Introduction to Communication

Introduction to Communication

• Communication is the act of transferring information from one place, person, or group to another
• It involves a sender, a message, and a recipient
• Communication is complex, influenced by emotions, culture, medium, and location
• Effective communication is highly desirable, but achieving it is challenging

Communication Definition

• The transfer or exchange of thoughts, information, ideas, and feelings through speech, writing, or signals
• Involves at least two people

Interesting Information about Communication

• The average employee spends 45% of communication time listening, 30% speaking, 16% reading, and 9% writing

Principles of Good Communication

• Effective communication occurs when the listener fully understands the speaker's intended message
• The speaker must deliver the message clearly
• An active listener is crucial

Benefits of Effective Communication

• Quicker problem-solving
• Better decision-making
• Smooth workflow
• Strong business relationships
• Enhanced professional image

The 7 C's of Communication

• Completeness
• Conciseness
• Consideration
• Concreteness
• Clarity
• Courtesy
• Correctness

Completeness

• Communication must be complete, conveying all necessary facts to the audience
• The sender should consider the receiver's mindset
• Avoid missing crucial information
• Provide additional information where needed
• Leave no unanswered questions
• Use the 5 Ws and 1 H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How)

Conciseness

• Communicating efficiently with minimal words
• Focus on the central message
• Avoid unnecessary words
• Ensure the message is easily understandable and appealing to the audience
• Avoid repetition

Consideration

• Understanding and acknowledging the audience's background, mindset, and perspective
• Respect and empathy for the audience's emotions and concerns
• Presenting the message to suit the audience's perspective
• Show optimism and empathetic engagement to foster a positive reaction

Concreteness

• Avoid vague/general language; instead, provide specific details and illustrations
• Use clear and precise language
• Back up claims with data/facts (where available)
• Enhances the reliability of the message

Clarity

• Emphasize one specific message at a time instead of trying to convey multiple things simultaneously
• Ensure easily understood messages
• Enhances the meaning and understanding

Courtesy

• Demonstrate respect and politeness in communication
• Show sincere consideration for the receiver
• Emphasize taking the listener's feelings into consideration
• Maintain a positive and focused approach directed at the audience

Correctness

• Accuracy in the message, ensuring correctness, timeliness, and accuracy in facts and figures
• Selecting suitable language levels (formal or informal)
• Correct grammar, facts, figures, and words
• Utilizing communication principles in writing

Types of Communication

• One-way communication
• Two-way communication
• Verbal communication
• Nonverbal communication
• Formal communication
• Informal communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Intrapersonal communication

One-way Communication

• Characterized by the absence of feedback from the receiver

Two-way Communication

• Involves active feedback from the receiver to ensure that the message is understood as intended

Verbal Communication

• Utilizes symbols with generally understood meanings
• Two forms: Oral and Written

Nonverbal Communication

• Transmission of meaning without using spoken/written words
• Includes kinesics, facial expressions, gestures, postural aspects and paralanguage

Formal Communication

• Structured on the basis of hierarchy, authority, and accountability
• Includes upward, downward, and horizontal communication channels

Informal Communication

• Relatively unstructured
• Spontaneous communication arising from daily routines and interactions

Interpersonal Communication

• Communication between two or more people
• An essential element of organizations

Intrapersonal Communication

• Internal dialogue that takes place within an individual's mind
• Can be clear or confusing based on mental state

Communication Process

• Steps: Encoding, Transmission, Decoding
• Components: Sender, Message Channel, Receiver, Feedback, Environment, Referent

Elements and Process of Communication

• The situation, sender, receiver, message, and purpose of the message
• The process involves encoding, transmission, and decoding

Factors Affecting Communication

• Status/Role
• Cultural differences
• Choice of communication channels
• Length of communication
• Use of language
• Disabilities
• Known or unknown receiver
• Individual perceptions
• Atmosphere/noise
• Clarity of message
• Lack of feedback

Techniques of Communication

• Observing, listening, restating, validating, reflecting, providing information, clarifying, paraphrasing, and pinpointing.
• Focusing and summarizing

Barriers to Communication

• Physiological barriers (memory problems, attention issues, illness, sensory issues, hearing or listening problems, information overload)
• Environmental barriers (noisy or distracting environments, poor lighting, discomfort, bad odour, distance)
• Psychological barriers (misunderstandings, distrust, unhappy emotions, emotional disturbances)
• Social barriers (social norms, values, behavior, social taboos, social strata differences)
• Cultural barriers (ethnics, religious, or cultural differences, cultural values or traditions)
• Semantic barriers (language barriers, language translation errors, varied perceptions or responses in expression and understandings, prior experiences of communication failure)
• Process-related barriers (inappropriate channels, unclear or conflicting messages, repetitive, stereotypical approaches, lack/poor feedback)

Culture and Communication

• Cultural background plays a significant role in communication
• Factors like region/country of origin, religious beliefs, race, gender, age, significantly influence communication styles

Midwife-Client Interaction

• A helping relationship based on trust and respect
• Nurturing faith, hope, sensitivity towards self and others
• Assisting with patient's physical, emotional, spiritual needs
• Effective communication is crucial to fostering a harmonious relationship, healing, and achieving wellness.

Tips for Effective Communication

• Introduce yourself & use the patient's name
• Ensure patient privacy
• Actively listen and restate concerns
• Maintain eye contact; speak calmly/slowly
• Be aware of and respect professional boundaries
• Focus on patient care; strive for harmony/healing
• Respect cultural boundaries