Chapter 1 Learning About You 33
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Communication
is sending or receiving
information, signals, or messages. See 1-16.
Developing good communication skills is
important. These skills can help you enjoy
life. You can better resolve confl icts. You can
also communicate in healthy ways. This will
help you be an effective listener and speaker.
As a result, your self-concept will improve.
How You
Communicate
Relationships depend on
communication. People use both verbal
and nonverbal communication to share
their feelings and ideas.
Verbal communication
is the use of
words to give and receive information. This
includes both speaking and writing.
Nonverbal communication
is the
sending and receiving of messages without
the use of words. Body language is a type of
nonverbal communication, such as facial
expressions and gestures. Sometimes,
frowns or hand motions can say more
than words. A light touch on an arm or
shoulder sends a message. Your appearance is another example of nonverbal
communication. The clothes you wear communicate a message about you.
You are always communicating how you feel. What you say and do lets
people know how you are feeling. For instance, sometimes you tell people
you are happy or sad. Other times, they can tell by your facial expressions or
actions how you are feeling. You do not always need words to communicate.
As a child, you learned how to communicate. What you learned
then affects how you communicate as you grow older. The way you
communicate with friends and coworkers may be similar to the way you
communicate with brothers or sisters. If you marry, communication with
your partner may be based on how your parents communicate.
Reading
Review
1. What is the difference between verbal and nonverbal communication?
Give examples.
2. How can the ways you learned to communicate as a child affect you
as an adult?
Graduating students communicate
happiness and achievement.
1-16