2. Introduction
Each family has a unique
system of communicating with
each other.
Good communication is an
important rule to maintain good
relationships among members
of the family
3. Definition of Terms
• Communication involves the ability to pay
attention to what others are thinking and
feeling. In other words, an important part of
communication is not just talking, but
listening to what others have to say
• Communication is the basic building block of
our relationships. It is through communication
that we convey our thoughts, feelings, and
connection to one another.
4. Activity: Making Connections
On a piece of paper, the
students will be asked to draw
the members of their family
seated on a Dinner table.
The students will be asked to
describe their relationship with
a particular family member
thru different lines
5. Straight thin line –
communicates factual
information
Straight thick line –
communicates factual
information,
emotions, opinions
and almost
everything
Broken lines –
seldom
communicates
Curve line – often
has disagreement
when communicating
Red broken line –
never communicate
6. Communication
is about more
than just
exchanging
information. It's
about
understanding
the emotion and
intentions behind
the information.
8. • Communication within the family is
extremely important because it enables
members to express their needs, wants,
and concerns to each other.
• Open and honest communication creates
an atmosphere that allows family
members to express their differences as
well as love and admiration for one
another.
• It is through communication that family
members are able to resolve the
unavoidable problems that arise in all
families.
9.
10. What is effective communication?
Effective communication is also a
two-way street. It’s not only how
you convey a message so that it is
received and understood by
someone in exactly the way you
intended, it’s also how you listen to
gain the full meaning of what’s
being said and to make the other
person feel heard and understood.
11. Instrumental and Affective
Communication
Instrumental communication is the
exchange of factual information that
enables individuals to fulfill common
family functions (e.g., telling a child that
he/she will be picked up from school at a
specific time and location).
Affective communication is the way
individual family members share their
emotions with one another (e.g., sadness,
anger, joy).
12. Clear vs. Masked and Direct vs.
Indirect Communication
• Communication can be clear or masked
and direct or indirect (Epstein, Bishop,
Ryan, Miller, & Keitner, 1993). Clear
communication occurs when messages are
spoken plainly and the content is easily
understood by other family members.
Masked communication occurs when the
message is muddied or vague.
13. • Communication is direct if the
person spoken to is the person
for whom the message is
intended. In contrast,
communication is indirect if the
message is not directed to the
person for whom it is intended.
14. Four Styles of Communication
Epstein et al. (1993)
1. Clear and Direct Communication
2. Clear and Indirect Communication
3. Masked and Direct Communication
4. Masked and Indirect Communication
15. Keys to Building Effective
Family Communication
Communicate Frequently
Communicate Clearly and Directly
Be An Active Listener
open and honest with one another
16. Think About the Person With Whom
You Are Communicating
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal
Messages
Keep stress in check
Be Positive
18. Communication is a key to
successful family functioning.
Researchers agree that clear, open,
and frequent communication is a
basic characteristic of a strong,
healthy family. Families that
communicate in healthy ways are
more capable of problem-solving
and tend to be more satisfied with
their relationships.
19. Generally, when we feel heard, we
are less angry, stressed, and more
open to resolving problems than
when we feel misunderstood.
Feeling heard and understood also
develops trust and caring between
people.
20. Many things can get in the
way of good communication.
When we assume we know what
others are thinking, or that they
should know what we are thinking.
When we focus on what we want to
say while others are talking—instead
of listening to them.
21. When we bring up other problems
and issues unrelated to the topic at hand.
When we assume we know what is right
for others and try to convince them
of this.
All of these things either keep us from
sending a clear message or keep us from
receiving the message the other person is
trying to send.
