Communication

D
1) Look up and define these different forms of communication

Assertive: Assertive communication entails a form of communication where the person both
acts in an assertive and direct manner (hence the name) but also considers the emotions,
needs, and desires of others. When they address their own emotions and ideas, they do not
disregard or attack the emotions and ideas of others.

Passive: Passive communication is communication in which a person doesn’t proactively

express they emotions and needs. They often show little engagement in conversations and
tend to speak minimally. Passive communicators also tend to not push forward strong
opinions which makes them more easy to confront when communicating.

Aggressive: Aggressive communication involves speaking with a loud volume, and

demanding tone. These communicators tend to act controlling and overly dominant in
conversations. They often act brashly when communication and have little regard for
others. This may be a positive or negative aspect but it would depend on the circumstance.

Passive Aggressive: Passive aggressive communicators hide their emotions and ideas
behind the guise of acting passive. They often cooperate well superficially, but would act in
the opposite manner through body language or when others are not present.

Avoidance: Avoidant communication is similar to passive communication in the sense that

both forms involve people refraining from or avoiding providing their own emotions and
ideas. However, avoidant communicators also try to push away and distance themselves
from others more so than passive communicators.

2) Fill in the blanks using these words.

“I” Statements Attentive Listening Ineffective

Assertiveness Effective Eye Contact

Defensive Inappropriate Displays of Emotion Mixed Messages

Attacks Tone Body Language

Feedback

Ineffective (poor) Communication can lead to conflicts among family and friends. Some
examples of this type of communication include:

1. Mixed Messages : Saying one thing while your body language or way of talking communicates something
else.

Give an example/s:
The listener responds in a mocking tone to the speaker, but in reality doesn’t intend to mock the
speaker.
The listener proactively processes what the speaker is communicating, but shows little body
language of doing so.

2. Inappropriate displays of emotions : When your emotions get in the way of what you are trying to say.

Give an example/s:

3.attacks : Accusing the other person or making the other person become defensive instead of helping him or
her truly listen to what you are trying to say.

Give an example/s:

Effective (successful) Communication: Communication of thought, feelings and emotions

involves several different communication skills. To communicate this way use:

1. Assertiveness : Being able to communicate needs and feelings honestly and directly without intending to
hurt others. This does not mean being loud and aggressive.

2. I statement: Saying what you want or feel without accusing or blaming the other person.

3. Tone: How a person’s voice communicates emotion.

4. Body Language : What a person says using facial expressions and body movements instead of words.
Your facial expressions and gestures communicate more than you may think!

5. Eye contact : Keeping this is important for the speaker to know you are listening to them attentively.

6. Attentive listening: Actively paying attention to a person when speaking. This involves using body language
and eye contact to let the person know you care about what he or she is saying.

7. Feedback : messages that a listener gives to a person who is speaking. A simple nod or saying “I don’t
understand” are good examples of doing this.

And remember...Never be defensive!!! Even if you feel attacked, say calm, cool,
confident and be positive!!!