Title: (Optional) Develop strategies for improving communication.
Course: GRADS: Family Focus (19905-18) > Section: Using Effective Communication Skills

Development may include

- explaining the meaning of family communication
- citing characteristics and examples of effective and ineffective communication
- using etiquette involved in electronic communication
- incorporating your personal communication style
- practicing active listening
- applying methods of conflict resolution
- applying strategies to improve listening and speaking skills
- applying strategies to help the family move to a deeper level of communication.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- Which of the following active listening skills do you practice: nod, smile, direct eye contact, short verbal response, clarifying message, and reflecting (repeating in own words what you think has been said)?
- What is the difference between passive and active listening?
- Why is it important to be a good communicator?
- Why do some families communicate better than others?

Communication

- What factors might cause a family to move to a different style of communication?
- Why is it important to think about the ways we communicate with others?

Leadership

- What leadership skills are needed for negotiation?
- What is the relationship between leadership and communication?
- What leadership skills can you use to help improve family communication?

Management

- How can step-by-step conflict resolution lead to improved communication?
- What are elements of compromise?
- What strategies might encourage a deeper level of communication within the family?
- What are the risks in seeking to communicate on a different level?