COMMUNICATION“Any means by which you share a message”

VERBALDefinition: Use words to send and receive a

message. Examples: write e-mail, term paper, speak,

sing, read, text PRACTICE ACTIVITY!

Delivery of Verbal Message1. Word Emphasis – the word/syllable that is

stressed in the sentence/word can change the meaning of the message.

Example: FANTASTIC! Oh thanks, you shouldn’t have!

Continued2. Tone of Voice – shows what you are feeling –

should convey the message.Examples: *Cell phone commercials

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQBABkFI34*It’s not what you said it is how you said it.

PROBLEM!: Texting/E-mailing….tell me what you think when you see the following:

Mom texts: “Take the garbage out right now.”

Classmate Texts: “We need to talk.”

Continued3. Time of Delivery: Make sure the listener is

interested and paying attention.

Example: Make sure the person is looking at you and is not busy doing something else.

Ways to Improve Verbal Communication1. Think before you speak – is there better

way to say it? Offensive?*Are you sick? You don’t look like you

feel so good.”

2. Expressing a positive attitude*FIND THE GOOD

3. Consider the receiver’s needs*Is there a sensitive subject that

should not be brought up?*Word choice (boss vs. friend?)

Continued4. Speak clearly

* enunciate, even pace5. Give and take in a conversation

* ask questions6. Make sure your listener understands

you.* look for nodding, feedback

7. Be Specific!

Start a ConversationACTION: 2 Volunteers

STARTING A CONVERSATIONWhat situations will you be where you will

have to meet new people?Hints:

Ask open-ended questionsRespond to what is said with comments or

more questionsLook like someone you would enjoy talking to

by smiling, being enthusiastic and positive.Watch self-disclosure

NON-VERBAL CommunicationDefinition: Uses factors other than words to send messages.

Example: Eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, body movements

1. APPEARARANCEPeople form first impression by the way you

look.Dress for the occasion and to enhance your

features.ACTIVITY: Find an outfit for the following:

Black tie event Sports game School Casual attire Interview

APPERANCE ContinuedHair should be cut and shapedHands should be cleaned and nails trimmedPosture – square shoulders, lift chin; DON’T

SLUMPTake care of your clothes

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stain+commercial&search_type=&aq=0&oq=stain+com

BODY LANGUAGEDef: Revealing inner feelings through

gesturesWhat message Am I sending?

Drumming fingers HandshakeSmiling Turning awayNodding Hands on HipsPointing Arms CrossedHead on desk Hand holding head

ACTIVITY: You try….let’s play charades!

Sit up straight…what message are you sending?

Eye rolling…who rolls their eyes? Message?Sighing….what message?Looking at the clock when someone is

talking….Are you aware of the messages you are

sending to your teachers, classmates, etc. right now?

Facial ExpressionsMovement of mouth, eyes, nose – sends a

messageWhat message am I conveying?Eye contact: expose your true feelings;

breaking eye contact might signal the end of a conversation

The way you present yourself…What do the following say about you?

Gossip?Talking loudly so everyone can hear?Hitting people?Crying all of the time?Drama?Fighting?Offensive language?

Hot Topic: TechnologyHow does advances in technology affect our

relationships? Is it positive or negative?How do websites like MySpace and Facebook

affect our relationships with others?How can we successfully use technology to

communicate verbally?

ACTIVITYFold a piece of paper in half the “Hot Dog

Way.”On the top of the first column write “Action”

and on the top of the second column write “Message.”

Anytime that you understand what is being communicated, write down what was done and what the message was that was sent. I came up with 23 things. See if you can beat me.