Professional Communication Skills: Writing, Presenting, and Healthcare Contexts

Professional Communication

The various forms of speaking, listening, writing, and responding carried out both in and beyond the workplace, whether in person or electronically.

Written Communication

Relies on grammar, punctuation and word choice, requiring practice and fine attention to detail.

Clarity

Helps your reader understand what you are saying or know what questions they need to ask for further clarification.

Conciseness

The importance of getting to your point quickly and efficiently, including only necessary details.

Tone

Refers to the 'voice' of your writing, which should blend professionalism with varying degrees of formality and friendliness.

Active Voice

Typically more accessible and easier to follow for readers than passive voice, following the structure of subject + verb + object.

Grammar and Punctuation

The attention to precise grammar and punctuation depends on how formal the writing needs to be.

Effective Professional Presentations

Recommendations for delivering impactful presentations in a professional setting.

7th Edition APA Formatting

The guidelines for formatting scholarly writing according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Importance of Communication in Nursing

Specifies the critical role communication plays in professional nursing.

Therapeutic Communication

Strategies and relationships that promote healing and understanding in a healthcare context.

Nontherapeutic Communication

Strategies and relationships that do not promote healing or understanding in a healthcare context.

Professional Partnerships

How healthcare team members can develop meaningful professional relationships.

Evidence-Based Practice

Using research to improve quality care outcomes for patients.

Professionalism in Writing

Maintaining a professional tone while being specific and avoiding language that may make the reader feel defensive.

Complex Passive Voice

Slows the reader down in professional communication, making it less accessible.

Feedback Implementation

The process of acknowledging feedback and attempting to implement it in practice.

Importance of Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar and punctuation are important for ensuring that your point is getting across.

Clear Goal in Writing

Having a clear goal in mind keeps your writing focused and clear.

Leading with Key Point

Lead with the key point and follow up with the details needed to understand it.

Need-to-Know Details

Include only details necessary for the reader to understand the goal of the message.

Specific Deadline

Give a specific deadline rather than just vaguely stating that it's urgent.

Outline for Longer Texts

For longer texts such as a paper, take the time to write out an outline to organize your thoughts.

Signature Line in Emails

Have a signature line in your email with your title, phone, and email.

Consider Audience

Assume all written communications could be shared with everyone.

Drafting Difficult Emails

Ask yourself if you can save this as a draft for 24 hours if it is a difficult email.

Editing Process

Read through everything two or three times for proofreading and to pay attention to how it sounds.

Avoid Misinterpretation

Write simply and directly to leave as little room for misinterpretation as possible.

Removing Unnecessary Details

If you can remove a whole sentence and the reader could still figure out what they need to do, consider removing it.

Organizing Information

Outlines can be invaluable resources as you write, ensuring you make every necessary point in a logical order.

Email Readiness

Before you hit send, ask yourself if this email is something you would be okay with everyone reading.

Phone Communication

Consider picking up the phone if the matter is more suited for conversation rather than written concern.

Scope and Framework of Projects

The initial guide identifies the scope and framework of the project, breaks it down into milestones, and provides criteria for tracking progress and measuring outcomes.

Basic Grammar Elements

Correct use of commas, articles, prepositions, verb tense, and other basic grammar is essential for clarity.

Reader Understanding

The reader should be able to immediately understand what you expect from them and when without decoding your message.

Industry-Specific Terms

If a term is too complex for the reader, consider a simpler, more accessible word choice.

Powerpoints

A presentation format often used to convey information visually.

Resume

A document summarizing an individual's professional qualifications and experiences.

APA Tip Style Guide

A set of guidelines for writing and formatting research papers in the social sciences.

Professional Presentations

Formal presentations intended to convey information in a business or academic setting.

Fear of public speaking

Anxiety or apprehension about speaking in front of an audience.

Not knowing your content

Lack of familiarity with the material being presented.

Forgot what is on your slide deck

Inability to recall the information displayed during a presentation.

Did not practice presentation

Failure to rehearse the presentation beforehand.

Non-verbal communication

Communication without words, including body language and facial expressions.

Practice, practice, practice

The act of repeatedly rehearsing a presentation to improve delivery.

Make eye contact

Engaging with the audience by looking at them while speaking.

Delivery Plan

A strategy for how a presentation will be delivered, including format and setting.

Prepare, plan, dress

Essential steps to ensure a successful presentation.

Speech and tone

The manner of speaking and the emotional quality of the voice during a presentation.

Non-Therapeutic communication

Communication that hinders understanding and creates barriers.

Active Listening

The practice of fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to a speaker.

Validation

Acknowledging and affirming someone's feelings or emotions.

Developing Professional Partnerships

The process of building collaborative relationships in a professional context.

Continuous improvement and growth mindset

An ongoing effort to improve skills and embrace learning opportunities.

Feedback

Information provided regarding performance, which can be used for improvement.