Communication

Communication: the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means.

Verbal communication: effectively presenting your thoughts through talking.

Nonverbal communication: the act of conveying a thought, feeling, or idea through physical gestures, posture, and facial expressions.

Active listening: the practice of being present and engaged with what a speaker is saying and indicating understanding, through verbal and nonverbal feedback.

Selective listening: the practice of paying attention to only the things that you want to hear; filtering the speaker’s message and selecting from what he or she says, a part that affects you or that interests you most.

Assertive communication: the act of expressing thoughts, feelings, and personal needs honestly and openly, while respecting and valuing the opinion of others.

• What is Your Communication Style?

  Take this quick quiz to learn more about your style and what you can do to become a more effective communicator, especially in conflict situations!

• How Good Are Your Communication Skills?

  Take this short quiz from Mind Tools to find out how good of a communicator you are.

• How Many Negative Communication Strategies Do You Use with Your Teen?

  Honestly assess yourself with this self-quiz and learn about the obstacles to healthy communication and the alternatives.

HANDOUTS

• Assertiveness 101 & 102

  Learn two levels of assertive language to empower your voice and improve communication. 

LINKS

• Communication Strategies for Talking to Teens

  Video series from Center for Parent & Teen Communication.

• Live on Purpose YouTube Channel

  Video series that can help parents communicate with teens more effectively.

ORGANIZATIONS

• Center for Parent and Teen Communication

  The Center for Parent and Teen Communication helps parents raise teens prepared to thrive by promoting positive youth development and foster strong family connections.

LINKS

• Improve your communication skills

  Here's 10 ways to  boost these skills in your kids.

• Effective communications

  Here's eight tips to for better communication skills.

• Activities and tips

  How to improve on communication

Communication: the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means.

Verbal communication: effectively presenting your thoughts through talking.

Nonverbal communication: the act of conveying a thought, feeling, or idea through physical gestures, posture, and facial expressions.

Active listening: the practice of being present and engaged with what a speaker is saying and indicating understanding, through verbal and nonverbal feedback.

Selective listening: the practice of paying attention to only the things that you want to hear; filtering the speaker’s message and selecting from what he or she says, a part that affects you or that interests you most.

Assertive communication: the act of expressing thoughts, feelings, and personal needs honestly and openly, while respecting and valuing the opinion of others.

• Communication Skills Quiz

  Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of communication skills.

ACTIVITIES

• Assertiveness 101 & 102

  Learn how to use two levels of assertiveness to empower your voice and improve communication. Remember to put your own spin on it to make it sound less 'therapeutic' and more like you.

LINKS

• Talking with Your Parents

  Video series from the Center for Parent & Teen Communication.

ORGANIZATIONS

• Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program

  The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop consisting of eight one- to two-hour sessions that enable young people under the age of 18 to develop their communication and leadership skills through practical experience. 

LINKS

• How to improve our communication skills? 

  Try these fun tips and activities.