Teen Communication Skills Workbook

Interpersonal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages with another person. It sounds easy, but it is not. For teens, communicating effectively can be a very difficult process. The reason is that successful communication involves a very complex set of skills, as complex as those necessary for driving a car or reading a map. Part of the reason for this complexity is that messages can be communicated and received in a variety of ways, i.e. listening, speaking, signing, touch, eye contact. Teens need adequate communication skills in order to survive and thrive in our challenging society. Effective communication skills are critical in many walks of life including:

• Developing and maintaining friendships
• Participating in the community
• Doing well in school
• Functioning successfully in a group or family
• Maintaining and succeeding on a job
• Relating well with siblings
• Maintaining close relationships
  

Teens these days do not have adequate practice at communicating with others because of the use of texting, social networking, email and instant messaging. Teens rely on impersonal communication means and often lack the skills to engage in face-to-face communication. They may also lack an ability to read verbal and non-verbal cues and to understand tone. The better the communication skills, the more prepared and successful teens will be. The good news is that communication skills can be taught, learned and improved through practice 

This workbook is part of the Teen Mental Health & Life Skills Series