Social Communication

  • Definition of Social Communication
    Social Communication involves using language for a variety of purposes, changing language according to the needs of the speaker or listener and interpreting or adapting to the social context - while following rules for conversation.
     
    Using Language for a variety of purposes
    • greeting (hello, goodbye)
    • informing (I'm going to get a cookie)
    • demanding (Give me a cookie!)
    • promising (I'm going to get you a cookie)
    • requesting (I would like a cookie, please)
     
    Changing Language According to the Needs of the Speaker, Listener or Context
    • talking differently to a young child than to an adult
    • giving background information to an unfamiliar listener
    • speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground
     
    Following Rules for Conversation and Storytelling
    • taking turns in conversation
    • introducing topics of conversation 
    • staying on topic
    • rephrasing when misunderstood
    • using verbal and nonverbal signals
    • understanding how close to stand to someone when speaking
    • using facial expressions and eye contact
     
    Note: These rules may vary across cultures or within cultures. It is important for students to learn to understand the conversation rules/expectations of their conversation partner.
     
    Social Communication Rubric - generated by the WLWV SLP team