ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of some key aspects of communication. It defines some of the key factors that underpin the context of communication and some of the problems inherent in how one interact with young people. The chapter focuses on overarching strategy that can aid good and purposeful communication with young people and concludes by offering good practice approaches to two key communication skills: listening and asking questions. It examines good communication with young people enables one to understand young people's feelings, attitudes and behaviours through their perspective and in the context of their own experiences. A command of language combined with confidence in verbal and non-verbal communication can be a powerful tool in forming networks and building relationships. Language is the means through which most communication happens and is therefore the 'indicator' of power. The time and commitment to develop communication as a skill to be practised, refined and reviewed throughout one work with young people.
