How do we communicate?

Communication is the transferring of information from one place, person, or group to another. The transmission of the message from sender to receiver can be affected by many things. These include our emotions and the tools we use to communicate.

Work with a partner, or independently, to brainstorm all the ways a person could communicate their message from the list below.

Choose 3 of the following options to explore:

• excitement
• frustration
• sharing factual information
• engaging in a persuasive argument
• anticipation
• surprise
• learning something new

Record your ideas orally, digitally, in print, or in a method of your choice.

Communication

Communication can be described as a combination of verbal cues and non-verbal cues. Let’s explore what each of these concepts mean.

Non-verbal cues

Non-verbal communication includes posture, facial expressions, and body language.

Sometimes the person communicating a message is unaware of their non-verbal communication.

Verbal cues

We also use verbal cues, such as word choice, and tone to express our ideas.

Verbal cues are used in the way that we express ourselves or in texts, through the words used, punctuation, and sentence structure.

The baker

You are going to experience a short audio clip of a baker on the day of their grand opening. As you explore this message, consider the word choice and the tone the baker uses.

How might this baker be feeling as they are preparing to open? Choose the best answer from the options below. What clues in the words or the way the baker communicated supports your ideas?

1. Nervous, because they are starting something new.
2. Excited, because they always wanted a bakery of their own.
3. Grateful for all the new business.
4. A different emotion.
5. A combination of emotions.

Although you cannot visually witness the baker speaking these words, what non-verbal cues do you expect the baker would be communicating during their speech?

Let’s practice identifying cues

In this video below, Lucas is interviewing Ella. During the interview, Ella uses verbal and non-verbal cues to communicate her message. Use the interactive checklists below when you notice that Ella has displayed that cue.

In the end, share in a recording or with a partner, what moments did Ella do an effective job of communicating her message? Describe a few of these moments and why they were effective.

Create your own moment

Now it is time to create your own moment like the Baker’s opening day! Create a one-minute transcript of a specific moment that you would like to communicate.

This moment could include: a sporting event, a performance, a re-telling of an interesting story, a quick re-telling of a movie, show, book or podcast episode, or another moment of your choice.

In this transcript, include verbal cues as well as non-verbal cues that communicate your message. Use the interactive checklists to ensure that you have included all the cues that will make your communication effective. Record your message using video, audio or in a different method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel...

I have an excellent understanding of the concepts I have a very good understanding of the concepts I have some understanding but need to review some more my understanding of the concepts needs a lot more work

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.