Improving Communication Skills

Important Points to Improve Communication Skills

Confidence, enthusiasm (zeal), clear objective/aim, self-prepared script, subject matter are imperative to effective communication.
A clear voice, logical presentation, and effective start & end are crucial elements in effective communication.
Considering the audience, their level of education, emotional receptivity, cultural background, and psychological needs is essential.
Utilizing stories, keeping the message simple, and focusing on body language and appearance enhance audience engagement.
Projecting your voice, using clear articulation, controlling pitch and rate of speech, and maintaining eye contact make the message more impactful.

Types of Communication

Speaking, writing, listening, reading, and nonverbal communication are essential forms of communication.
"If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be no help," said John Fitzgerald Kennedy, highlighting the power of communication.

The Importance of Communication in Nursing

Nurses require excellent interviewing skills to accurately identify patient problems.
Attending to patients as individuals, not just symptoms, emphasizes the importance of psychosocial factors and therefore strong communication skills.

Elements of Communication Skills

Sender: The person initiating the message.
Encoding: Converting thoughts into a message.
Message: The content being conveyed.
Channel: The medium used for transmission (e.g., verbal, nonverbal)
Receiver: The person receiving the message.
Decoding: Interpreting the message.
Environment: The context surrounding communication.
Interference: Any factor disrupting the message (e.g., noise, distractions).
Context: The situation or setting of the communication.
Verbal communication represents 7% of the message meaning.
Nonverbal communication represents 93% of the message meaning.
This includes 38% of the message conveyed by tone of voice and 55% by physical gestures and eye language.

Characteristics of Successful Communication

Feedback: Ensuring understanding through two-way communication.
Appropriateness: Adapting communication style to the audience and situation.
Efficiency: Delivering the message clearly and concisely.
Flexibility: Adapting communication based on feedback and changing circumstances.

To Improve Nurse Communication Skills

Listening: Actively paying attention to the patient's concerns and needs.
Conciseness: Delivering information in a clear and concise manner.
Body Language: Using positive body language and gestures to build trust.
Confidence: Projecting confidence to build rapport with the patient.
Open-mindedness: Approaching communication with an open mind and a willingness to understand different perspectives.

Principles of Communication

Accept people as they are: Respect individuality and embrace differences.
Each person selects the best thing in certain circumstances: Recognize that choices are made within context.
Each behavior is a product of good intention: Approach communication with a positive intention; assume the best.
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."- Peter Drucker: Pay attention to nonverbal cues and unspoken emotions.

10 Simple Rules for an Effective Presentation

Know your audience: Understand their background and needs.
Stories: Use narratives to illustrate points, engage emotions, and make the message memorable.
Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS): Focus on clear and concise communication.
Body Language & Appearance: Project confidence and approachability through posture and attire.
Connect, Listen, Mirror, Identify, Respect, Rapport, Relate, Explain, Build: Establish connection and rapport.
Projection, Articulation, Pitch, Rate: Optimize vocal delivery for clarity and impact.
Be sincere: Authenticity and passion resonate with the audience.
Avoid distracting visuals, verbals, and vocals. Maintain focus on the message.
Make eye contact. Connect with individual audience members.
Be prepared: Practice and rehearse thoroughly for a confident delivery.

ERS Principle

Explain it: Clearly present information.
Reinforce it (tell a story): Use a compelling example to solidify understanding.
Summarise it: Conclude with key takeaways.

Types of Communication:

Verbal Communication: Spoken or written language.
Nonverbal Communication: Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

Body Language - Closed Body Position

Body Language (gestures, postures, movements, and body positions) is a nonverbal form of communication.
Accepting body: Open and welcoming.
Facial Expression: Reflecting emotions and conveying sincerity.
Vocal Cues: Tone of voice, volume, and pace conveying information.
Eye Contact: Maintaining connection and engagement.
Touch: Used appropriately and with sensitivity.

Factors of Effective Communication

The use of language: Choosing clear and appropriate words.
Emotional barriers: Managing personal emotions and respecting those of others.
Lack of attention: Maintaining focus and active listening.
Physical disabilities: Adapting communication to address any physical limitations.

Barriers to Communication:

Semantic barriers: Misinterpretation of language or symbols.
Emotional or Psychological barriers: Personal biases, stress, or emotional states.
Organization barriers: Policies, rules, and procedures hindering communication.
Personal barriers: Individual differences, lack of trust, or poor listening skills.
Barriers in subordinate: Fear of speaking up, lack of knowledge or experience.
Barriers in communication: Obstacles affecting the clarity and effectiveness of the message.
Recognizing barriers is the first step to improving communication style.

Semantic Barriers:

Symbols with different meaning: Cultural or professional misunderstandings.
Badly expressed message: Ambiguity, vagueness, or lack of clarity.
Faulty translation: Inaccurate interpretation across languages.
Unclarified assumptions: Assumptions left unstated can lead to confusion.
Specialized language: Technical jargon that may be unfamiliar to the audience.

Emotional or Psychological Barriers:

Premature evaluation: Jumping to conclusions without listening carefully.
Inattention: Distracted listening or lack of engagement.
Loss of transmission & poor retention: Information getting lost or forgotten.
Undue reliance on written word: Written communication can lack nuances.
Distrust of communication: Lack of trust in the source or message.
Failure to communicate: Avoiding communication or withholding information.

Organizational Barriers:

Organizational policy: Policies that may hinder communication flow.
Organization rules & regulations: Complex rules that may obstruct communication.
Complexity in the organization: Large, multi-layered organizations can have communication challenges.

Personal Barriers:

Barriers in Superior:
- Attitude of superior: Arrogance or dismissiveness.
- Fear of challenge of authority: Hesitancy to express disagreement.
- Lack of time: Limited time for effective communication.
- Lack of awareness: Failure to recognize communication gaps.
Barriers in Subordinate:
- Unwillingness to communicate: Fear of reprisal or lack of initiative.
- Lack of proper incentive: Insufficient motivation to share ideas.

Communication Involves Three Components:

Verbal message: The words we choose.
Para-verbal message: How we say the words (tone, volume, speed).
Non-verbal message: Our body language (posture, gestures).

Nonverbal Communication:

Nonverbal message is the primary way to communicate emotion.
Facial expression: Expressing a wide range of emotions.
Posture & gesture: Reflecting confidence, interest, or disinterest.

Tips to Improve Communication Skills

Maintain eye contact with audience: Show engagement and respect.
Body awareness: Be mindful of nonverbal cues and how they are perceived.
Gesture and expression: Use appropriate gestures and expressions to reinforce your message.
Convey one's thought: Express ideas clearly and concisely.
Practice effective communication skills: Regularly practice to improve.
Becoming a better listener: Actively listen to the sender, ensuring understanding. The sender's voice is heard; their ideas are repeated back to them for clarity.