COMMUNICATION BASICS
What does communication mean?
Sharing information, thoughts, feelings, or ideas with another person.
"Can you explain what you meant?"
CALM
"Move. That's my seat."
"I usually sit here. Would you mind moving?"
Your friend doesn't respond to your text for several hours.
What's the first thing you should avoid doing?
Assuming they are ignoring you, becoming angry, sending multiple angry messages, or starting an argument.
What is active listening?
Paying attention to the speaker, allowing them to finish, and trying to understand what they're saying instead of simply waiting for your turn to talk.
True or False: Communication is only about talking.
False. Communication includes speaking, listening, body language, facial expressions, tone, and written messages.
"Whatever. You never listen anyway."
GETTING HEATED
"You never help me!"
"I feel like I could use more help with this."
Someone interrupts you while you're talking.
What could you say?
"Can I finish what I was saying, and then I'll listen to you?"
What is assertive communication?
Expressing your thoughts, feelings, or needs clearly and respectfully.
Name two things that can cause a conversation to turn into drama.
Interrupting, yelling, insults, assumptions, gossip, disrespect, poor listening, reacting without thinking, etc.
"Everybody knows you're fake!"
FULL DRAMA
"You're ignoring me!"
"I've been trying to talk to you. Is now a good time?"
Someone accuses you of taking something you didn't take.
How can you defend yourself without creating more drama?
"I didn't take it. I understand you're looking for it, so let's figure out where it might be."
Why can texting sometimes cause misunderstandings?
Text messages don't communicate tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language, so people may interpret the message differently than intended.
"You think you know everything!"
"I see it differently. Can I explain my point?"
You are angry with someone and know that if you keep talking, you're probably going to say something disrespectful.
What's a mature communication choice?
Take a break, calm down, and return to the conversation when you're able to communicate respectfully.
Name the four keys to communicating without drama.
Someone says something you disagree with. Does good communication require you to agree with them?
No. You can disagree while still listening and responding respectfully.
"I know you're talking about me. Don't lie!"
"I heard something that concerned me. Can we talk about what happened?"
A friend tells you something private, and you're upset with them later.
Is sharing their private information with other people a good way to handle the conflict?
No. Address the problem directly rather than using private information, gossip, or social media to escalate the situation.
You are angry, the other person is angry, and the conversation is going nowhere.
What is more important: winning the argument or solving the problem?
Solving the problem.