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Communication
An effective communicator: »
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Listens |
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Speaks
clearly so that others will understand |
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Confirms
understanding and asks others to do the same |
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Does
not use jargon |
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Asks
for questions and encourages others to speak
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Is
patient
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Presents
information in small amounts
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Does
not overwhelm others.
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Think about how people communicate in your hospital:
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What
works and what does not work? |
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How
could you do more of what works and less of what does not? |
Listening
Listening is a culturally based activity and skill. In some
situations, eye contact is appropriate and avoiding eye contact
can be seen to be evasive whereas, in others, eye contact is
seen as being very aggressive and diverting one’s eyes
is a sign of respect. No matter what the cultural norms, effective
listening is active, not passive. Active listeners are attentive
– they communicate interest and concern with their words
and body language. Effective listeners summarize what they have
heard and how they understand what has been said. This allows
for clarification and early correction of misunderstandings.
Everyone likes to be heard and listening is a way of showing
respect and concern.
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