Social
Skills
Walker JHS
2021-2022
Pre-Test
Click HERE to fill out the pre-test.
People use many different ways to
communicate their feelings like
writing a note or facial expressions!
Communication is critical to healthy relationships.
In this lesson, you will learn to:
1 2 3
Compare Develop Demonstrate
the forms of the communication communication
communication, skills you need to skills that show
including passive, build healthy respect for self,
aggressive, or relationships with family friends, and
assertive family, friends, others.
communication. peers, and others.
Basic Communication Skills
Being an effective communicator means that you correctly interpret the
messages you receive and respond appropriately.
Three basic skills are needed for effective communication:
1. Speaking 2. Listening 3. Body Language
Communication Styles
● Passive communicators do not stand up for
themselves or defend their attitudes or beliefs
● Aggressive communicators often try to get
their way through bullying and intimidation
● Assertive communicators defend their
attitudes and beliefs, but they also respect the
rights of others
Speaking Skills
● You demonstrate good speaking skills when you
clearly say what you mean
● Changes in the tone, pitch, or loudness of your
voice can affect communication
● Using “I” messages can help you communicate your
feelings positively, without blame or name-calling
○ An “I” message is a statement in which
individuals describe their feelings by using the
pronoun “I”
What NOT to say vs. What you CAN say
Aggressive Messages Assertive “I” Messages
(What NOT to say) (What you CAN say)
“Why are you always late? It’s really “I worry about you when you don’t
annoying.” show up.”
“Why do you always have to get “I’ll agree to have Mexican food
what you want? You never do what I today if I can pick the restaurant the
suggest.” next time we go out.”
Listening Skills
You can use active listening to improve your
communication skills
● Active listening involves giving your full
attention to whatever the speaker is saying
without interrupting or making
judgements
Tips for Active Listening
1 2
Make direct eye Use body language and
contact signals that show you
are listening
3 4
Don’t interrupt the Put away prejudices
speaker and assumptions
Techniques for Active Listening
Reflective
Clarifying Encouraging Empathizing
Listening
Paraphrase or Ask questions Encourage the Imagine and
summarize to help speaker to understand
what the other understand signal that you how someone
person has said more fully what are interested else feels
is being said and involved
Nonverbal Communication
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● earths
You can use body is thewhen
language Sun’syou
mass
nod or shake
your head to show that you agree or disagree with
something that is said
● When you are tense, you silently communicate that
you’re feeling nervous or worried
● Nonverbal communication can be subtle, taking place at
an unconscious level
● If your words and your body language seem to
contradict each other, the person you are speaking to
may be confused or unsure of what to believe
Obstacles to Clear Communication
Unrealistic Expectations
● Avoid imposing unrealistic expectations on your listener
○ This might cause the listener to become frustrated or
defensive
Lack of Trust
● Good communication is built on trust between two people
● If you believe that you can’t count on someone to tell you the
truth or to keep a secret, communication can be difficult.
Obstacles to Clear Communication continued
Prejudice
● Prejudice prevents a person from having an open mind
and listening to new information.
● To avoid developing prejudices, demonstrate tolerance.
● Being tolerant helps you understand the difference
among people and recognize the value of diversity.
How can you overcome these obstacles?
Constructive criticism!
Constructive criticism means making respectful comments that point out
problems and encourage improvement.
● Constructive criticism is intended to bring about positive changes.
● You may find that giving the person feedback in a positive manner
may help your relationship
● It is important to begin your discussion by using an “I” message to
explain how you feel
● Point out what the person is doing or has done, and suggest a
better way to do it
Expressing Yourself
● Expressing and receiving respect,
admiration, and appreciation with grace
and sincerity can help you build and
maintain healthy relationships
● It shows that you do not take the
relationships for granted, and it
demonstrates good sportsmanship and
good character
Post-Test
Click HERE to fill out the post-test.
Thanks!
If you have any questions, email your
counselor.
A-K: Mrs. Winn
[email protected] L-Z: Mr. Schwartz
[email protected] Support Counselor: Mr. Romero
[email protected]
