Communication Basics
What is communication?
The process of sending and receiving messages through words, tone, body language, or actions.
What does it mean to actively listen?
To fully focus on the speaker, understand their message, and respond thoughtfully.
What is an I statement?
A respectful way to express feelings, needs, or concerns without blaming the other person.
What is body language?
Communication through posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and physical movement.
What is a boundary?
A limit someone sets to protect their time, energy, emotions, or personal space.
Name two ways people communicate besides speaking.
Body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, eye contact, gestures, posture, writing, or actions.
Name one behavior that shows someone is listening.
Making eye contact, nodding, asking questions, summarizing, facing the speaker, or not interrupting.
Finish this I statement: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
“I feel frustrated when plans change suddenly because I need time to prepare.”
Name one example of closed-off body language.
Crossed arms, looking away, turning away, tense posture, or avoiding eye contact.
Name one respectful way to set a boundary.
“I’m not comfortable with that,” “I need some time,” or “Please speak to me respectfully.”
What is the difference between passive and assertive communication?
Passive communication avoids expressing needs, while assertive communication expresses needs respectfully and clearly.
What is reflective listening?
Repeating or paraphrasing what someone said to show understanding.
Why are I statements better than blaming statements?
They reduce defensiveness and focus on feelings, needs, and solutions.
How can body language support respectful communication?
It can show interest, openness, calmness, and respect.
What is the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is immediate and emotion-driven, while responding involves pausing and choosing words carefully.
Why is tone of voice important in communication?
Tone can change how a message is received and may communicate anger, sarcasm, respect, or calmness.
Why is interrupting harmful during communication?
It can make the other person feel disrespected, unheard, or defensive.
Change this into an I statement: “You never listen to me.”
“I feel unheard when I am interrupted because I want to feel respected.”
Why can body language sometimes cause misunderstandings?
People may interpret gestures, facial expressions, or posture differently.
Why is communication important during conflict?
It helps people express needs, avoid escalation, understand each other, and work toward solutions.
What are three parts of healthy communication?
Clear message, respectful tone, active listening, appropriate body language, honesty, and willingness to understand.
Give an example of a reflective listening statement.
“What I hear you saying is…” or “It sounds like you felt…”
What are the three main parts of an I statement?
Feeling, situation/behavior, and reason or need.
Name three signs of open body language.
Relaxed posture, appropriate eye contact, facing the person, uncrossed arms, nodding, and calm facial expression.
Give an example of a respectful response during conflict.
“I want to understand your side, but I need us to talk calmly.”