Guest Author - Melissa Weise


Communication is such a hot word right now. Everyone wants to be communicating with everyone all the time through cell phones, chat rooms, email, texting and conversation. We are told that good communication is important and that no communication is almost as bad as bad communication. But what does it really mean? And how do we know it is happening?

Here are five things every teen should know about communication:

1. Human beings are driven to communicate practically from birth. An infant stares at it’s mother’s eyes and works to learn to coo, smile, laugh, burble and eventually talk. Kids who have a difficult time talking get very frustrated. Human beings want to be heard, understood and connect. It is something that is makes us very unique from our biological cousins the great apes. Our relationships with other human beings are based on this need to connect through communication.

2. Good communication requires three things. First, someone sending a clear message. When you communicate with someone, you need to clearly state your message to the other person. No matter whether you are writing or speaking. Second, someone needs to be receiving your message. The person you are communicating with needs to be willing to listen and be communicated with. If they aren’t no communication is happening no matter how clear your are being. Third, the other person needs to let you know that they received your message.

3. Most communication doesn’t even happen with words A larger percentage of communication actually happens through tone of voice, gestures and facial expressions. Reading each other’s body communication is something that is hardwired into our DNA across all continents. This is why texting, emailing and all written communication is the most easily misunderstood unless it is very clear. It is also the reason why we love to use smiley faces in our writing.

So, be careful with your words, realize you need to make contact with the other person for a communication to happen, and that all communication is more body language and tone than anything and you will successfully connect with others.