Barriers to Communication
Criticizing:
“It’s your own fault you got yourself into that situation” “ You never consider how your behaviour will impact others” Diagnosing: “ I know exactly why you did that” “ You are in denial about this” Moralizing: “ If I were you, I would have never done that” “ I can’t believe you said that” Patronizing Advising: “ really, the best thing for you to do is…” “ you should go and …” |
Excessive Questions:
“why did you do that?” “what were you thinking?” Reassuring/silver lining: “ There’s always light at the end of the tunnel” “ At least you have a family, some people don’t” Diverting to yourself: “ Speaking of being upset, this one time I…” “ I totally know what you mean – when this happened to me I…” Empty responses: “I hear what you’re saying.” “I understand what you mean” Sympathy: “I don’t think it was very fair of him to…” |
Non-Verbal Communication
Body language: makes up 55% of total message communication. If one person in a conversation appears uninterested or absent, the communication connection is greatly affected.
Aspects of Body Language:
Gestures
Body posture
Personal space
Alertness
Eye contact
Vocal tone and volume
Silence: Can be awkward at times, but is also very useful at others. It allows for time to think and reflect, and time to process for students who need it. Insights can emerge from silent moments which may be otherwise lost when a person talks to fill the void.
Small Encouragements: simple gestures or one-two word statements that are used to assure a person you are listening.
Examples: nodding, facial expressions, small vocalizations, etc.
Aspects of Body Language:
Gestures
Body posture
Personal space
Alertness
Eye contact
Vocal tone and volume
Silence: Can be awkward at times, but is also very useful at others. It allows for time to think and reflect, and time to process for students who need it. Insights can emerge from silent moments which may be otherwise lost when a person talks to fill the void.
Small Encouragements: simple gestures or one-two word statements that are used to assure a person you are listening.
Examples: nodding, facial expressions, small vocalizations, etc.