Communication

Not all communication comes in the form of words. Your facial expressions and body language help to communicate your thoughts and feelings. Non-verbal communication is how we share our thoughts and feelings without speaking, through our facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and posture.

 

Have you ever smiled at someone when they were nervous in front of a crowd? Have you ever glared at someone when you were mad at them? Have you ever crossed your arms over your chest when you were told that you HAD to do your chores? All of these are examples of non-verbal communication.

 

Read the following scenario:

 

Camille and Stephanie are good friends. They have sleepovers and hang out together at recess every day. Over the summer, Camille’s cousin Breanne from Los Angeles moved into Camille’s family’s home. Since the school year started, Camille and her cousin have been hanging out at recess together every day, and Stephanie has not been invited to any sleepovers. One day at recess, Stephanie walks over to Camille and Breanne to say hi, and the two girls run away from her. The next day at recess, Stephanie walks over to try to say hi again and hang out with her best friend. This time, instead of running away, Camille and Breanne look at each other, cross their arms, and give Stephanie the silent treatment.

 

State of South Carolina Department of Education Comprehensive Health Education Instructional Units and Resources for Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Standards and Performance Indicators, p. 84

 

In this scenario, Camille and Breanne didn’t say anything to Stephanie, but she has a pretty good idea that they don’t want to hang out with her based on their actions.