SOCIAL HEALTH: FAMILY

& FRIENDS
DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION SKILLS
COMMUNICATION is an exchange of thoughts feelings,
and beliefs among people.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION means using words to
express yourself, either in speaking or in writing.
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION includes all the ways you
can get a message across without using words.
BODY LANGUAGE is a type of nonverbal communication
that includes posture, gestures, and facial expressions.
SKILLS FOR EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
Good communication skills make good relationships
possible. When you express yourself clearly, you help
others understand you. When you listen carefully, you
show people that you value their thoughts and feelings
Although honesty is important, bluntly expressing your
opinions and feelings can sometimes hurt other people’s
feelings. Ask yourself: would I be hurt if someone said
this to me? If the answer is yes, find another way to
make your point. Use tact- the quality of knowing what
to say to avoid offending others.
HEALTH SKILLS ACTIVITY:
Communication Skills
HANDLING CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
Constructive feedback can be helpful by pointing out weaknesses, but it can also
cause the person who is receiving it to feel defensive. Here are some techniques for
using constructive feedback effectively.
WHEN GIVING CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
• Avoid giving constructive feedback to anyone in front of other people. Criticism is
not to be used to make fun of others
• Avoid criticizing a person’s past actions or remarks that can’t be changed. Focus on
what can be done in the future.
• Praise the good points of an idea or behavior before pointing out weaknesses
• Focus on the specific problem, not the person. Offer help if you can
HEALTH SKILLS ACTIVITY:
Communication Skills
WHEN RECEIVING CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
• Consider the reason for the feedback. The person probably
cares a great deal about you.
•Focus on the message. Before responding to the criticism,
determine whether the person is criticizing you for no reason or
is being helpful.
•Ask for clarification if you don’t understand what someone is
trying to tell you. Even helpful messages can be confusing or
poorly delivered.
WITH A GROUP PERFORM A SKIT TO SHOW
HOW TO OFFER FEEDBACK IN
A POSITIVE WAY. INVENT A
SITUATION IN WHICH ONE
PERSON HAS DONE
SOMETHING POORLY AND
TWO FRIENDS GIVE
CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK.
SHOW THE POSITIVE REPONSE
TO THE FEEDBACK.
SPEAKING & LISTENING STRATEGIES
Here are some strategies for effective communication.
SPEAKING SKILLS
•Think before you speak
•Use “I” messages to express thoughts ,
feelings, needs and wants
•Make clear, simple statements. Be specific
when giving suggestions or expressing
ideas
•Be honest and direct , but use tact. Avoid
being rude or insulting.
•Use appropriate body language. Make eye
contact with the other person and use
suitable gestures as needed to clarify your
meaning
•Let your listener respond to see what you
need to clearer.
LISTENING SKILLS
•Use appropriate body language. Lean
forward slightly, and make eye contact
with the speaker. Use suitable facial
expressions or gestures, or nod your head
to show that you are listening
•Use conservation encouragers- words that
prompt a speaker to continue-to show that
you are paying attention. Try saying,
“Really?” or “Go on”
•Mirror the speaker’s thoughts and feelings.
Repeat or rephrase what the speaker has
said to show that you are listening. Show
empathy.
•Avoid interrupting the speaker, but ask
questions when appropriate,