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Communication
Effective communication is important in establishing and maintaining positive relationships. It is also important to understand how the type of communication style can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. An individual should aim to communicate assertively and avoid an aggressive, passive-aggressive or passive style of communication. To build healthy relationships, communication needs to be clear, direct and respectful, and there should be an atmosphere where problems and conflict can be discussed without harm or abuse.
Styles of communication
There are four main types of communication: passive, passive-aggressive, aggressive and assertive.
Passive communication: a style in which individuals avoid expressing their opinions or feelings. They fail to protect their rights or identify and meet their needs. Passive communication is usually caused by low self-esteem. Passive individuals allow grievances and annoyances to mount and are prone to outbursts and blowing events out of proportion. After the outburst they feel shame, guilt and confusion, and return to being passive.
Passive-aggressive communication: a style in which individuals appear passive on the surface but act out anger in a subtle, indirect way. Passive-aggressive communicators feel incapable of dealing directly with the object of their resentments. They often manipulate others to get their own way and often appear honest but make underlying snide comments or sulk when things don’t go their way.
Aggressive communication: a style in which individuals express their feelings and opinions and advocate for their needs in a way that violates the rights of others. Aggressive communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive. This form of communication is usually caused by low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness.
Assertive communication: a style in which individuals clearly state their opinions and feelings, and firmly advocate for their rights and needs without violating the rights of others. Assertive communicators tend to have high self- esteem. They value themselves, their time and their needs. They advocate for themselves while being very respectful of the rights of others.
Activity 1: Chinese Whispers
Activity 2: B2B Drawing
Activity 3: Emoji Guessing Game
Popular modes of communication
As society progresses, lives become busier, technology advances and young people are increasingly using modern modes of technology to communicate and interact with each other. Interpersonal communication is important in establishing and maintaining relationships. For communication to be effective, it must be clear. Modern society has seen a communication evolution and the developments have shown, more than ever, that the world is a global village. While technology has seen landline phones, letters and faxes replaced by mobile phones, SMS, emails and social networking, it is still important to use words which communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
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