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JBSA News
NEWS | March 14, 2013

A&FRC offers course to improve communication skills

By Alex Salinas Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

The Airman and Family Readiness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph is offering a class to active-duty members, Department of Defense employees and retirees to help improve communication skills with co-workers, family members and friends 3-4 p.m. March 21 at building 693.

The course, called the "Three C's of Communication," highlights social tools needed to combat stress stemming from ineffective communication, Criselda Smith, 902nd Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, said.

Considering the current military climate of dwindling resources that may also cause high stress, many individuals are prone to damage relationships at work and at home if they aren't careful, Smith said.

The three "C's," which are "commit," "collaborate" and "communicate," are designed for attendees to attain effective communication holistically rather than step-by-step.

"Much of what we teach focuses on general awareness and picking up verbal and non-verbal cues from other people," Smith said. "After paying attention to them, we can better learn their needs and then negotiate our own personal style so that both parties benefit."

Licensed military and family life counselors will present information encouraging people to commit to their original intended messages, collaborate with others to achieve a common goal and become aware of the rules of communication for many situations, including how to properly agree, disagree and control the voice.

While information during the course is presented via PowerPoint, "it offers unique perspectives from both the experts and the audience," Smith said. "Everyone may have something different to share with the class."

Ray Ramos, 902nd FSS community readiness consultant, said the class is also a form of "stress reliever" because it helps equip people with necessary life skills.

For more information or to sign up, call the A&FRC at 652-5321.