Communication Techniques

Communication is an essential element of meeting individual care and support needs. Successful communication helps develop trusting relationships, promotes understanding and helps to overcome challenges.
Verbal communication is the use of spoken or written words to express yourself. This can be spoken conversation, written letters, emails or texts, sign language, and so forth.
Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, tone and pitch of voice. It also involves the use of symbols, signs, or pictures.
Active listening involves not only hearing the words that the person is communicating but also understanding the complete message being delivered. It’s a critical skill in care settings to ensure you accurately understand the individual’s needs.
Use of simple and clear language can be important to avoid creating misunderstandings or confusion. Health and social care professionals often require a patient-centred approach that uses plain language to ensure everyone can understand.
Assistive communication devices can be used to support communication, especially for those who may have difficulty speaking or hearing. These include hearing aids, amplified phones, speech-generating devices, and so forth.
Written communication is often used in health and social care. This could be in the form of patient notes, care plans, emails, and letters. It is essential to maintain confidentiality when using written communication.
Visual aids can be beneficial for explaining complex medical procedures or briefly illustrating a care plan. They can enable an individual to understand their care and support needs better.
Professional behaviour in communication means being respectful, empathetic, and patient; avoiding jargon and technical language; acknowledging the individual’s feelings and concerns, and maintaining confidentiality.
It’s vital to check understanding after communicating complex or important information. This can be done by asking the individual to repeat back what was said in their own words, often referred to as ‘teach-back’ method.
It’s also key to consider cultural differences in communication. People from various cultural backgrounds may have different non-verbal cues, different norms for eye contact or touch, or have different ways of expressing their emotions.
Effective communication often involves a two-step process: delivering a clear message, and ensuring that the recipient has understood the message accurately. This way, misunderstandings can be minimized and the care and support provided can be more effective.