[phone ringtone]

Telephone Operator: Certainly, please hold and I'll put you through.

[modem tones connecting a computer to the internet]

[radio static – surfing radio stations]

[Music]

Abby: Communication means exchanging messages. A lot of people send messages by talking, writing a letter, or writing a text message. You can even send a message by using your body.

Abby: Sending messages can be a lot of fun, but sending messages only gets half the job done. The other half is receiving the message, which means paying close attention while listening and really focusing when reading someone else's message.

Abby: Just think of all the different kinds of communication there are. Some people who are deaf or hard of hearing use sign language as one way to communicate. And some people who are blind or have a hard time seeing use Braille. People who have a hard time talking might use a computer to speak for them.

Computerized voice: I want to do it again.

Abby: Colors can also be used to communicate. The red dot on this faucet tells me if I turn the water on this way, it'll be hot, but if I go towards the blue dot, it'll be cold.

Abby: Drivers know that when they see a green light, it's their turn to go, but a yellow light means to slow down, and a red light means to stop.

Abby: This map tells me I'm headed in the right direction. And it's a good thing I was paying attention because I almost missed my turn.

Abby: It can be fun to tell each other about ourselves, to tell our stories and to tell jokes, but it's no fun if no one is paying attention. And receiving a message exactly as the sender intended can be tricky.

Abby: It can be helpful if you try using different words or different ways of communicating. Be patient and kind and keep trying because when you really understand someone and they really understand you, you might discover a very important message.

[Text on the Screen: You are my Friend!!]