Effective Communication: Connecting with Others

Good communication is essential for successful relationships. In this lesson, moms will learn useful words and grammar tips to improve their communication skills, focusing on expressing feelings and listening actively.

Do you find it easy to communicate your feelings? Many people struggle with expressing themselves clearly, especially in stressful situations. Effective communication is about both speaking and listening. When we talk, it’s important to express our feelings in a way that others can understand. It’s also vital to listen actively—this means not just hearing the words but understanding the meaning behind them. If someone is upset, ask open-ended questions like, “How do you feel?” or “Can you tell me more?” Good communication builds trust and understanding. Have you ever had a difficult conversation that turned out well because of effective communication?

Vocabulary List

  • Express [ɪkˈsprɛs] (verb) – To show or communicate something.
    • Example: “I express my feelings through writing.”
  • Active Listening [ˈæktɪv ˈlɪsənɪŋ] (noun) – Fully concentrating on what the other person is saying.
    • Example: “Active listening helps build better relationships.”
  • Trust [trʌst] (noun) – Believing in someone or something.
    • Example: “Trust is important in any relationship.”
  • Open-ended Questions [ˈoʊpən ˈɛndɪd ˈkwɛsʧənz] (noun) – Questions that require more than a simple “yes” or “no” answer.
    • Example: “Open-ended questions help people share their thoughts.”

Grammar Tips: Using ‘Would’ for Polite Requests

  • Would is used for polite requests or offers.
    • Example: “Would you like to share how you feel?”
    • Negative: “Wouldn’t you like to talk about it?”

Practice: Write a sentence using “would” to ask a polite question about someone’s feelings or thoughts.

PRACTICE

Part 1: Fill in the Blanks (Vocabulary Practice)

Complete the sentences using the correct word or phrase from the vocabulary list: express, active listening, trust, open-ended questions.

  1. Good communication helps people build ______ in each other.

  2. I always try to ______ my emotions clearly when I’m upset.

  3. ________ is more than just hearing; it’s about really understanding.

  4. When someone is sad, asking __________ can help them open up.

Part 2: Choose the Correct Answer (Grammar – Using “Would” for Polite Requests)

Choose the best sentence.

  1. Which is a polite question using “would”?
    a) Would you like to share how you feel?
    b) You would tell me how you feel?
    c) Share your feelings, would?

  2. Which is a polite negative question?
    a) Would you like don’t to talk about it?
    b) Wouldn’t you like to talk about it?
    c) You wouldn’t like talk about it?

Part 3: Your Turn (Practice Writing)

Write one sentence using “would” to politely ask someone about their feelings.
Example: “Would you like to talk about what happened at school today?”

✍️ Your sentence: ____________________________________________

Part 1 (Vocabulary Practice):

  • express

  • active listening

  • trust

  • open-ended questions

Part 2 (Grammar – Polite Requests with “Would”):

  • a) Would you like to talk about how you’re feeling?

  • b) Wouldn’t you agree that listening is important?

  • c) Would you be comfortable sharing your thoughts?

Part 3 (Your Turn – Example Sentences):

  • Would you like to share more?

  • Would it help if I listened?

  • Would you feel better if we talked?

Heart Divider
♥