The Basics
This is the person who starts the communication process.
The Sender
This lets the sender know the message was received and understood.
Feedback
This listening style involves giving full attention and reflecting back.
Active Listening
This type of communication uses spoken or written language.
Verbal Communication
This term refers to the ability to read social cues.
Social Radar
This person interprets and gives meaning to the message.
The Receiver
This kind of noise comes from within a person and can block understanding.
Internal Noise (like anxiety or assumptions)
This style involves hearing words but not truly engaging.
Passive Listening
This type of communication involves gestures, facial expressions, and tone.
Nonverbal Communication
Why is context important in communication?
It shapes how messages are interpreted and understood
This refers to the pathway through which the message is delivered.
The Channel
This type of noise comes from the environment.
External Noise (like traffic or loud music)
Name one barrier to active listening.
Distractions, interrupting, emotional reactions
What can body language communicate that words sometimes can’t?
Emotions like discomfort, honesty, confidence, or avoidance
How can trauma affect a person’s social radar?
It may cause mistrust, misreading of cues, or emotional shutdown
This is the form the message takes (like spoken words, a text, or a letter).
The Medium
Why is feedback important in recovery groups?
It shows understanding, builds trust, and keeps communication flowing
How does active listening help in conflict?
It reduces misunderstandings and shows respect
How can tone of voice change the meaning of a message?
A kind tone can make criticism easier to hear; sarcasm can confuse or hurt
Name a situation in recovery where reading social context is critical.
Sharing in group therapy or offering peer feedback
Give an example of a miscommunication caused by a poor channel.
A breakup over text message leading to confusion and hurt feelings
How can misreading feedback damage relationships?
It can cause misunderstandings, defensiveness, and emotional distance
Demonstrate or describe active listening in a recovery setting.
Nodding, paraphrasing, using phrases like “What I hear you saying is…”
Name three types of nonverbal communication.
Eye contact, posture, facial expressions
How can someone rebuild their social radar in recovery?
Practice, feedback from trusted peers, mindfulness, therapy