COMMUNICATING WITH ADOLESCENTS

Session Objectives
By the end of this session participants will be able to;
1. Define communication
2. Explain the modes of communicating with
adolescents
3. Demonstrate use of various communication modes
4. Identify barriers to effective communication.
What is communication?
 Communication is a two way process involving the
exchange of information and ideas from the sender across
a medium to a receiver.

 It is the process of sharing ideas and experiences with

other people

 Communicating with young people is a major element of

development and growth. There is need to learn how to
deal with them including ourselves.
 Therefore, need for better communication skills
Definition cont.
A form of interaction which is planned and
undertaken for purposes of causing a behavioral
response.
MODES OF COMMUNICATION
 Face to face
 Discussions e.g. FGD, Presentation
 Use of Radios
 Use of TVs
 Posters
 Billboards
 News papers
 Internet
Modes of Comm. Continues
 Use of Churches/ Mosques
 Sign Language
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
 Verbal communication

 Non-Verbal communication
Why communicate with young people
Improve understanding and knowledge.
Build a sense of trust.
Build strength (self efficacy for change).
Create sense of responsibility.
Remold values and attitudes.
Develop a sense of belonging.
Strengthen capacity to cope with emotions and
difficult situations.
Factors that influence effective
Communication
Focus on specific behavior.
Know the audience well enough.
Segment your audience.
Involve the audience in communication efforts.
Recognize the achievements made how ever small
they may be.
Be patient.
Communicate the benefit of change.
Trust and show your audience that they can change.
Continuation
Reward every level of efforts made by the audience to
change.
Be available and supportive.
Link the audience to the support required to effect the
change.
Institute a social support mechanism or network.
Be an active listener.
Provide an opportunity for your audience to be key
decision makers.
Barriers to Effective Communication.
Judgmental attitude.
Mistrust.
Limited involvement of the audience.
Inadequate understanding of the audience.
Negative criticism.
Absence of recognition/reward system.
Absence of the role modeling opportunities.
Skills of Communication with Young People
Create trust.
Communicate as early as possible.
Honestly respond to questions from young people.
Always start from points of biggest interest to them.
Be open minded.
When ever possible use life experiences rather than
using future risks.
Be interested in them and what they do.
Barriers in communication
Language
Lack of confidence
Poor attitude
Lack of sufficient information
Poor listening
Lack of creation of rapport (discussion)
Environment
Role play
A 16 year old girl comes to your facility for a pregnancy
test which turns to be Positive, Tell her to inform her
partner, parents about the results and coming back for
ANC
REMEMBER THAT:
“Adolescents may not remember exactly what you
did…..
or what you said,
….but they will always remember
…..how you made them feel.”
THANKS FOR LISTENING