Communication Skills Flashcards
What is communication?
Communication is the sharing of information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
It involves not just spoken words but also non-verbal cues.
What are the three components of communication?
The three components of communication are:
* Sender
* Message
* Receiver
Effective communication requires a common understanding of the message.
What are common barriers to effective communication?
Common barriers include:
* Faint or inaudible messages
* Unfamiliar language or accents
* Background noise or distraction
* Human characteristics like impatience
These barriers can hinder the clarity of the message.
True or False: Effective communication can only occur when the sender and receiver share the same perception of the message.
True
Individualistic perceptions can influence both sending and receiving messages.
What is the purpose of communication?
The purpose of communication is to effect a change in the recipient’s knowledge, attitude, and behaviour.
The value of communication is judged by its effect on the recipient.
What are the characteristics of successful communication?
- Communication must match the knowledge, background, interests, and needs of the recipient
- Words must have the same meaning to the sender and recipient
- If communication is to change behaviour, the required change must be perceived as having more advantages than drawbacks.
- to make sure communication has succeeded, information about its effect (immediate and subsequent) is needed—feedback.
Good communication is assessed by its impact rather than just its content.
Fill in the blank: The quality of communication depends more on _______ than on duration.
interaction
Effective communication requires engagement rather than just time spent.
What role does empathy play in effective communication?
Empathy helps establish a connection and understanding during conversations with patients.
Reflecting back on a patient’s emotions can enhance communication.
What are the vocal qualities important in communication?
Key vocal qualities include:
* Pitch
* Range
* Tone
* Clarity
* Tempo
Pharmacists should maintain a conversational rate of speech.
Define open questions.
Open questions are broad and allow for detailed responses. They cannot be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Starting with words like ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘how’, ‘what’, and ‘tell me about’ is preferred
They cannot be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
What are leading questions?
Leading questions suggest an answer or imply judgments, often forcing patients into defensive postures.
Example: ‘Does the medicine make you drowsy?’
What is the difference between listening and hearing?
Listening requires focus and involves interpreting both verbal and non-verbal messages, whereas hearing is merely perceiving sounds.
Adults spend about 45% of their communication time listening.
What are common mistakes healthcare practitioners make in communication?
Common mistakes include:
* Failing to greet patients, say who you are and why you’re with them
*Failing to find out patient’s worries and concerns
* Avoiding information that is personal
* Accepting vague information and not probing for specifics
* Not encouraging questions
* Using too many closed questions
* Drawing conclusions too soon
* Not understanding patient’s viewpoint
* Failing to provide appropriate information
* Poor reassurance
These mistakes can lead to misunderstandings and patient dissatisfaction.
What are some quick tips for effective presentations?
Tips include:
* Talk naturally
* Make eye contact
* Use visual aids where appropriate
* Rehearse your presentation and time yourself
* Vary the tone, pitch, and volume of your voice
*Stand or move around but don’t pace
* Stay focused on the topic throughout
* Channel any nervous energy into the presentation
* Prepare and structure your presentation carefully
*Answer any questions honestly and concisely
Effective presentations require careful preparation and engagement.
What are the key elements of a presentation?
Key elements include:
* Context
* Presenter
* Audience
* Message
* Reaction
* Method
* Impediments
Understanding these elements can enhance presentation effectiveness.
Fill in the blank: Preparation is the most important part of making a _______.
presentation
Careful preparation lays the foundation for success.
What should be considered in the elements of preparation?
Considerations include:
* Objective
* Subject
* Audience
* Place
* Time of day
* Length of talk
Each element impacts the overall effectiveness of the presentation.
