THEME: GOOD COMMUNICATION
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal success.” ~ Paul J Meyer
FROM SCRIPTURE:
‘Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.’- Colossians 4:6
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”. – Proverbs 16:24
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”. – Proverbs 15:23
A PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we ask that you guide and help us to treat everyone with due respect and tolerance in all our relationships and think before we speak and about our body language.
Amen
THEME OF THE WEEK: GOOD COMMUNICATION
Last week we spoke about forging good relationships with your peers and your family, teachers etc and we spoke about what effective communication was.
Today we are going to look a little further into what is required to ensure good communication occurs as often as possible. And we will start by looking at verbal and non-verbal communication.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication involves using words to convey meaning a and the following pointers should be considered for effective verbal communication:
- Clarity: Speak clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon and technical terms that might confuse others.
- Tone: Be mindful of your tone, as it can convey emotions and attitudes. Use a respectful and professional tone, especially in formal settings.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to the other person, ask questions, and paraphrase to ensure understanding.
- Avoid Interruptions: Let the other person finish speaking before responding.
- Use “I” Statements
However, verbal communication (our words) only account for only 7% of the impact of a message. (Albert Mehrabian, 1971)
The actual words used can convey meaning, but they are often less important than non-verbal cues.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication involves conveying meaning through non-linguistic cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Effective Non-Verbal Communication:
- Maintain Eye Contact: Direct and sustained eye contact can convey confidence, interest, and respect.
- Posture and Body Language: Stand or sit up straight, with uncrossed arms and legs. Avoid fidgeting or leaning away.
- Facial Expressions: Use positive and genuine facial expressions, such as smiling or nodding.
- Proximity and Personal Space: Respect people’s personal space, but also be mindful of cultural differences in proximity.
- Touch and Physical Contact: Use touch carefully, as it can convey comfort, support, or empathy, but also be aware of cultural and personal boundaries.
Non-Verbal Communication (Body Language and Tone of Voice) accounts for 93% of the impact of a message (Albert Mehrabian, 1971)
– 55% of the impact comes from body language (facial expressions, posture, eye contact, etc.)
– 38% of the impact comes from tone of voice (pitch, volume, pace, etc.)
The impact of verbal and non-verbal communication on an audience is a fascinating topic. Here are some statistics that might surprise you:
- The 7-38-55 rule indicates that only 7% of all communication is done through verbal communication, whereas the non-verbal component of our daily communication, such as the tonality of our voice and body language, make up 38% and 55% respectively.
In conclusion, take note of all of these points in your daily communication, to be more effective in getting your message across.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following boys are their exceptional achievements:
RC Watermeyer [Fuller] for taking 5/6 against Clifton 14A Cricket Team
BLA Mahaye [Pape] unbeaten at St Andrews Squash Festival
V Premchund [Strachan] unbeaten at St Andrews Squash Festival
SPORTS AWARDS
LARGE WHITE BADGE
SQUASH
J Maistry [CALDER]
COLOURS
CANOEING
J Jansen van Rensberg [CALDER]
MUSIC EXAMS
Well done to the following boys who have all passed recent piano exams.
E Vengai Grade 1
L Dlamini Grade 1
S Bandu Grade 2
H Storm Grade 2
R Berner Grade 3
S Bridglall, C Gould, C Zondi Piano Duet Advanced
C Zondi Grade 4
I wish you all a good week.
Pro Aris et Focis
Dr CJ Luman
HEADMASTER