There are a number of skills that contribute to good communication with friends at school or in a work place. It is always important to be patient and respectful of what others are saying. While you don’t always have to agree you can still be respectful of others. When speaking with someone use words that sound kind and helpful versus words that sound criticising and degrading. For example let’s use this scenario You are in class and are assigned a worksheet along with the rest of your peers. You are allowed to ask others for help. Yourself and the class have finished the worksheet accept for one person whom is having a hard time answering all the questions. That person turns to you for help what should should you say? “Yes of course I’ll help you out tell me what you understand and what you are having a hard time understanding?” This would be an appropriate response to helping a peer. Now the example of an inappropriate response to this scenario. “What did you fall asleep in class or something? Everyone else has finished and fully understood the assignment you are slowing the whole class down!” This response is extremely disrespectful and has now blown things way out of proportion and has embarrassed the poor student who was brave enough to ask you for help. Always think about some of the “golden rules,” Treat people how you want to be treated with respect and dignity. Realize that you are not the only person in the world who goes through hard times. It is ok if you don’t feel like being kind just remember not everyone knows what you are going through so if you are having a hard day be mindful of how you are treating others and always speak in a professional and kind tone.
