Identify the different reasons people communicate
Communication is a tool with which influence can be exercised on others. Communication can be used to bring out changes in attitudes, motivate people and establish and maintain relationships. Communication is vital for seeking and providing information. We communicate to express our emotions like courage or fear, joy or sorrow, satisfaction or disappointment with appropriate gestures and words. Communication is crucial for developing positive relationships with children, young people and their families, colleagues and other professionals. Communication allows ideas to be conveyed clearly and succinctly. It is a process by which two or more people exchange ideas, facts, feelings or impressions in ways that each gains a common understanding of the message. People communicate for numerous different reasons, to build relationships being one of them; this will enable you to work more effectively as a team with your colleagues but to also gain trust with a service user so they can talk to you if they have any problems/ concerns. Another reason is so you can share information, this is vital in my work setting because, for example, if a service user begins a new course of antibiotics then the member of staff dealing with this must pass the information on to all other staff to make sure they continue the course of medication. Finally communication is important to allow you to reassure others; if a service user with dementia is becoming distressed due to confusion of where they are for instance, then gentle reassurance is needed to help the situation and make them feel at ease.
Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of the learner’s work
Effective communication is a two-way process - sending the right message that is also being correctly received and understood by the other person/s. It is essential that there is good and effective communication taking place within the work setting. Daily tasks will only be successful with smooth transfers of information. In order for me to develop within my role, there must be effective communication between the manager, key workers and myself. This will help keep positive morale and improve the quality of work. Staff that do not feel as if they have good communication with their managers may not be as efficient with their work. Effective communication skills are also needed to encourage staff and myself to talk about what we are feeling, to say what we think or to express our needs, concerns, wishes or preferences. Positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills, such as being friendly, smiling and shaking hands when greeting service users family and friends show I am there to help there family member and support them in everyway.
Explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them
When you are observing an individuals reactions while communicating it's important to pay attention to their facial and bodily reactions because only about 70-80% of communication is verbal, meaning that you are going to miss out on a large part of communication if you are not paying attention to peoples facial and bodily reactions. It is important to know if you have upset them or offended them as soon as possible so you can rectify any wrong doing.
Show how to find out an individual’s communication and language needs, wishes and preferences
Find out an individuals preferred communication method by asking the client to read their care plan and ask colleagues or to read their medical notes, also interact with family and talk to them about needs and wishes.
Demonstrate communication methods that meet an individual’s communication needs, wishes and preferences
It is always best when you meet someone to begin communication upon your own terms; if you speak English greet them as such, although ensure that you are speaking slowly and clearly. The person who you are addressing will then either respond,