Social skills handout for group counseling

SOCIAL NUANCES FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
⦁ Make eye contact during the conversation to avoid distractions.

⦁ Modulate pitch, tone, speed, and clarity of voice so that your interlocutor can understand you.

⦁ Use positive body language with a straight body posture, gestures, and movements that show you are engaged and interested in the conversation.

⦁ If there is more than one interlocutor, remember to take turns to give everyone the chance to speak.

⦁ Be present in the conversation and listen actively.

⦁ Choose appropriate topics for conversations that will not offend or disrespect your interlocutor.

⦁ Try to be the one who initiates the conversation.

⦁ Interpret correctly your interlocutor’s verbal cues (i.e. when they seem to be in a hurry or want to end the conversation).

⦁ Avoid touching your interlocutor or standing too close to them. Remember to respect their personal space.

⦁ Understand their boundaries and avoid revealing personal information to strangers.

⦁ Acknowledge the interlocutor’s feelings and compromise in conflict situations.

⦁ Be polite and stay calm during the conversation to end it in a friendly and positive way.

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