HCS 320- Healthcare Communication Strategies
Communication can be defined as a process which allows an individual to express thoughts and ideas in an attempt to create a shared understanding about a particular subject. Effective communication is about conveying messages to others clearly and unambiguously. This process normally involves a sender, a receiver and a message. Many elements have to blend together in order to ensure that the communication process is effective (Communication skills-start here, 2010). Good communication is based on transferring a message that both the sender and receiver understand. When a message is not understood by either party, the communication process can lead to misunderstanding or misinterpreting the intended message that was being sent. If not sent properly, the thoughts and ideas actually sent may not convey the sender thoughts and ideas, causing communication breakdown both personally and professionally (Communication skills-start here, 2010). Nonverbal communication is normally understood as the process of communicating with other’s by sending or receiving a wordless message. For example, some messages sent through gestures such as body language, posture, or facial expressions may qualify as nonverbal communication. Unlike nonverbal communication, verbal communication is normally defined as communication that is vocally or verbally spoken. For example, verbal communication may include sending a message with words via sound or sign language (Aarti, 2010). Group communication can be described as one or more individuals collectively discussing a topic or variety of subjects. Being a wife, mother, full time student worker and student, communicating within a team or group is somewhat normal. As in many situations, positive and negative communication experiences have occurred in my lifetime. The direction I which the communication process turns is based on whether the message is effectively sent and received.
References: Aarti, R. (2010). Four types of communication. Retrieved July 23, 2010 from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/four-types-of-communication.html Mindtools.com. (2010). Communication skills-start here! Retrieved July 23, 2010, from http://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/CommunicationIntro.htm