Effective_Communication

Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication' There are a number of factors to consider when promoting effective communication these vary for different age groups, genders, cultures, etc. It is important to communicate effectively to help avoid confusion and misunderstanding. It is easy for young people to be upset or feel lost after conversations with adults due to the use of different or complicated vocabulary. It is important to recognise and prevent poor communication as a care worker. It is also important to acknowledge young people’s rights, such as the right to be respected, to be treated equally and to not be discriminated. This can be difficult at times as young people often cross these boundaries but as a professional it is vital to be non-judgemental and controlled at all times. A factor to consider is the setting. These vary within our care home and at times we may be talking to young people as a group such as a house meeting where we may be covering issues between the members or passing information that may affect their home or friendships. It is important in this setting to ensure the group understands and are acknowledging comments that are made. To do this it may be necessary to have somebody lead the conversation acknowledging each participant with regular eye contact or maybe by asking questions prompting responses. The ‘lead’ could also control the conversation taking place making sure that the subject being discussed is being stuck too whilst also ensuring members are being respected. At times we have informal conversations with house members during their average day. These conversations are generally quite relaxed and casual allowing the young people to express themselves naturally and comfortably in their home. There may also be formal conversations these are usually more serious and official. These can be as a group or one-to-one. When speaking one-to-one it is important to consider if the conversation is personal or private and to not share details if confidential. Another factor is our body language this is our non-verbal communication. This includes our facial expressions, eye contact, body contact, body movements and gestures. Our facial expressions tell others how we feel such as smiling or frowning these can indicate that we understand the young person’s feelings. The use of eye contact can determine that we are being listened to, it can also express the importance of the conversation and may also portray trust. The use of eye contact may be uncomfortable for some young people so this should be considered when engaging young people. It doesn’t always mean that they are not listening, it could mean that they feel guilty. However some young people can be shy so it may be neither of these. Body contact can aid a conversation but should be used carefully as many people dislike their personal space to be invaded. A reassuring touch of the hand or hug may be acceptable for you but it could be perceived wrongly by young people. Our body movements can portray a variety of messages. Head nods for example can show understanding or agreement. The young people themselves may repeat movements or may find it hard to sit still this could indicate that they are nervous. At times and depending on age it may be worthwhile to lower yourself to the same level. This can help keep the conversation personal or make the young person feel that they are the focus and important. The most likely form of communication is verbal communication. When talking it is important to speak at the right volume so that you can be heard. You should also speak clearly and concisely this includes speaking at a pace so others can understand. Your tone of voice is important and should be appropriate for the conversation. A soft voice for instructing discipline for example may not make the desired effect on the young person. Whilst talking with young people it is important to get to the point and to not wander in your conversation. This can be confusing for young people as they may find it hard to read between the lines and the message may not be understood. The vocabulary used should be relevant for the age group using long words may be misunderstood and may worry the young person. It is important to use simple language or explain complicated words. Effective communication is also promoted by actively listening. Active listening means to not interrupt. It can take days or weeks for young people to build the confidence to tell you something and this can be destroyed in seconds by being interrupted. It is also important to allow comfortable silences during conversations it may be during these times that the young person is thinking of how to express themselves. Verbal nods also help like saying ‘yes’ and ‘I see’ these comments show that you understand and encourage young people to continue. At the end of a conversation or at various points it may be worthwhile to repeat what you have been told. This ensures that you understand and that the young has expressed themselves as they intended.