Correct or inappropriate use of communication skills.
Inappropriate communication skills can include not listening, patronizing behaviour, too many open or closed questions, the speed of the voice and incorrect body language.
An example of inappropriate communication skills when using verbal communication could be incorrect body language. For example, when speaking to somebody who requires your full attention. They may ask if you have time to speak. If you say yes, but are looking at your watch and are showing behaviours that suggest you are busy, this can make the sender seem as if you have no time and that you do not care. They will also feel unsupported. Care provides should always give their full attention to care users, and make them feel valued.
When using written communication, Standard English should be used. Slang is inappropriate when in a care setting. For example, when sending an email reminder to a patient ‘i wud lyk 2 remind u that ur appointment iz at 2pm. Thankz x’ would be an inappropriate way as not everybody would be able to understand this. This would give off an unprofessional outlook on the doctor and could also be confusing for some people e.g. elderly people.
Closed and open questions can inhibit a way of communication by computerized methods. This could be due to the lack of options available when questions are asked. For example, when a questionnaire has been published, closed questions could prevent non optio0nal answers as this produces more statistics then opinions. People completing this may feel as if they have not been able to express themselves due to lack of open questions. Another example could be too many open questions, individuals completing this may feel as if they are asking for too much information and could feel uncomfortable when answering these.
When using special methods, factors which could inhibit communication could be having hearing or visual impairments. They need time to respond and should know who is speaking to them, so they can reply correctly.
Meeting individuals needs in a care setting
Meeting individuals needs in a care setting is essential as this would make them feel supported.
An example of meeting needs can be an individual with special needs. Care settings should provide all services for individuals who have visual and hearing impairments. For example, there should be care providers who can translate and there should be an option for them to use such as Braille, Makaton or special computers. Without these methods of communicating, individuals may feel as if they cannot use the service and could feel disadvantaged.
Stereotyping is when assumptions are made and this usually involves generalising. This shouldn’t occur in a care setting as this can make somebody feel undervalue. For example, assuming somebody is old and doesn’t know anything which leads you to not ask them questions can result in making them feel stupid and useless.
How can P.I.E.S factors of the sender and receiver inhibit communication?
P.I.E.S are physical, intellectual, emotional, and social factors. I am going to explain how P.I.E.S can inhibit communication.
Physical factors
Psychical factors could consist of things such as the receiver’s lack of concentration and pace of speech.
An example for this could be somebody speaking too fast. For example, when telling a doctor about problems, speaking too fats may cause him/her to miss notes and cause confusion. The sender should always speak in a pace which is suitable for the receiver so they can achieve the best outcome.
Intellectual factors
Intellectual factors can consist of learning difficulties, memory loss or lack of knowledge about the use of technology/
Dyslexia is a difficulty which affects the ability to read and write. A student may suffer from this and should be provided with help and support by mentors, and should be given extra resources in a format which is suitable for them. Self esteem shouldn’t be affected by this and teaches for example shouldn’t should always have patience and hep the student.
An example of an intellectual factor which inhibits computerized communication is if somebody lacks knowledge when using a computer.
Somebody may not have access to this or not know how to use computers. Computers and mobiles may be difficult to use. By this, they could feel as if they are not so clever and can prevent information getting to one another as email and text are a fast, common way of communicating.
Emotional factors which inhibit communication.
Emotional factors could consist of depression, shyness, tiredness, hungry, boredom and stress.
The first example i will talk about is shyness. This is when somebody is keeping themselves to themselves and is often quiet and unconfident around others. I am going to apply this to a classroom. A student may be required to do a presentation in front of the class as part of their work. The student may have produced a well written presentation but could have not presented it as well as it could have been. This could result to low grades, and then lead to disappointment. This could be because the student has low confidence when surrounded by others and could be a shy person. To prevent this, students should be given the option to show the teacher work without the whole class watching.
The second example which can inhibit written communication will be due to hungriness or distractions by other emotional issues. For example a student could be writing up a piece of coursework but may be distracted. This could lead to wrong information being written and could also mean work may be delayed.
An example for emotional factors which inhibit special methods of communication could be unconfident and embarrassment traits on an individual. For example, somebody who uses special methods may not want to use BSL in front of others as they may think they will be judged. This could be scary for the sender and could also cause delays.
Social factors which inhibit communication.
Social factors which inhibit communication can consist of big groups where you do not usually have a chance to talk, friends and peers may be a distraction and slang language could be another issue.
Talking verbally to somebody would mean the sender speaks and receiver listens and then replies. When there is a big group you are trying to communicating to, you often don’t have a chance to speak. His could lower self esteem and could make somebody feel as if their thoughts don’t want to be heard.
Bad habits of slang usually inhibit communication as a youngster may say things which other people many not understand. This could then mean the sender is misunderstood and the receiver will gain wrong information.
To conclude, i have spoken about the physical, intellectual , emotional and social factors which can inhibit communication
Referances : General knowledge, class notes, GCE health and social care single text book, Wikipedia, .