Methods of Communication

Verbal Communication: the spoken word. It can be influenced

by your tone of voice, change in speech pattern, emphasis on certain words, lingo used.

Ex. “Where have you been?” (meaning changes when you change the above).

Non-verbal Communication:communication is accomplished

without words. It is often referred to as “body language”.

Ex. hand signals, facial expressions, leaning into or away from a person, yawning, eye contact.

Symbolic Communication: a symbol is anything that stands for

something else.

Ex. traffic signs, clothing care symbols, maps, brand name logos.

4 Possible Barriers to Communication

1.“I-Messages” vs. “You-Messages” (that’s “I” not !)

2. Active Listening

3. Prejudice

4. Perception

1. “I Messages”

“I messages”:

  • express the speaker’s thoughts and feelings in a non-hostile, non-threatening way.
  • focus on the consequences the behaviour creates for us rather than the person or the behaviour itself.

An “I message” includes three parts:

  1. Your feelings
  2. The undesirable behaviour
  3. The consequence of the undesirable behaviour.

Example

Message sent using a “You-message”:

“You’re late”.

Intended message sent using an “I message”:

“I get scared when you are late because I am worried that something might have happened to you”.

Practice

Try to restate the following using “I messages”:

“You’re lazy” (to someone who doesn’t do homework and is failing as a result)

“You’re stupid” (to someone who smokes)

2. Active Listening

Active listening can be achieved by:

  • Eliminating distractions ( TV, music, other conversations
  • Using your eyes and ears (watch for non-verbal cues)
  • Not interupting the speaker or finishing their sentences.
  • Being aware of your own non-verbal messages.
  • Givingfeedback (paraphrasing or asking questions)

3. Prejudice

Prejudice:

  • Is an unreasonable attitude or preconceived idea about someone.
  • It closes your mind to any information that runs counter to your attitude.
  • It may limit a person to emotional rather than rational responses.
  1. Perception

Our Perception:

  • is how we see things and is based on our background.
  • differences are often the reason we see things differently than others. This is because we all have different values, interests and experiences.
  • It is important to remember this as we communicate with others and attempt to resolve conflicts.

Optical Illusions: Why do we see things differently?

How Do the Barriers to Communication Cause

Communication Breakdown?

  • Mixed messages (verbal cues differ from non-verbal cues causing confusion)
  • Use of “ You messages” (blaming causes defensiveness, message may go unheard).
  • Active Listening (not using it can cause message to get altered).
  • Prejudice (message does not get heard at all)
  • Perception(personal references may alter message)

Communication Breakdown May Lead to Conflict and Tension

Tensions arise when people communicate. If you have ever heard someone say, “We’re best friends, we never fight”, you may doubt their honesty or question how aware they are of what is going on around them.

Conflict is Inevitable, How you Communicate Makes The Difference!

  • However well you get along with someone there will come a time when your needs, ideas or values will not match.
  • It is up to those involved however to decide whether that conflict will be constructive ordestructive
  • While constructive conflict resolution requires the time and effort of those involved, as we consider the outcomes of both, it is clear it is worth it.

Destructive Conflict Resolution vs.

Constructive Conflict Resolution

Outcomes of Destructive Communication

  • hurt feelings
  • frustration
  • Enemies
  • violence

Outcomes of Constructive Communication

  • Solutions that all are satisfied with.
  • Greater understanding of each other.
  • New skills that will help with future conflicts.

Why Try Constructive Conflict Resolution?

Constructive conflict resolution offers an opportunity to improve communication because it offers people a chance to learn about each other as they discuss their different feelings, beliefs and attitudes.

5 Steps to Constructive Conflict Resolution

1. Define the conflict clearly.

2. Generate as many possible solutions as you can.

3. Evaluate the possible solutions (pros and cons of each).

4. Seek the solution that best satisfies everyone involved.

5. Examine the outcome once the solution has been tried (this gives you skills for future conflict resolution).