Communication M1
M1- Assess the usefulness of theories of communication within health and social care environments.
The SOLER Theory
SOLER is a theory of communication, created by Gerard Egan, which describes essential points to ensure we can communicate effectively such as body language. If idea is that if we use SOLER when communicating with others we can make the atmosphere more calm and relaxed and make everyone feel more comfortable.
Sit attentively at an angle - (This can help to convey interest as you can look at the person directly and makes the situation less formal and you won’t appear as intimidating as you would if you sat squarely)
Open posture - (If you have closed posture it can signal that you’re defensive or anxious whereas open posture can make someone more inclined to elaborate any concerns they may have)
Leaning Forwards - (This can also convey interest and while doing this a lower or quieter tone could be used)
Eye Contact - (This can demonstrate interest and help you focus on the message being communicated. You can also develop a sense of someone’s emotional state)
Relaxed body language - (This can show that you are not in a rush and have time to listen to their concerns)
SOLER can benefit the service user as well as the health care professional.
Some benefits for the service user when using SOLER can be the atmosphere and conversation being more comfortable and relaxed as the behaviour used in SOLER such as body language can demonstrate interest in the conversation making the service user more willing to elaborate any concerns. They may feel happy that they can share the information as SOLER can help the health care professional build a rapport with the service user making it easier to confide in them.
Some benefits for the health care professional could be being able to use the techniques to defuse a hostile environment and let the service user know that you’re listening so as not to create any aggressive behaviour and open up more about any concerns.
The SOLER Theory
SOLER is a theory of communication, created by Gerard Egan, which describes essential points to ensure we can communicate effectively such as body language. If idea is that if we use SOLER when communicating with others we can make the atmosphere more calm and relaxed and make everyone feel more comfortable.
Sit attentively at an angle - (This can help to convey interest as you can look at the person directly and makes the situation less formal and you won’t appear as intimidating as you would if you sat squarely)
Open posture - (If you have closed posture it can signal that you’re defensive or anxious whereas open posture can make someone more inclined to elaborate any concerns they may have)
Leaning Forwards - (This can also convey interest and while doing this a lower or quieter tone could be used)
Eye Contact - (This can demonstrate interest and help you focus on the message being communicated. You can also develop a sense of someone’s emotional state)
Relaxed body language - (This can show that you are not in a rush and have time to listen to their concerns)
SOLER can benefit the service user as well as the health care professional.
Some benefits for the service user when using SOLER can be the atmosphere and conversation being more comfortable and relaxed as the behaviour used in SOLER such as body language can demonstrate interest in the conversation making the service user more willing to elaborate any concerns. They may feel happy that they can share the information as SOLER can help the health care professional build a rapport with the service user making it easier to confide in them.
Some benefits for the health care professional could be being able to use the techniques to defuse a hostile environment and let the service user know that you’re listening so as not to create any aggressive behaviour and open up more about any concerns.