Charlene LatimerDaytona State College

Student Life Skills

Communication ActivitySnowflake Activity

Take a piece of paperPlease close your eyesListen and follow directionsYou cannot ask any questions while doing this

exercise

Open your eyesOpen up your paper and share it with the people

near you. What did you learn about communication?

Purpose of WorkshopUnderstand how your comm

unication style is interpreted by others in order to avoid miscommunications and misunderstandings.

Communication is like an iceberg

7% - Words are the tip of the iceberg. Most visible and accounts for least.

23% - Non-verbal (facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.)

70% - Behavior/Actions

Nonverbal Communication“The most important thing in communication

is to hear what isn’t being said.” Peter Drucker

What you’re doing speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you’re saying.” Anonymous

Nonverbal communication is powerful in any language or culture. For example: A smile is universally understood.

Non-Verbal Communication“Speaking” without wordsGiving or exchanging information without

words.Non-verbal cues can reveal more about us

than the words we speak.Forms of non-verbal communication:

Voice, Personal Space and Body Language

Take the Body Language Quiz

Interpersonal communicationMost of us spend a large part of our day

talking and hearing other people talk. This doesn’t make us great communicators.

Effective communication is a process – an exchange of thoughts and feelings.

Elements of communicationSenderReceiverChannelMessage/Context

Communication QuizWhat’s your communication style?

Take the communication quiz.

Three Modes of CommunicationAssertive Communication

Aggressive Communication

Passive Communication

Assertive CommunicationStating your opinionHow you feelWhat you wantDirect, above-board, and civil manner

Without violating the rights of others

Assertive Communicators

Speak in calm, clear tone of voice

Make good eye contactHave a relaxed, good posture

Aggressive CommunicationIn an aggressive communication situation:

OpinionsFeelings and Wants are honestly stated at the expense of someone else’s feelings.

Aggressive communicatorsThey use:

SarcasmRhetorical questionsThreatsProfanityNegative labelsYOU statementsFinger pointingHands on hips

Passive CommunicationIn passive communication:

Opinions, Feelings and Wants are withheld altogether or expressed only partially or indirectly.

Passive CommunicatorsA passive communicator tends to:

Speak softly or weak voice Have poor eye contactPosture is usually tenseDifficulty accepting compliments Compare themselves unfavorably with others

Passive-Aggressive Communication

In a passive-aggressive communication situation:

Opinions, feelings and wants are expressed indirectly, can be manipulative and irresponsible.

Unable to state emotions but determined to get their own way. Ex: Agree to a request but do everything

possible to sabotage it.

What style of communication ?Continually pointing out others

inadequacies.Put off any obligations by saying, “I

forgot.”Put others on the defensive by degrading,

trying to embarrass, and using anger.Accusing others of misunderstanding.Lack of Effort: uses “I can’t” which really

means, “I won’t.”

Group ExerciseRole play one style of communication: Assertive, Aggressive or Passive.

What would you do?Participant choice of a situation.

Effective CommunicationWillingness to understandActive ListeningMonitor your own communicationTake the high roadCount to ten

What’s your strategy?

Speak with Authority & ClarityBe sincere and honestBe clear, accurate, and detailedMean what you say and work hard to say

what you meanChoose your words carefullyUse examples to clarify your pointAsk of feedback during the discussionGet to the point as quickly as possiblePay attention to other’s feelings and emotions

Speak with Authority & ClarityMake sure you emphasize your main pointsRespect others’ opinionsDon’t use language that is threatening or

demeaning to you or othersTry to put other people at easeRemember the power of silence; force yourself to

listen

Cornerstones for Professionalism – Sherfield Moody

Are You Sending the Right Message?

Just for Fun!“Always reserve your first comment for your own amusement.”

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” Dorothy Nevill