Gain Learning

Effective communication sounds like it should be instinctive. But all too often, when we try to communicate with others something goes astray. We say one thing, the other person hears something else, and misunderstandings, frustration, and conflicts ensue. This can cause problems in your home, school, and work relationships.

For many of us, communicating more clearly and effectively requires learning some important skills. Whether you are trying to improve communication with your spouse, kids, boss, or coworkers, learning these skills can deepen your connections to others, build greater trust and respect, and improve teamwork, problem solving, and your overall social and emotional health.

This course focuses on helping you assess and develop your communication style.  

The main components covered are:

• Active listening vs. pseudo listening

• Obstacles to effective listening

• Clear messaging vs truncated or distorted messaging

• Self-disclosure: When, what and with whom

• Dealing with difficult topics or conversations

• Self-assertiveness as a middle ground between passivity and aggression

• 3 types of communication styles

• Fair fights: facts and fiction

• Escalation prevention and time-out

• Negotiations for conflict resolution

• Brain storming as a means to generate options

• Difficult adversaries and dealing with power differential