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Communication
Skills May Be Lost in Cyberspace
With so many digital communication outlets like texting, e-mail,
instant messaging and online social networks, tweens and teens can
“communicate” without even uttering a single word. But are they
really communicating?
The digital age has led to a growing concern that this generation
may be deprived of the social skills necessary to succeed in the
real world. In and of itself, digital communication is not a bad
thing; it allows kids to connect with many peers and even keep up
with acquaintances around the world.
But, as teens become
dependent on digital media as their primary method of communication,
they are at risk of losing―or not developing—real communication
skills. Here’s how you can help them communicate effectively both
online and off.
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Help Your Kids
Communicate |
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Speak up. Let
your kids ask and answer their own questions, place
their own orders at restaurants and make their own
purchases.
Tell stories. Encourage kids to make up
stories, tell appropriate jokes and recount events.
Talk at the table. Take turns at mealtime
asking questions, reviewing the day’s events or
discussing the day's highs and lows.
Listen up. Talk to your kids and then check
their listening skills by asking questions. Try
giving directions to reinforce this skill.
Use the phone. Let your kids answer the
phone, make calls for reservations, place orders or
call out-of-town relatives to catch up.
Unplug. Set rules about refraining from media
at inappropriate times like while talking to
someone, eating dinner or attending social
gatherings. |
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Clue in. In a
face-to-face conversation, more than 90% of the message is
communicated nonverbally through voice tone, facial expression, eye
contact, posture and gestures. Since digital conversations are void
of these, they can oftentimes be misunderstood. Make sure your teens
recognize the importance of carefully reviewing their words before
pressing the send button.
Think first. Remind your teens to think before they speak,
both audibly and digitally. If it’s not something they would be
comfortable saying to the subject’s face, then it is best not to say
it at all. Remind them that once something is said or sent, it
cannot be retrieved.
Avoid TMI (too much information). Many of today’s
teens share way too much information, finding it easy to be
transparent behind the screen and leaving very little to the
imagination. Warn your teens of the dangers of sharing too much
personal information with anyone—even their friends.
Listen. A typical employee spends 60% of his time listening.
So, it’s a good skill to start developing early. Unfortunately,
listening is not required in the virtual world. Or is it? Coach your
kids to look beneath the words, try to read between the lines and
process what’s really being said. Reinforce real listening skills at
home.
Clarify. Understanding what was said is an important part of
communication. It’s like ordering at a drive-thru. You place your
order, they repeat it and you confirm it. Encourage your kids to
rephrase what was said, ask questions and verify information to make
sure they understand.
Focus.
Effective communication requires focused attention on the subject.
But focus can be difficult in the digital world when messages can
come from multiple sources simultaneously. Help your child
understand the importance of focused communication by laying ground
rules about appropriate communication etiquette. For example, no
texting while eating dinner or spending time with a friend.
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