Non-verbal Communication
When talking with someone, these body parts on your face can indicate that you are paying attention to the speaker.
What are eyes/What is eye contact
Helpful or Unhelpful:
Respectfully sharing your feelings with the other person.
What is Helpful
This movement of your head can show someone that you are following along with what they're saying.
What is nodding
The term that means: putting yourself in someone else's shoes, and relating to what they are feeling.
What is empathy
You are talking about a subject that the other person seems bored with. This is a good way to keep the conversation going.
Change the subject to something that is a common interest.
Crossing your arms over your chest may unintentionally convey this...
What is unapproachable/guarded/uninterested in socializing.
Helpful or Unhelpful:
Taking responsibility for your contribution to the conflict.
What is Helpful
Recognizing and acknowledging how your behaviors contributed to the conflict, or impacted the other person, can help the other person feel better (and be more willing to acknowledge their own part in the conflict).
True or False:
Reflecting or briefly summarizing what you heard the other person say can show them that you heard and understood them.
What is True
These are non-verbal cues that may give you an idea of what the other person is feeling.
What are facial expressions (smiling vs. frowning, etc.), posture (slumping=sad, tall/alert=positive feelings), tears/crying, pacing, shaking, fidgeting or engaging in other nervous habits (nail biting, etc.)
Your friend tells you a personal story. There is a silence when the story is over. This is a good way to keep the conversation going...
What is ask questions that follow up on, clarify, or encourage more sharing about the topic
Facing the person you're talking with will likely be perceived as this...
What is paying attention/listening/interest in the conversation
Coming up with a resolution to the conflict that works for everyone.
What is a compromise
Checking your phone or looking around the room may indicate this to the person you're speaking with...
That you're not listening/not interested
These are ways you can show another person empathy.
What is active listening, reflection, comforting remarks, focusing on the other person.
(*Other relevant answers are acceptable for points also)
Your parent wants you to clean your room, but you have other priorities. You start to feel irritated or angry when they push you to start cleaning. These are possible ways to manage your feelings in the situation...
What is...
Breathe or engage in a calming activity to manage your anger
Calmly talk with your parent about what you want or need
This facial expression can communicate friendliness and warmth...
What is smiling
Helpful or Unhelpful:
Bring other friends (who weren't previously involved) into the conflict to back you up.
What is Unhelpful
While it's nice to have friends to talk to about your feelings, involving more friends in a conflict will generally complicate the problem even more. To minimize drama, try to work it out directly with the person you're in conflict with.
True or False
Commenting or asking follow up questions about the topic the other person is speaking about, is a good way to show you're listening and interested.
What is True
True or False.
Sharing a personal story that is related to what the other person is telling you may help with building relatability and a sense of empathy.
What is True
You don't need to make the conversation about yourself, but briefly sharing a similar experience may let the other person know that you can relate to them.
You're in conflict with someone. They begin to feel angry, start yelling, and calling you names. This is one way to cope...
What is...
Walk away and take a break
Remain calm. Yelling back will only escalate the situation
True or False: Matching the the facial expressions of the person you're talking with can help convey that you understand and empathize.
What is True
While mimicking the exact facial expressions of the other person might be too much, smiling during a happy conversation, and displaying a somber expression during a sad conversation can help to convey empathy.
Taking a deep breath or walking away for a break are both examples of doing what, when a conflict feels intense.
What is calming down
You will be able to think and communicate more clearly when you're calm. Ask for a break to calm down, and then return to the conversation when you're ready.
These are common ways to indicate that you're listening and interested in a conversation with someone.
What is eye contact/facing the other person/reflecting or summarizing/mirroring the other person's facial expressions
Common phrases that can express empathy to another person...
What is...
I'm so sorry
That must have been hard
I can imagine what you're feeling
Thank you for sharing such a personal thing with me
You feel uncomfortable in a situation with another person. They clearly don't understand what it is that you're feeling. This is one of the best ways to get through it.
What is...
Talk it out
Share your feelings