Lesson Seven
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This document discusses effective communication and healthy relationships. It states that communication is essential to any relationship, as it involves how we express our thoughts to others through both verbal and nonverbal means. Effective communication is described as being direct, assertive, clear, open, two-way, responsive, and honest. Ineffective communication can be indirect, passive, antagonistic, cryptic, hidden, non-verbal, one-way, unresponsive, off base, or dishonest. The document emphasizes that effective communication is important for meeting our needs and building healthy relationships.
Lesson Seven
- 1. Lesson Seven EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
- 2. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Communication involves almost every aspect of our interactions with others; for this reason, communication and relationships are inseparably connected. You can't have a relationship with someone without communicating with them. Communication involves how we express our thoughts, ideas, and feelings to others, including what we say and how we say it.
- 3. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS But when we communicate with others, we also communicate attitudes, values, priorities, and beliefs. No matter what we actually say to other people in words, we also send messages about what we think of them, what we think of ourselves, and whether or not we're being sincere and genuine in what we say. Our non-verbal communication -- those things we don't say with words, but with our gestures, our facial expressions, and our attitude -- speak volumes.
- 4. Two Way Traffic What we say and do, and how we say and do it, directly shapes how people experience us. In fact, many times, the opinions people form about us are based on the way we communicate. It also directly influences how they communicate in return. In other words, communication is a two way street.
- 5. Communication in the Real World Communication can be clear or vague, open or guarded, honest or dishonest -- it can even be spoken or non-spoken -- but there is no such thing as "non" communication. In fact, virtually everything we do in the company of others communicates something. Our body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and level of interest (or disinterest) communicate something to the perceptive observer.
- 6. Communication in the Real World Because our ideas and interests are transmitted to other people through the way we communicate, we're more apt to get our needs met if we are effective communicators. The problem is that often we think we're communicating one thing but are actually communicating something quite different, or we're communicating so poorly that no -- one quite understands what is we're trying to say.
- 7. Ineffective communication is characterized by one or more the following elements: Indirect (doesn't get to the point, never clearly states purpose or intention) Passive (timid and reserved) Antagonistic (angry, aggressive, or hostile tone) Cryptic (underlying message or purpose is obscured and requires interpretation)
- 8. Ineffective communication is characterized by one or more the following elements: Hidden (true agenda is never stated directly) Non-verbal (meaning is communicated through body language and behaviors, not words) One way (more talk than listening) Unresponsive (little interest in the perspective or needs of the other person) Off base (responses and needs of the other person are misunderstood and misinterpreted) Dishonest (dishonest statements are substituted for true feelings, thoughts, and needs)
- 9. On the other hand, effective communication is: Direct (to-the-point, leaving no doubt as to meaning or purpose) Assertive (not afraid to state what is wanted or why) Congenial (affable and friendly) Clear (underlying issues are clear)
- 10. On the other hand, effective communication is: Open (no intentionally hidden messages or meaning) Verbal (words are used to clearly express ideas) Two way (equal amounts of talking and listening) Responsive (attention paid to the needs and perspective of the other person) On Track (correctly interprets responses and need of the other person) Honest (true feelings, thoughts, and needs are stated)
- 11. Effective communication is essential in day-to-day life, and especially so in important relationships. Put a premium on openness. Share your problems. Share your daily life. Avoid verbally bruising other people. Boost self-esteem, don't crush it. Avoid controlling.
- 12. Effective Communication and Healthy Relationships Where there are many factors involved in healthy relationships, the ability to communicate effectively is one important route to mutual satisfaction within any relationship. And once again, there are two ways to communicate with others: effectively and ineffectively. "I like hearing myself talk. It is one of my greatest pleasures. I often have long conversations with myself, and I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying." - Oscar Wilde Obtained from: http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/relation/effectcomm.html