Marriage and Family Life

Unit 1: Communicating With Others

Objective 1: Identify the definition of communication.

• Communication is the process of conveying thoughts, feelings, and information in such a way that the message is received and understood by verbal or nonverbal means.

Objective 2: Identify communication uses.

• To socialize• To build and strengthen relationships• To exchange information and knowledge• To persuade or motivate someone• To resolve problems and issues• To share feelings

Objective 3: Identify methods of communication.

• Personal contact• Telephone (land line)• Cell phone• E-mail• Fax

• Video messaging/ videoconference

• Text messaging• Instant messaging• Voice mail• Written letter

Objective 4: Identify factors that affect communication.

• Culture and custom– Gender roles– Gestures and body

language– Protocol– Tone of voice

• Topics• Gender • Physical and

psychological conditions

• Group membership– Language– Nationality– Religion

• Social circumstances– Event type (formal or

informal)– Relationship (between

sender and receiver)

Objective 5: Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal methods of communication.

• Verbal communication– Listening – Reading – Speaking– Writing

• Nonverbal communication– Appearance – Body language– Personal space – Silence

Objective 6: Distinguish between the levels of communication.

• Level 5: Casual conversation• Level 4: Reporting information• Level 3: Giving opinions• Level 2: Telling feelings• Level 1: Sharing emotions

Objective 7: Discuss ethics in communication.

• Communication can be unethical if the information is wrong or misleading.

• Communication can be unethical if it does not occur at the appropriate time and place.

• Communication can be unethical if the information does not need to be shared, and sharing it will hurt someone.

Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication.

• Failing to see a person as an individual and/or lack of understanding of other cultures

• Failing to listen• Allowing emotions to affect communication• Having a “closed” mind• Using clichés, automatic responses and

colloquialisms• Allowing interruptions

Objective 8: Identify common barriers to communication.

• Having low self-esteem and confidence• Using a specific and limited vocabulary• Assuming knowledge • Being prejudiced• Falling back on teachings from childhood • Not hearing the message clearly• Sending mixed messages• Noise

Objective 9: Identify the importance of message context.

• Selective listeners tend to pick out only part of what the speaker is saying. Partial information can be misleading.

• Verbal and nonverbal messages may be misinterpreted if taken out of context.

• Angry or defensive listeners may read an unintended meaning into what is being said.

• “Closed-minded” listeners may hear only what they want to hear and may misinterpret the message.

Objective 10: Interpret the impact of context on messages.

Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I-messages, we-messages and you-messages.

I-messages• Reflect what the speaker thinks or feels• Give facts about the speaker• Give the speaker responsibility and control over communication• Use during confrontational topics to create more positive

responses• States how the speaker reacts to the actions of others• Are non-threatening• Requires practice in using them successfully

Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I-messages, we-messages and you-messages.

We-messages• Improve communication• Are non-threatening• Generate positive responses• Define a problem of mutual concern to all

involved and give everyone equal responsibility

Objective 11: Differentiate in the descriptive characteristics of I-messages, we-messages and you-messages.

You-messages• Blame, judge or accuse another person of an

action• Easy to use when you are mad or hurt• Give challenging or even threatening messages• Usually close communication channels

Objective 12: Interpret scenarios using I-messages, we-messages and you-messages.

Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening.Active listening• Show the speaker you are paying attention • Do not dominate the conversation.• Maintain eye contact with the speaker.• Encourage further communication.• Show interest and respect.• Stay focused on what is being said and keep the conversation on

what the speaker is sharing.• Provide feedback.• Don’t finish the speaker’s sentence.• Plan your response after the speaker’s remarks.

Objective 13: Distinguish between active and passive listening.

Passive listening• Do not listen effectively.• Offer no feedback that you heard or understood

the message.• Give the sender the impression that you are not

interested.• Discourage further communication• Show that you are preoccupied with your own

thoughts

Objective 14: Complete a listening activity.

Objective 15: Identify the purposes of feedback.

• Clarify a message• Encourage the speaker to keep talking• Evaluate or judge a person’s comment• Paraphrase what the other person has said• Gain more information

Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication.

• Use I-messages or we-messages rather than you-messages

• Choose an appropriate time for communicating• Build trust• Use language the listener can understand• Do not be sarcastic or critical• Be attentive• Be interested

Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication.

• Be patient• Focus on the message• Keep an “open” mind• Ask questions • Be aware of multiple meanings • Pay attention of tone of voice • Be aware of body language• Be empathetic

Objective 16: Select guidelines for improving communication.

• Accept that the speaker’s point of view might not be the same as yours

• Give feedback• Make use of repetition• Understand that each person communicates

differently• Know when to drop the issue

Objective 17: Identify skills for communicating with children.

• Position yourself at the child’s eye level• Use vocabulary that a child will understand• Keep the message simple• Try to eliminate distractions• Listen to what the child is saying• Respect the child’s feelings

Objective 18: Evaluate opinions about the role of communication in relationships.

Objective 19: Record a “communication log” for assessing effectiveness/skills.

Objective 20: Write a note of acknowledgement.