Families Today

Chapter 6: Effective Communication Skills

Check Your Answers: Section Review Answer Keys

Section 6.1 The Communication Process

1. Ethical communication is based on honesty and is meant to build the relationship, not harm it.
2. The four communication elements are communication channels, participation, timing, and use of space. They are important because they are the settings for communicating. If the setting is not right, the communication will suffer.

Practice Academic Skills

3. Answers will vary but should include specifics such as addressing questions directly to each person. Examples could be "What do you think about this?" "Do you think that will work?" Another option is to have the group in a circle so that each member is in an equal position and no one can hide.
4. Answers will vary but could include: Do not tell because of confidentiality and ethics. However, if keeping the friend safe is more important than the ethical issues, the student might tell. Also, a person should not lie to others to protect a friend's secret. Answer will be related to priority of values.

Section 6.2 Skillful Communication

1. They are needed to solve problems and make decisions. They are the basis for good relationships with others. They can help people feel good about themselves.
2. Recognizing habits or situations that create barriers is the first step to overcoming them.

Practice Academic Skills

3. Answers will vary but questions might include where they are meeting, whether 8:20 is the movie time or the time to meet, and who will be going.
4. Answers will vary but should list two communication skills (passive listening, active listening, I-messages, feedback, assertiveness) and describe how the skill could be used in the workplace.