6th Grade HealthCommunication and Peer PressureMiss Preseren

What Is Communication?

Communication is an essential skill in building healthy relationships.

Communication•The exchange of thoughts, feelings, and beliefs between two or more people

Good communication is not only about getting a message across successfully, it is also about being able to listen to the messages you hear.

Nonverbal Communication

There are two types of nonverbal communication:• Body language

• Gestures, facial expressions, posture

• Intonation• The sound of your voice can send a message.

Body language•The use of visual cues to communicate information or feelings

Mixed Messages

If you are not aware of the nonverbal messages you send, you run the risk of sending mixed messages.

Mixed messages•When your words say one thing but your body language and/or intonation say another

Saying sorry while grinning is an example of a mixed message.

Effective Verbal Communication

Speaking Skills

Determine how a message is delivered

Listening Skills

Determine how a message is received

Both sets of skills must be present for effective communication.

Speaking Skills

Two important speaking skills are:• Making your message as clear as possible• Using the “I” message

“I” message • A statement that presents a situation from the speaker’s point of view

Speaking Skills

Other speaking skills include:• Staying calm• Sticking to the point• Choosing the right time and place• Being aware of your body language and intonation

Listening Skills• A good listener practices active

listening.• Pay careful attention to all the

speaker has to say.• Use body language that shows you

are listening.• Think for a moment before speaking.• Ask questions.

Active listening• Hearing, thinking about, and responding to the other person’s message

Assignment 1

1. Analyze the following statement “Actions speak louder than words.” Explain the relevance of this expression to the skill of communication.

2. Explain two main types of nonverbal communication?

Peer Pressure

Teens who use negative peer pressure can often be persuasive.

Teens may feel pressured to join in on behavior they would otherwise consider to be wrong.

Peer Pressure and Decisions

Direct Peer Pressure Indirect Peer Pressure

• Takes the form of words or actions directed toward you

• More subtle than direct peer pressure• Can be based on your

observations of your peers

Peer Pressure and Decisions

Positive Peer Pressure Negative Peer Pressure

• Can benefit you andothers

• Can encourage healthyhabits

• Can inspire you to be the best person you can be

• Can hurt you or others• Goes against your own

wants, needs, or values

• Can endanger your health

Forms of Negative Peer Pressure

• Dares

• Threats

• Bribes

• Teasing

• Name-calling

Peer Pressure and Decisions

Peer Pressure and Decisions

• Is this activity dangerous?

• Does it break the law?

• Can it lead to punishment, such as suspension from school, or arrest?

• Will it lead to disapproval or disappointment from parents or guardians?

• Will property be destroyed or damaged?

Recognizing Negative Peer Pressure: Possible Outcomes

Recognizing Negative Peer Pressure: Health Consequences

• How will this activity affect my physical health?• Am I being asked to do something that could bring me physical harm?• Is the activity something that can lead to an addiction?• What effect will it have on my emotional health?• Will I feel guilty if I do this activity?• Will I disappoint myself?• Is it something I simply do not feel ready for?• How will this decision affect the health of others?• Could someone else be hurt?

Peer Pressure and Decisions

Refusal Skills

Refusal skills will help you resist negative peer pressure.

Refusal skills•Communication strategies that help you say no effectively

Refusal Skills

S

T

O

P

Say no in a firm voice.

Tell why not.

Offer other ideas.

Promptly leave.

Assignment 2

1. Apply: Zoey is pressuring Alicia to let her copy Alicia’s homework assignment. Alicia knows this is wrong. How can she express her feelings to Zoey in an assertive way?