Theory of One to One interaction - my interaction with a patient.

Tone Of Voice

The tone of voice a carer uses/has sends messages of how we are feeling. If a carer talks in a loud voice with a fixed tone it may send the message that he or she is angry. Whereas if he or she talks in a calm, slow tone it will send the message that he or she is friendly. My tone of voice was calm and slow when I talked to Mrs Jones as she is an elderly person and she might feel overpowered and intimidated if I talked to her in a loud, slow tone. When I asked her about her grand children I changed my tone of voice slightly so she would be able to understand what I asked her. The pitch of my voice changed at various times. The pitch of a carer’s voice can also show and send messages of how we feel. A higher pitch with a varying tone may send a message that he or she is happy, excited or just being friendly. If a carer’s pitch is plain and slightly low it may send a message that he or she is timid, bored or simply not interested.

Gestures

Gestures are hand arm movements that may help the carer help the service user understand what they are saying. Some people may misinterpret gestures as rude or disrespectful. This may happen when people with different cultures and beliefs surround you. I used my hand to point at a picture Mrs Jones had on her night table as I asked her if the young woman in the picture was her daughter. In some countries pointing is seen as rude. I did not use any other gestures throughout my one to one interaction with Mrs Jones.

Posture

The way we sit or stand can send messages. Sitting with crossed arms may send messages of no interest and boredom. Slouching may be seen as rude and disrespectful. Leaning forward sends the message that we are interested and engaged in what the other person is saying or doing. When I sat down on Mrs Jones’ bed I crossed my legs and leaned forward slightly as she talked to me which sent her the message that I was interested in what she was saying. When she got upset I kneeled down to her height so I could assure her that I was there to support her and that I was interested.

Facial Expressions

The face can send very complex messages and it can give away our feelings allowing us to read them easily. The expression we have on our faces gives away how and what we are feeling. Yawning is seen as rude and disrespectful as it shows boredom and disinterest. The face often gives away our emotional state. When I walked in and greeted Mrs Jones I gave her a friendly smile. This showed her that I was there to help and that I was not going to be aggressive or bad tempered with her. When she got upset I gave her a comforting smile, which allowed her to see and know that I was there for her and that I was there for support. I laughed at her jokes when she made them, which also showed interest. I kept a friendly smile on my face when I talked to her, which indicated that I was patient, happy, willing to help her and enjoying what I was doing. If a carer shows a service user that they are enjoying helping them and spending time with them it makes the service user feel comfortable and happy to be around him or her.