Theories ofCommunication P2By Ravneet DhaliwalSOLERThe SOLER
Theories of
Communication (P2)
By Ravneet Dhaliwal
SOLER
The SOLER Theory was developed by Gerard Egan.
It describes and outlines the techniques for active listening. SOLER is an Acronym that Egan came up with to help recall the key elements of this technique.
What does this theory show?
Egan’s theory was based on his experience of North
America culture which makes this theory very limited as it cannot be applied to all cultures.
This theory shows that micro-skills such as, nonverbal skills play a big part in the role of effective communication, as it creates a sense of involvement/caring presence when working with another person.
Side-on
Face people squarely; the bodily orientation that you adopt conveys a message that you are involved
This is the first part of the SOLER theory. It is how you posture yourself when you are talking to another person. It should be at an angle where you are not intimidating the individual, however, you are still facing the individual. You have to face the person who you are talking to, you can have your shoulders turned a little away. This helps avoid any feelings of intimidation. The face should be square onto the other person.
Good and Bad posture
This picture shows a doctor facing a patient in the correct way, using the correct angle, posture and being face to face.
However, this picture (at bottom) shows a doctor with his hands on his forehead looking down. Open
This also refers to the posture of the person. An open posture means being relaxed. The arms and legs are not crossed.
Open and closed posture
This picture (on the top) shows a woman who has a “good” posture.
This is because she is not in a tense position, yet is sitting with her back straight, legs and arms unfolded. This is seen as open.
However, this picture (at bottom) shows a doctor with crossed arms.
Closed Posture
Lean
²Egan states: “In North American culture a slight inclination towards a person is often interpreted as saying,
Communication (P2)
By Ravneet Dhaliwal
SOLER
The SOLER Theory was developed by Gerard Egan.
It describes and outlines the techniques for active listening. SOLER is an Acronym that Egan came up with to help recall the key elements of this technique.
What does this theory show?
Egan’s theory was based on his experience of North
America culture which makes this theory very limited as it cannot be applied to all cultures.
This theory shows that micro-skills such as, nonverbal skills play a big part in the role of effective communication, as it creates a sense of involvement/caring presence when working with another person.
Side-on
Face people squarely; the bodily orientation that you adopt conveys a message that you are involved
This is the first part of the SOLER theory. It is how you posture yourself when you are talking to another person. It should be at an angle where you are not intimidating the individual, however, you are still facing the individual. You have to face the person who you are talking to, you can have your shoulders turned a little away. This helps avoid any feelings of intimidation. The face should be square onto the other person.
Good and Bad posture
This picture shows a doctor facing a patient in the correct way, using the correct angle, posture and being face to face.
However, this picture (at bottom) shows a doctor with his hands on his forehead looking down. Open
This also refers to the posture of the person. An open posture means being relaxed. The arms and legs are not crossed.
Open and closed posture
This picture (on the top) shows a woman who has a “good” posture.
This is because she is not in a tense position, yet is sitting with her back straight, legs and arms unfolded. This is seen as open.
However, this picture (at bottom) shows a doctor with crossed arms.
Closed Posture
Lean
²Egan states: “In North American culture a slight inclination towards a person is often interpreted as saying,