MMI notes

Question 1

Discussion around a newspaper article

Answer 1

• consider the issues from all possible angles i.e. the various protagonists involved but also the impact on society
• do not confine yourself to discussing the ethical side of it, but also the feelings of the different people involved
• need to know the ethical principles (autonomy, non maleficence, beneficence, justice and confidentiality)

Question 2

Communication role play

Answer 2

• listen
• show empathy
• explain ideas in a way that your audience understands
• communicate effectively and sensitively
• build trust
• accept feedback constructivley

Question 3

counselling role play

Answer 3

someone has something to tell you therefore you need to :

• make sure the setting is right
• let them talk and express their feelings, resist the temptation to interrupt and ask questions
• show that you are listening
• ask open questions and get them to keep talking
• avoid offering your own judgement or opinions in a manner where it is too direct - do not be too confrontational
• think about : physical, financial, social and psychological effects
• try to finish the conversation on a positive note
• “is there anything that you would like me to do ?”

Question 4

dealing with an angry person

Answer 4

i see you are really angry about this

im sorry that you feel so annoyed about this if there is anything that i can do please let me know

don’t be too confrontational either and be calm when speaking to them

Question 5

dealing with an emotional person

Answer 5

give the person time to digest their feelings and listen carefully, lend a sympathetic ear

stay silent for a while and if they are crying hand them an imaginary tissue

Question 6

breaking bad news role play

Answer 6

breaking the news

• make sure the setting is right and that everyone is comfortable before breaking the news
• be honest about the situation - go for the truth - integrity and honesty are very important - if you lie then the interviewers won’t like it
• give the person time to take in the news
• emphasise how sorry you are and ask if there is anything that you can do to help
• provide the individual support

Question 7

Explaining a concept role play

Answer 7

Check who the audience is and explain it in a way in which that person will understand

Break down your explanations into simple clear steps, try to make analogies with objects or places the person might know

Check that the person understands what you are saying

Ask the person if they have any questions

If they don’t get it, explain it in a different way that the person may understand easier