What do I know about the importance of effective communication? Session 4

TODAY’S OBJECTIVES

Distribute information about communication styles, techniques, and traps

Provide an opportunity for students to consider their own family communication issues

Encourage students to develop and practice new or improved communication skills

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It is important that people know what you stand for. It is equally important that they know what you won’t stand for.”

Author unknown. Taken from Gentle Reminders, pg. 248.

• How does this quote relate to chemical use?• What does it have to do with the importance of

effective communication?

DISCUSSION Through honest communication,

you can learn how to: • Explore your own feelings• Express your feelings to others• Value your own judgment• Ask for what you want and … • Better cope with anger or other powerful

emotions

LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION Communication Traps

Are you assuming? Are you hinting? Are you giving double messages? Can you admit a mistake? Do you use “I” statements?

ARE YOU ASSUMING? If you believe something to be true

without having all the facts, be sure to ask for more information before you react

Example: You run into two of your closest friends at the movie theatre. What do you automatically assume is the reason you weren’t invited along? What are additional reasons?

ARE YOU HINTING? Ask clearly for what you want or need

and try to accept that your request may not be granted.

Example: You are at a party and feel uncomfortable and say to a friend- “ Wow, this party is not what I was expecting”.

ARE YOU GIVING DOUBLE MESSAGES? Know that facial expressions or body

language often convey a message that differs from the speaker’s workers

Be aware of your own and others’ nonverbal cues.

Can someone give me an example of double messages?

CAN YOU ADMIT A MISTAKE? Accept that being understood is more

importance than being right. Begin to understand each other; do not

resort to a power struggle. It is important to own your part in

everything instead of shifting blame. Example: Can you accept responsibility

for your actions even if someone else has done the same thing and not got caught.

DO YOU USE “I” STATEMENTS? Using “I” messages reduces

defensiveness and allows others to listen.

It avoids blame Examples: “You always get drunk when

you are out with your friends”. “ I worry about you when you are out with your friends”.

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY Break up into small groups

Each group is to identify “Communication Traps” based on their assigned scenario. Read through the scenario and brainstorm what could’ve been done differently to avoid the communication trap.

Do you think the situation in the sample scenario could’ve been avoided?

Provide examples of positive “fixes” for the sample scenario communication trap.

LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION CONT. Improving Communication

Be polite Express positive feelings Determine the importance of an issue

before complaining Choose and appropriate time Have a goal in mind Be specific about your complaints

CLOSING

After hearing today’s lesson, identify and list 2 communication skills you can work on.

Turn in your responses once completed.