Section 2-2 The Communication Process 41
•
Keep messages short and
simple. Leave no room for
confusion and you are more
likely to be understood.
•
Be considerate of others’
feelings. Think before
you speak. Avoid making
comments that may hurt
someone. If criticism is
needed, try to make it
constructive.
•
Be open and honest. Do not
expect people to read your
mind.
•
Respect the listener. Good
rapport between a speaker
and a listener aids good
communication. Rapport is a
relationship built on respect
and sincerity.
•
Be positive. People enjoy listening to someone who has a positive
outlook on life.
•
Check to see whether your message is being received accurately.
Questions such as “What do you think?” or “How do you feel about
this?” will draw your listener into a speaking role. He or she will
then use refl ection to give you feedback. Refl ection is when the
listener repeats what he or she thinks the speaker said.
Nonverbal Communication
People communicate in many ways other than the spoken or written
word. Communication that does not involve words is called nonverbal
communication. The way a person looks, dresses, acts, and reacts are
forms of nonverbal expression.
Your Appearance
Does your appearance send the message you want it to send?
When people meet you, what is their fi rst impression? People form their
impressions of you based on the way you look. Often these judgments
are made quickly. Before you say anything, your appearance is sending
a message to them. Are you communicating a positive message about
yourself?
Good grooming is one way to send a positive message. It shows you
care about yourself and the way you look. Neat, clean clothes that fi t well
help create a positive image.
Life Skills
How to Start a Conversation
•
Ask questions that require more
than a yes or no answer. Examples are,
“What do you think about…?” “How do you feel
about…?” Or, ask about the person’s work, hobbies, or
family.
•
Make a sincere compliment. When people are
complimented, they are likely to relax and begin talking.
•
Mention something you have in common with the
other person. Discussions of current events, movies,
books, and sports events can keep a conversation going.
•
Discuss one topic. Explore just one key point of
common interest. A constant change of subjects may
drive the other person away.
•
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