Vocabulary Destructive/constructive Communication Student Worksheet (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

Vocabulary Teacher Key

Page 1

Vocabulary Destructive/Constructive Communication

Teacher Key

METHODS OF DESTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION:

BLAMING: Family members frequently blame each other while trying to find out who is at fault,

who started the fight, and so forth. Blaming hurts feelings, results in arguments, and reduces self-

esteem.

INTERRUPTING: When someone interrupts another person, it is a sign that one idea is more

important than another. Frequent interruptions stop clear communication and show disregard for

other people's ideas.

ENDLESS FIGHTING: There are arguments that never end. This is when you bring up things

that are old and have nothing to do with what is happening now. For example you have an

argument with your father about the car and who should pay for the gas. For weeks after that

your father brings up the fact that you brought the car home with the gas gauge on empty.

CHARACTER ASSASSINATION: Character assassination involves name calling, belittling

comments about sensitive subjects, and insulting remarks. These actions destroy self-esteem,

trust and communication. Words once said cannot be taken back! Sarcasm can be a form of

character assassination. Be very careful when using this form of communication.

CALLING IN REINFORCEMENTS: This is when you involve outsiders in your personal

relationships and quarrels. Positions instantly harden because you now feel the need to save

face. It also breaks the bond of trust that you need to build in all good relationships. This is one

of the most damaging things that can be done in communication.

WITHDRAWAL: Withdrawing from communication and avoiding conversation in families

communicates hurt, rejection, neglect, indifference, and/or anger. It is basically saying, "I don't

care enough about you to work this out." Of course if you are so upset that you cannot

communicate in a kind and loving way, you should take a cooling off period and then resume the

conversation.

NEED TO BE RIGHT: Some people refuse to admit any wrong doing because they have a need

to always be right! This is a sign of poor self-esteem. Compromise is always the best way to

communicate. Both people then feel like winners and feel respected and understood.

METHODS OF CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION:

"I" MESSAGES: State the feelings and thoughts you are having at the time of communication.

"I feel frustrated when you tell me to call you and then you are not

home or the line is busy."

"I would like you to call me when you are going to be late."

This type of statement clearly indicates who is sending the message. It is also good because it

lets you be responsible for your own thoughts and feelings without blaming the other person.

CLARITY: This involves meaning what you say and then saying what you mean. Many people

only hint at what they want to say. This can cause problems in interpretation. Sarcasm is an

example of ways people use to say one thing but mean something different. This only confuses

the person with whom you are communicating. For example, "I hope you had a great time at the

Vocabulary Destructive/constructive Communication Student Worksheet Page 3