Non-Verbal Basics
These communication skills make up approximately this percentage of our total communication.
What is 70%? (or What is non-verbal communication?)*
When someone crosses their arms and has a scowl during conversation, they are most likely communicating this message.
What is creating a barrier and feeling defensive or angry?
What are common active listening barriers?
Interrupting the speaker
Planning your response while they're still talking
Judging or criticizing before hearing the full message
Getting distracted by external noise or internal thoughts
The most important concept to keep in mind when posting on social media.
What is thinking about what you're posting before you post it?
An "I" statement is this type of communication tool.
What is a way to express your feelings without blaming others?
This type of non-verbal communication practice tells your listener what you are thinking even without words.
What are facial expressions?*
During a video call, Lena slouches, looks at her phone, and barely responds. Her nonverbal communication is sending this message
What is disinterest and lack of engagement?
This communication skill involves restating what someone said in your own words to show understanding.
What is paraphrasing?
James texts his teacher "cant come 2day sick lol." He is making this digital communication mistake.
What is using overly casual language and tone inappropriate for the audience?
Page wants to ask her teacher for extra help in math. What does this approach demonstrate?
What is asking for help or self-advocacy?
When you can see the person you're talking to, you gain this advantage in understanding their emotions.
What is the ability to read their non-verbal cues?
Someone holding their head high with shoulders pushed back is demonstrating this emotion or attitude.
What is confidence? (or What is authority?)
This communication skill is being used when you ask questions to make sure you understand what someone means.
What are clarifying questions?
Samantha posts a sarcastic comment: "Wow, great job." Her friend feels hurt. How did she violate digital communication.
She posted words without facial cues that can sound harsher than intended
Ally wants to tell her group partners she's doing too much work alone. What approach could she use that demonstrates assertiveness WITHOUT aggression.
What is "I've noticed I'm handling most of the research. Can we divide the tasks more evenly so everyone contributes"?*
A student showing anxiety might display these two non-verbal behaviors.
What is avoiding eye contact and reluctance to speak?
These body language signals would indicate someone is NOT actively listening: crossed arms, doing this with their eyes, and this foot movement.
What is looking around the room and tapping your foot?
When giving feedback to a classmate, this approach demonstrates the most effective verbal communication skills.
What is constructive feedback or giving specific examples to improve performance.
Maya texts "You never listen to me" and her friend gets defensive. What is a better way to express her concern using an "I" statement.
"I feel unheard when I share something important and don't get a response. I'd like us to talk about it"?*
Marcus insists on his movie choice and refuses to consider alternatives. He is skipping this conflict resolution step.
What is sharing perspectives with respect and brainstorming multiple solutions?
These three non-verbal cues combined most effectively show genuine interest in what someone is saying.
What is leaning forward slightly, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and nodding?
Tyler's classmate looks down and speaks quietly after their idea was dismissed. Tyler should demonstrate empathy by saying this.
What is "It sounds like you're feeling discouraged. I'd like to hear more about your idea"
These are behaviors that indicate you are engaged in a conversation: Put away distractions (phone, other tasks), Make eye contact, focus on the speaker
What are active listening skills?
During a heated argument, Keisha feels her anger rising. What strategies best demonstrate emotional regulation.
What is taking a deep breath, pausing, and naming her feeling before responding?
Using specific and clear language when communicating is important for this primary reason.
So your audience knows specifically what you are saying?