Hearing: • The average listener correctly understands and properly retains only 30% of what he or she hears. Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

4. The Role of Communication • Communication is: • An essential component of any relationship • Vital for relationship maintenance • A Difficult skill to master • Can lead to conflict • Can also lead to stronger relationships Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

5. Men and Communication • Most men lack adequate communication skills • Exposed at an early age to society’s masculine image • Encourages men to “hide” emotions • Unable to “open up,” due to the risk of corrupting the “macho” image Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

6. Men and Communication • Such an ego results in: • Lacking the skills necessary to communicate effectively • Lacking the skills necessary to successfully understand non-verbal messages • Lacking the skills necessary to successfully interpret non-verbal messages Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

7. Men and Communication • Is employed by sending messages that are interpreted correctly, and correctly interpreting messages that you receive Effective Communication Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

8. How To Effectively Communicate • Maintain Realistic Expectations • Try not to project a tough/superior image • Avoid Prejudice Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

9. What Not To Do… Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

10. What Not To Do….. • Communicative barriers you might encounter: • Antagonistic messages • Jumping to conclusions • Not paying attention • i.e. thinking to yourself while someone is talking Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

11. Group Activity #1 Setting the Scene: Effective vs. Ineffective Communication Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

12. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs • Love • Belongingness • Safety • Security • Value • Recognition Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

13. “Agree to Disagree” • It is sometimes difficult to reach agreement during a conversation • Give your partner time to speak • Use “I” messages • Negative consequences: • Blame • Take it personally • Stick to the subject • Keep a friendly tone Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

14. Group Activity #2 Are You Listening? Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

15. Verbal Messages • Face-to-Face interactions • Telephone calls • E-mail • Letters • Poetry • Cards • Etc. Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

16. Non-Verbal Messages • Gestures: • Shaking your head • Shrugging your shoulders • Turning your back • Sucking your teeth Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

17. Non-Verbal Messages • Facial expressions: • Disappointment • Surprised • Raised eyebrows • Confusion Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

18. Non-Verbal Messages • Behaviors • Isolation • Negligence • Denial Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

19. Group Activity #3 It's written all over your face! Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

20. Suitable Situations • Effective communication can be applied: • On deciding where to go on a date • On getting to know your partners likes and dislikes • On allowing your partner to maintain friendships with people of the opposite sex Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

21. Suitable Situations • Effective communication can be applied: • To talk to express what you expect of your partner and vice versa • When discussing sexual history and beliefs of contraceptives Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

22. Group Activity #4 Playing the Role Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West

23. Discussion…. • Any Questions? Presentation by: Barika Bridges, Erika Everett, William Pokorny, Raquel Smith, Lindsay West