Communicating with Others

1. Communicating with Others

2. Communication • Process of sending and receiving information

3. Verbal Communication • The use of words to send information • Includes speaking and writing • Speaking • Slang terms: words used by a particular group of people • Emphasis • Writing • First make an outline • Writing / texting is a problem because it is taken out of context

4. Nonverbal Communication • Any means of sending a message that does not use words • Appearance and grooming • First impressions • Being dirty = I don’t care • Fails to communicate a positive message about yourself • Distracts others • Body language • Sending messages through body movements (gestures, facial expressions, posture) • Eye contact = I care what you’re saying • Posture • Good = confident • Slouching = not interested • Mixed messages • Personal space

5. Are You Interested?

6. Barriers to Good Communication • Mixed messages • Gossip • Telephone game • Stereotypes • A fixed belief that all members of a group are the same • Based on a group’s sex, age, race, work, locality, culture, religion or looks • If people belong to certain groups, it is believed they will act a certain way • Examples: girls like to cook; boys like sports

7. Barriers to Good Communication • Prejudices • Opinions that are formed without complete knowledge • Often negative • Can lead to name-calling • Comes from a lack of knowledge about a certain group of people • Racism – an extreme type of prejudice • Racism is the belief that one culture or race is superior to another. • People who are racists are called bigots

8. Improving Your Communication Skills • Sending clear messages • Think before you speak • Make points in a clear, concise manner • Provide all of the needed facts • Be considerate of others’ feelings • Tone of voice • Eye contact • Manners • Rules for proper conduct • Reflects your attitudes toward others • Active listening • Restate what the speaker says • Send signals such as nodding your head • Don’t interrupt