Communication

This semester I am taking Adolescent Psychology and it is proving to be a very interesting class. I am glad that I changed my degree goal because I feel as though I am completely in my element now.

Below are some tips for effective communication. They might help you to break down some barriers and keep the lines of communication flowing.

Constructive Communication Patterns
1. Probes for deeper feelings or points of view
2. Offers encouragement and praise
3. Listens to and makes an effort to understand each other
4. Makes summary, restatement, or empathic comments
5. Expresses love, concern, or appreciation
6. Acknowledges their role in the problems
7. Sticks to the topic and address the problem at hand
8. Uses humor to lighten mood
9. Has balanced conversation (turn-taking in communication)
10. Emphasizes the need for continuing dialog
11. Emphasizes the need to work together to solve problems
12. Expresses self without anger, attack, or putting each other down
13. Uses “I” statements to express themselves
14. Acknowledges responses of other members
15. Works on building a cooperative relationship

Destructive Communication Patterns
1. Blame, bicker, argue, attack, or put each other down
2. Fail to listen to each other
3. Reject or deny one’s role in the problems
4. Fail to change or express unwillingness to change
5. Distracts, interrupts, or cuts other person from the topic at hand
6. Dominates conversation or make it difficult for the other to respond
7. Changes subject or gets dialogue off track
8. Fail to open up or express themselves
9. Do not respond or respond minimally during conversation
10. Lectures, advice, and intimidates members
11. Gets defensive during problem solving process