Communication

Techniques

Miami Dade College

COMMUNICATION

Process of
sharing
information,
generating
and transmitting
meanings.

The Communication
Process
Sender

Message

Receiver

Response

Levels of
Communication
Intrapersonal

self-talk
Interpersonal
Group

Modes of
Communication

Verbal: Pace,
intonation,
simplicity,
clarity, brevity,
timing,
relevance,
adaptability,
credibility

Modes of Communication

Nonverbal:
Communicating a
message without
words.
personal appearance,
posture and gait,
facial expression, eye
contact or lack of,
gestures

Nonverbal Cues

Examples: body position, nervous

movements of hands or legs,
touching, lack of eye contact,
grimacing, guarding.

Communication Phases

Preparatory

Orientation Phase

Working Phase

Termination

THERAPEUTIC
COMMUNICATION

Communication
in Nursing:
Essential to the
effective use of
the Nursing
Process
( Interview )

Best
Communication
We

have two ears but only one

mouth. Some people say thats
because God wanted us to spend
twice as much time listening as
talking. Others claim its because
God knew that listening was
twice as hard.

Therapeutic
Communication
Attentive listening;
active listening

Physical attending:
Face the person
Adopt open posture
Lean toward person
Maintain eye contact
Try to be relaxed

Factors Influencing
Communication

Development
Gender
Values & perceptions
Personal space
Territoriality
Roles &
relationships
Environment
Congruence

Factors Influencing
Communication
Interpersonal

attitudes:
Caring and warmth
Respect worth,
individuality
Acceptance neither
approval or
disapproval

Helen
Keller
My dog was rolling in
the grass. I wanted to
catch a picture of him in
my fingers, and I
touched him as lightly
as I would cobwebs;
but, lo, his fat body
revolved, stiffened and
solidified into an
upright position He
pressed close to me as
if he were fain to crowd
himself into my hand

He loved it with his tail, with his

paw, with his tongue. If he could
speak, I believe he would say with
me that paradise is attained by
touch; for in touch is all love and
intelligence.
The Seeing Hand
(from The World I Live In)

Therapeutic Communication
Techniques cont.
Relevant

questions
Paraphrasing
Clarification
Focusing
Summarizing
Self disclosure

Therapeutic Techniques of
Communication
Empathy
Touch
Humor
Observations
Hope
Feelings

LIMIT SETTING

Sets limits on
patients
behavior:
Personal
questions patient requires
direction

Non Therapeutic
Responses

Personal
questions
Personal opinions
Changing subject
Stereotyping
False reassurance
Sympathy

Asking for
explanations
Approval/
Disapproval
Defensive
Passive/
aggressive
Arguing
Belittling

Identify different
communication skills
as discussed in class

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Perhaps it would help to talk about

your feelings.

You seem unsure about telling

your husband.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

I notice you keep squinting your

eyes. Are you having difficulty
seeing?

And then ?

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Most people dont have any pain

after this surgery.

Why were you speeding?

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Ive had pain all my life, but it got

worse after I married. My wifes a
pain.
Your wifes a pain.?

Tell me more about the first time

you felt that pain.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Patient: I can t sleep. I stay up all

night

Nurse: You have difficulty

sleeping?

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Patient: It takes great effort to talk

to others.

Nurse:You find it hard to talk to

people you dont know.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

I am not sure what you mean.

I felt nauseous after that pill.

Surely you dont think I gave you the
wrong pill.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

I am not able to follow that

thought.

If I were you, Id kick that rotten

husbands butt out of the house.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

I cant talk now. Im going on

break.

You say you are well, but your face

looks as if in pain, and you are
guarding your abdomen.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Patient Its like being on a merry go round.

Nurse Are you saying that you feel

as youre not going anywhere?

TEST YOUR SKILLS

But surely you cant believe a

doctor would prescribe something
that would harm you

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Dont worry. Everything will be all

right. You have the very best doctor
in our staff.

Men dont cry.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

There is nothing to be afraid of .

Relax, take it easy

Your surgery was done on the

26th., 3 days ago, today is Monday
the 29th.

TEST YOUR SKILLS

You should never say that a

doctor is incompetent.

Vacations are great, but tell me

about the pain you had while
skiing

TEST YOUR SKILLS

Look sweetie, not everyone

You poor thing!

Putting arm
over patients
shoulder.

It must be
very
frustrating; all
these tests
and no
conclusive
results yet

TEST YOUR SKILLS

I miss my wife.
Its about time we had rain