Part 2 – Describing Communication Patterns

Running Head: Presentation final outline 1

Importance of good communication in the family

Osondu Elekwachi

Chamberlain College of Nursing

SPCH 227: Interpersonal communication

July 2020

Elizabeth Nelson

Importance of communication within the family

General goal: To address one of the biggest problems in family settings which is the

lack of communication among family members.

Specific goal: To educate the audience on the importance of good communication within

the family and the effects of lack of communication in a family.

Thesis statement: Communication within the family is very important in every family

because it helps the family members express their feelings, concerns,

wants and needs.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction: Effective communication within the family is a very important characteristics of strong healthy families. This fact has been proven by many research papers which has identified communication as a very important factor in relationships between married couples, child - parent and siblings. Therefore, recognizing the importance of communication is the first step in developing a positive family culture. Family communication refers to the way verbal and non-verbal information is exchanged between family members and it involves the ability to pay attention to what others are thinking and feeling (Peterson, 2005). Hence, the absence of high-quality communication skills can lead to an unstable family environment. 

BODY

I. The importance of good communication within the family and means of effective communication within family members

A. Reaching family understandings because “while they may not all agree, they may begin to understand more about the reasons why members of the family do what they do or say what they say” (Hardy, 2020).

1. Sharing what each other believes among the members of the family helps to

Create family understanding.

2. Each member learns and understands what others feel is right.

3. Respecting each other and each other’s feelings helps create unity.

B. Encourages support within the family because “effective communication within a

family system helps everyone of its members through the good and bad times

(Hardy, 2020)

1. Every member of the family understands what each member needs which

makes providing support for one another possible.

2. Providing a listening ear helps and encourages others in the family

3. Discourages gossips among family members which often causes problems.

C. Increases love and creates tighter bonds among family members.

1. Effective communication creates trust among family members.

2. Encourages family members to see their family as a shelter to run to when in

trouble.

II. The family communication models or patterns which includes four communication types.

A. The Family Communication Patterns model divides families into 4 communication

types:

1. Consensual

2. Pluralistic

3. Protective

4. Laissez-fair

B. Family communication patterns theory (FCPT), which is based on the fundamental

insight that creating a shared social reality is central to family functioning.” (Fam, 2009)

1. Changes in modern families which has led to growing complexities in family structure.

2. Provides better and stronger explanation of the association between family

interactions and child adjustment in complex families.

C. Fundamental dimensions of family communication which are conversation orientation and conformity orientation. (Koerner & Fitzpatrick, 2002)

1. Conversation orientation is characterized by frequent, spontaneous, unconstrained interactions.

2. Conformity orientation is characterized by uniformity of beliefs and attitudes.

III. The roles of communication in a family and how lack of communication effects a family.

A. Effective communication within the family leads to

1. Improved relationships

2. Increased Respect

3. Less friction between family members

4. Success within the family.

B. Factors that are involved in good family communication.

1. Effective listening

2. Adjusting for situations

3. Circumstances and age.

C. Effects of lack of communication within the family could be detrimental to growth of the family.

1. Signs of lack of communication within a family.

a. Yelling

b. Holding Grudges

c. Keeping secretes

d. Bringing harm to a family member.

2. Major effects of lack of communication within a family

a. Misunderstandings

b. Missed opportunities

c. Unnecessary conflicts

d. False assumptions

CONCLUSION

Summary statement: If you want to build a more effective family, and have effective communication among your family members, there are many things that you can do in your family to become more effective communicators and in turn to improve the quality of your relationships such as communicating frequently, clear and direct and being a very good listener.

Concluding remarks: Our most precious relationships in life are those we create with members of our family. Communication is a key to successful family functioning and families that communicate in healthy ways are more capable of problem-solving and tend to be more satisfied with their relationships. Communication skills are traits that we all need to have, not only to strengthen our relationships with family members, but also strengthen our social relationships and work relationships. Successful Healthy families periodically take inventory of their strengths and weaknesses and take steps to improve their home and family environment. Is it not time your family took an inventory of how well it is doing?

VISUALS

This image shows a strong healthy and happy family which is a major characteristics of effective family communication.

This image shows encouraging support within the family

The image above shows one of the major problems in families and which leads to lack of communication which is the use of electronic gadgets.

The image above non effective communication in a family. It shows a mother and daughter conversation not going well.

The image above shows the effects of lack of communication in a family and how non communication between married couples affects their children.

References:

Fam, M. J (2009). The Effect of Family Communication Patterns on Adopted Adolescent

Adjustment. The US National Library of Medicine 70(3): 715–727.

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2008.00516.x

Hardy, M. (2020). Importance of Family Communication. Love to know. Retrieved from

https://family.lovetoknow.com/about-family-values/importance-family-

communication

Koerner, A. F. & Fitzpatrick, M. A. (2002). Understanding Family Communication Patterns and

Family Functioning ResearchGate 26(1):36-68. DOI: 10.1207/s15567419cy2601_2

Peterson, R. (2009). Families First-Keys to Successful Family Functioning: Communication.

Virginia Cooperative extension 350 / 350-092 Retrieved from

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/350/350-092/350-092.html