Communication allows us to share what we think, how we feel, what we want, and what we expect. It helps us to share our emotions, feelings, and thoughts. Good communication helps us build our relationships with family and friends.

Types of Communication

• Verbal Communication is based on our words.
• Nonverbal Communication is communication based on our actions (eye contact, body posture, gestures, facial expressions, voice tone, and voice volume).
• Assertive Communication is active communication where you confidently say what you think, feel, and want in a straightforward, positive, and non-threatening way.

“I” Statement is a way of phrasing our communication where we use “I” sentences to state how we are feeling and how the behaviour/action that happened made us feel. We can use it to offer solutions for next time.

Three parts to “I” Statements

• Focusing on how you feel
• Describing what happened (the action or behaviour)
• Offering a solution to the problem

For example, “I am feeling very frustrated. I do not like you wearing my clothes without asking. I know I usually let you wear my clothes, but I would appreciate it if you asked first.”