Marriage and Family Life Unit 1: Communicating With Others
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Objective 1: Identify the definition of communication.
Communication is the process of conveying thoughts, feelings, and
information in such a way that the message is received and
understood by verbal or nonverbal means.
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Objective 2: Identify communication uses. To socialize To build
and strengthen relationships To exchange information and knowledge
To persuade or motivate someone To resolve problems and issues To
share feelings
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Objective 3: Identify methods of communication. Personal
contact Telephone (land line) Cell phone E-mail Fax Video
messaging/ videoconference Text messaging Instant messaging Voice
mail Written letter
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Objective 4: Identify factors that affect communication.
Culture and custom Gender roles Gestures and body language Protocol
Tone of voice Topics Gender Physical and psychological conditions
Group membership Language Nationality Religion Social circumstances
Event type (formal or informal) Relationship (between sender and
receiver)
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Objective 5: Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal methods
of communication. Verbal communication Listening Reading Speaking
Writing Nonverbal communication Appearance Body language Personal
space Silence
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Objective 6: Distinguish between the levels of communication.
Level 5: Casual conversation Level 4: Reporting information Level
3: Giving opinions Level 2: Telling feelings Level 1: Sharing
emotions
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Objective 7: Discuss ethics in communication. Communication can
be unethical if the information is wrong or misleading.
Communication can be unethical if it does not occur at the
appropriate time and place. Communication can be unethical if the
information does not need to be shared, and sharing it will hurt
someone.
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Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication. Failing
to see a person as an individual and/or lack of understanding of
other cultures Failing to listen Allowing emotions to affect
communication Having a closed mind Using clichs, automatic
responses and colloquialisms Allowing interruptions
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Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication. Having
low self-esteem and confidence Using a specific and limited
vocabulary Assuming knowledge Being prejudiced Falling back on
teachings from childhood Not hearing the message clearly Sending
mixed messages Noise
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Objective 9: Identify the importance of message context.
Selective listeners tend to pick out only part of what the speaker
is saying. Partial information can be misleading. Verbal and
nonverbal messages may be misinterpreted if taken out of context.
Angry or defensive listeners may read an unintended meaning into
what is being said. Closed-minded listeners may hear only what they
want to hear and may misinterpret the message.
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Objective 10: Interpret the impact of context on messages.
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Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics
of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. I-messages Reflect
what the speaker thinks or feels Give facts about the speaker Give
the speaker responsibility and control over communication Use
during confrontational topics to create more positive responses
States how the speaker reacts to the actions of others Are
non-threatening Requires practice in using them successfully
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Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics
of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. We-messages Improve
communication Are non-threatening Generate positive responses
Define a problem of mutual concern to all involved and give
everyone equal responsibility
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Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics
of I- messages, we-messages and you- messages. You-messages Blame,
judge or accuse another person of an action Easy to use when you
are mad or hurt Give challenging or even threatening messages
Usually close communication channels
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Objective 12: Interpret scenarios using I-messages, we-messages
and you- messages.
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Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening.
Active listening Show the speaker you are paying attention Do not
dominate the conversation. Maintain eye contact with the speaker.
Encourage further communication. Show interest and respect. Stay
focused on what is being said and keep the conversation on what the
speaker is sharing. Provide feedback. Dont finish the speakers
sentence. Plan your response after the speakers remarks.
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Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening.
Passive listening Do not listen effectively. Offer no feedback that
you heard or understood the message. Give the sender the impression
that you are not interested. Discourage further communication Show
that you are preoccupied with your own thoughts
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Objective 14: Complete a listening activity.
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Objective 15: Identify the purposes of feedback. Clarify a
message Encourage the speaker to keep talking Evaluate or judge a
persons comment Paraphrase what the other person has said Gain more
information
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Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication.
Use I-messages or we-messages rather than you- messages Choose an
appropriate time for communicating Build trust Use language the
listener can understand Do not be sarcastic or critical Be
attentive Be interested
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Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication. Be
patient Focus on the message Keep an open mind Ask questions Be
aware of multiple meanings Pay attention of tone of voice Be aware
of body language Be empathetic
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Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication.
Accept that the speakers point of view might not be the same as
yours Give feedback Make use of repetition Understand that each
person communicates differently Know when to drop the issue
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Objective 17: Identify skills for communicating with children.
Position yourself at the childs eye level Use vocabulary that a
child will understand Keep the message simple Try to eliminate
distractions Listen to what the child is saying Respect the childs
feelings
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Objective 18: Evaluate opinions about the role of communication
in relationships.
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Objective 19: Record a communication log for assessing
effectiveness/skills.