Effective Communication Skills - Essay Example

? Effective Communication Skills Communication is a crucial component in nursing practice. This is because nursing is a communicative intervention that is rooted on effective communication. In nursing practice, it is crucial to create a good relationship between a nurse, the patient and the other members of the health team (Balzer, 2007). Effective communication skills are thus necessary to provide effective services in health care. Paul Leagans defines communication as the process by which two or more people exchange facts, ideas, impressions and feelings so that each person gains understanding of use, intent and meaning of the message (Schuster, 1999). Communication includes verbal as well as non-verbal exchange of information. It is necessary to practice effective communication skills in nursing so as to understand, empathize and support patients (Carrol and Dolly, 2008). This paper will elaborate on two elements of effective communication and the skills pertinent to these elements. It is crucial to develop effective communication skills so as to overcome the various barriers to communication. In nursing practice, barriers to communication include physiological, personal, cultural, psychological and physical barriers. Physiological barriers, for example, altered mental state may interfere with the patient’s ability to interpret information. The nurse’s attitude, knowledge and feeling towards a patient may also impede communication. Physical barriers include noise, distance and other environmental factors that may impede communication (Schuster, 1999). The elements of effective communication include the sender, message, channel of communication, receiver and feedback (Schuster, 1999). The sender (source) formulates programs and broadcasts the information, which they want to communicate. The effect of the message is dependent on the sender’s attitude, knowledge, social status and communication skills. The message is the information in physical form conveyed to the audience. The channel of communication is the media used by the source in facilitating communication to the receiver. The receiver decodes, translates the meaning and acts upon the information received. Feedback is the reaction to the information conveyed by the sender. This paper will focus on the message and the channel and the skills therein. There are various forms of message. They include words, signs, symbols and pictures. It comprises of message code, content and treatment (Schuster, 1999). Message code defines any form of signs and symbols that are structured in a meaningful format to the same people. This includes the use of language to convey information. Message content defines the material that is in the message. This is selected by the sender in putting across his information. On the other hand, message treatment shows the decisions which the source undertakes to select and arrange the codes and content. The message communicates the sender’s feelings, intentions and attitudes towards the audience (Balzer, 2007). In nursing practice, information is conveyed from one person to another within a short time. Effective communication skills are necessary to avoid errors in vital information, for example, treatment of a patient (Balzer, 2007). In effective communication, a message should elicit the desired action from the audience. It must be clear, timely, specific and in line with the intended objectives. This means that the nurse should ensure that the message is brief, accurate and meets the objectives of its purpose. In addition, the message should be conveyed in a language that the audience can understand. The use of complex vocabulary to explain the patient’s disease and treatment will interfere on the patient’s ability to understand as well as accept their condition. Nursing practice also involves gathering information about the patient, symptoms and their effects to the patient. The use of a common language will enhance understanding between the patient and the nurse (Christie and Robinson, 2009). Nursing practice involves the interaction between the nurse and patients of different cultures, age and race. Therefore, the message must be fitting for the audience in order to facilitate the flow of information. In addition, the message should be socially and culturally appropriate so as to impact the desired response from the receiver. While delivering services to the elderly, the nurse must show respect unlike when handling children where they are expected to be playful (Barbara, 2008). This means that effective communication skills should change to suit a situation. The other vital element of communication is the channel. Channel refers to the media of communication. It is the physical bridge between the sender and the receiver. Channels can be interpersonal; face to face communication or they can involve the media. This section on channels will focus on the interpersonal (face to face communication). This may be verbal or non-verbal. The proper use of channels ensures a successful communication. In the verbal channel, the voice is the medium used in communication. The way a nurse says their words is imperative in ensuring effective communication (Lucy, 2011). Vocal element refers to how one says their words. The vocal elements comprise rate of one’s words, volume, tone and voice inflections. This can add meaning and interest to your message. Employing appropriate vocal elements based on the nurse’s purpose make words more powerful and appealing. This makes it easier for the patient and other listeners to pay attention (Christie and Robinson, 2009). There are several skills that can be adopted for effective, vocal elements. One of this is changing the speed of your voice. People who speak at the same pace are often assumed to be dull and ineffective communicators. Varying the rate of your spoken words makes the message to be more interesting. Furthermore, the rate at which a nurse articulates words signals how the listener or the patient should interpret those words. One should strive to use an enthusiastic tone and speak quickly so as to excite your listeners. However, speaking slowly is necessary when the nurse needs the listener to absorb the words. The relevance of this is when counselling a patient. In this case, you need the patient to absorb the words and anticipate ideas during the communication process (Lucy, 2011). One should also shift the pitch of their voice for successful communication. Voice pitch can be defined as the frequency of speech. High and low pitches have their uses. However, the extremes of both should be avoided (Christie and Robinson, 2009). Raising the pitch of one’s voice indicates a question or uncertainty. However, lowering the pitch gives one a more influential and authoritative character. This is imperative in the counselling setup. One should also control the volume of their voice. The volume affects the listener’s ability to hear and comprehend what one is saying. One should speak loud enough for the listener to hear, but not to the extent that it disturbs and annoys your listener. Speaking softly makes hearing difficult. It also communicates submissiveness and timidity. Varying the volume adds character to the speaker’s words. Therefore, one should raise their voice when emphasizing a point. The speaker should lower the voice when dramatizing ideas. This is so as to allow the listener to concentrate on the message (Nykolyn, 2010). Another skill in verbal channel of communication is punctuating with pauses. Effective speakers occasionally pause so as to break up information flow. This gives time for the listener to process and comprehend what one has said. The best time to pause is after making an important point or concluding an idea. Pauses can also be used to create anticipation in the listener. Articulating clearly is also of utmost importance. One should clearly enunciate each word, phrase and sentence so as to improve the patient’s understanding. One can improve their pronunciation via conscious practice. Speaking clearly illustrates confidence, competence and intelligence. This can be crucial when giving prescription instructions, advising on dietary and lifestyle modification among other scenarios (Christie and Robinson, 2009). Apart from the words and tone, there are several key nonverbal cues which add to the success of the communication process. Nonverbal signal and body language add meaning to what a nurse wants to communicate. Nonverbal language entails eye contact and movement, hand and arm gestures, the position of your body, facial expressions and the overall appearance (Schuster, 1999). There are a few skills one can employ in enhancing nonverbal communication and body language. The first is maintaining eye contact. The movements of the eye help regulate the flow of information. The eyes can show understanding, interest, happiness, anxiety, confusion and fear. One should make eye contact so as to establish credibility. It also shows that one is engaged to the patient or listener. Patients will trust a nurse who looks at them directly while speaking. One should also strive to present pleasant facial expressions. One’s smile is a potent cue that transmits happiness, friendliness, acceptance and warmth. Smiling frequently while talking to a patient will evoke a positive reaction to your message. The patient is more likely to remember your advice (Fulkner, 1998). It is crucial for one to gesture appropriately. Effective communication entails the use of appropriate physical gestures so as to emphasize a point. Gestures animate and enliven what one is saying. The importance of this can be exemplified when conducting a group session or a presentation. Gestures help the nurse to project sincerity and enthusiasm. Maintaining an upright posture is also beneficial in communication. One should lean slightly towards the listener in an erect posture. This sends a message of competence and confidence. It is also imperative to maintain appropriate proximity to the listener. People and especially patients expect a professional to respect their space (Balzer, 2007). If one notices discomfort by the patient, one should increase the distance between them. In conclusion, effective communication skills are crucial in ensuring coordination in nursing practice. Health care services include the coordination and cooperation of various bodies in the health system. The nursing officer acts as a crucial bridge between the patient and the other members of the health team. Therefore, good communication skills must be applied to ensure that there is information flow in the health care system. In nursing care, communication is dynamic as enormous amounts of information are generated in different circumstance. Projection of the right message and delivering it in the right manner is imperative in the role of a nurse in promoting better health care. References Balzer, J. (2007). Communication in Nursing. New York: Mosby. Barbara, D. (2008). Communication Skills for Working with Elders. London: Springer Publishing Company. Carrol, I. and Dolly, G. (2008). Curriculum Development in Nursing Education. NY: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Christie, P. and Robinson, H. (2009). Using Communication framework at handover to boost patient outcomes. 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