Health - Interpersonal Skills Chapter 3

Communication

exchange of spoken or unspoken messages between people; it also includes your tone of voice and the words and images you share online.

Communication Process

series of actions people use to exchange ideas, thoughts, feelings and information. This consists of a message and feedback.

Feedback

constructive response to a message; it communicates that a message was received and understood.

Effective Communication

one of the most important parts of a healthy relationship. It is an essential skill for finding and sharing information and defending your decisions and goals. ex: active listening, I-statements.

Verbal Communication

the use of words, spoken or written, to send a message.

Nonverbal Communication

the use of body language, tone and volume of voice, and other wordless signals or gestures to send a message. This shows people whether you are paying attention and are interested in the conversation. These signals are an important part of showing respect for the person communicating with you. ex: posture, gestures, eye contact

Active Listening

act of concentrating on the person talking and acknowledging what one has heard. This helps to better understand the person’s point of view and it shows respect. (Focus your full attention on the person talking & Acknowledge and repeat what you heard in your own words)

Passive

communication does not clearly state needs, wants and feelings. A passive communicator may seem to say yes to everything, speak very quietly, and let hurt feelings build up.

Aggressive

communication that makes demands of another person and insults others. Needs and feelings are communicated disrespectfully.

Passive-Aggressive

using techniques that do not clearly state needs, wants and feelings to make demands of and insult others.

Assertive

Clearly stating needs, wants, feelings, and goals in a way that show respect to other people. This type of communication values both people communicating and seeks clarity.

I-statement

Words that explain how the speaker feels without judging the receiver. This can help others understand your point of view without making them feel attacked.

Upbringing

life experiences, values taught during childhood, and cultural traditions affect the way people communicate.

Self-esteem

People with healthy self-esteem are more willing to express their thoughts, opinions, and needs. People with low self-esteem may believe people are not interested in what they have to say or be sidetracked by worries or nervous thoughts

Emotional state

Intense emotions make it difficult to accurately express what you mean or how you understand what others say. A calmer state can help avoid upsetting one another further and you will be more likely to successfully communicate their messages.

Environment

A quiet relaxed environment can promote positive communication. Communication late at night or during a busy part of the day can be more difficult.

Conflict

disagreement or argument that occurs due to misunderstandings or differing priorities, values, goals, or needs

Misunderstandings

failure in communication that leads to conflict

Conflict-resolution skills

strategies for working through a disagreement or cause, in a positive, productive way.

Negotiation

process of working together to resolve conflict and find acceptable solutions; it involves identifying the cause, asking for solutions from both parties, agreeing on and carrying out a solution, evaluating the solution and renegotiating, if necessary.

Compromise

agreement in which two sides come together and each side gives in a little.

Mediation

strategy for resolving conflicts through a neutral third party.

Mediator

neutral third party who attempts to help people involved in a conflict reach an agreement

Peer Mediation

process in which specially trained students work with other students to resolve conflicts

Pressure

motivation to do an activity or take on certain qualities; can be internal or external

Peer pressure

social pressure among people of the same age or status; can make people feel like they need to do and like the same things in order to be liked or respected.

Positive peer pressure

social pressure among people of the same age or status that contributes to good health and can be beneficial.

Negative peer pressure

social pressure among people of the same age or status that encourages unhealthy behaviors or is not respectful.

Direct pressure

clear directions from one peer to another telling them what to do

Indirect pressure

pressure caused by what one sees or hears others are doing.

Refusal Skill

set of skills designed to help someone avoid participating in unhealthy behaviors.