Fundamentals: Communication

COMMUNICATION

It is a dynamic process used to gather assessment data, to teach and persuade, and to express caring and comfort. It is an integral part of the helping relationship.

Sender

Encodes the message

Receiver

Decodes the message

Message

What is written, said, or being conveyed.

Channel

The medium used to convey the message.

Feedback

Message sent by the receiver.

Verbal, Paraverbal, Nonverbal

What are the modes of communication?

Verbal

1. Uses Words

2. Can be Written or Spoken

3. Largely conscious

Paraverbal

1. Uses characteristics of speech

2. Conveys via pace, intonation, pitch, and loudness

3. Can intensify conveyance of message

Non-Verbal

1. Uses body language or kinesics

2. In the form of gestures, facial expression, and touch

3. Can reinforce or contradict verbal

1. Functional-Professiona

2. Social-Polite

3. Friendship-Warmth

4. Love-Intimacy

5. Sexual-Arousal

What are the 5 types of touch?

1. Developmental Stage

2. Gender

3. Values and Perceptions

4. Personal Space and Proxemics

What are the FACTORS that affect communication?

Through play and nurturing activities

What is the best way to communicate to CHILDREN?

Through simple and straightforward talks

What is the best way to communication to ELDERLY?

Values

These are the standards that influence behavior.

Perception

These are an individual’s personal view on an event.

Personal Space

It is the distance people prefer in interactions with others.

Proxemics

The study of distances that people allow between themselves and objects or other

0 to 1 ½ ft or 0 to 18 inches

Intimate Distance

1 ½ ft to 4ft or 18 inches to 4ft

Personal Distance

4ft to 12 ft

Social Distance

12 ft and beyond

Public Distance

Intimate Distance

Characterized by body contact, heightened sensations of body heat and smell, and vocalizations that are low. Vision is intense, is restricted to a small body part, and may be distorted.

Personal Distance

Voice tones are moderate, and body heat and smell are noticed less. More of the individual is perceived at a personal distance, so nonverbal behaviors are seen with less distortion. Much communication between nurses and clients occurs at this distance.

Social Distance

Characterized by a clear visual perception of the whole individual. Body heat and odor are imperceptible, eye contact is increased, and vocalizations are loud enough to be overheard by others. Communication is therefore more formal and is limited to seeing and hearing.

Public Distance

Requires loud, clear vocalizations with careful enunciation. Although the faces and forms of people are seen at a public distance, individuality is lost.

Territoriality

It is a concept of the space and things that an individual considers as belonging to the self. Healthcare workers must recognize this human tendency to claim territory.