Argyle's theory

Communication cycle:

Interpersonal communication was a skill that could be learnt and developed the same way you learn to drive. You are constantly watching what is happening, working out how to respond and responding, then repeating this cycle.

Argyle's theory:

Argyle argued that skilled interpersonal interaction involved a cycle where you have to translate or decode what others are communicating and constantly adapt your own behaviour to communicate effectively.

Cycle:

1. Idea occurs - See someone
2. Message coded - What method of communication? Verbal/Non-verbal?
3. Send message 
4. Message received
5. Message decoded - Makes sense of it
6. Message understood - Body language, eye contact
7. Feedback sent

Contexts:

• GP surgery 
• Care home

Tuckman's Theory

Tuckman's stages of Team Foundation:

Forming

     |

Storming

     |

Norming

     |

Performing

Forming - A group comes together and they establish common themes/ideas

Storming - The group then exchanges ideas and information. There may be disagreements at this point.

Norming - The group comes together and agrees on common ideas/themes

Performing - The group then starts to work together to produce the required end product

Example:

A group of professionals meet. Pleasantries and chatting about why they are there. Different people come with different agendas, for example a teacher and policeman. Argument pursues. If a leader isn't established then only the strongly opinionated will speak. Compromise or negotiation until they come to an agreement. Plan what to do when, where, how and with whom.

Mental/Learning Disabilities

I watched a video on how one organisation was able to improve the lives of so many children and young adults using a variety of different communication methods. The video I watched was If you listen, you will hear us and was published by the Leicestishire Partnership NHS trust.

Summary of the video:

• Those with profound mental/learning disabilities find it difficult to communicate
• All communication preferences are documented in a communication passport
• These help other to understand the person and how they express their choices and needs best
• Animals can help with communication
• Sensory stroytelling is the use of touch, sight and sound to help care workers understand a childs way of communication.
• Music can lead to a microexpression showing a change of mood
• Aroma therapy can be a gateway for interaction
• Some forms of communication can be hard to understand
• There has been a new legislation published 

Communication

Definition of Communication:

The exchange of ideas, emotions and information between individuals or a group of persons through body language and speech. 

Why do we communicate?

• Improves overall knowledge
• To get feedback
• Makes you feel part of an environment 
• Helps you feel safe
• Helps to build relationships
• Develop self esteem

Poor communication:

If communication is poor or ineffective it can make others feel vulnerable, worthless and emotionally threatened.

The need for communication can fall into three specific categories:

1. To educate
2. To inform
3. To entertain

There are many different methods of communication which can be divided into three groups:

1. Written 
2. Oral
3. Body language

Contexts of communication:

• One to one
• Group
• Formal
• Informal
• Between colleagues
• Between professional and service user
• Communication with professional
• Multi-agency working 
• Multi-professional working

Communication Models

After reading an article about Communication and the support worker I realised how commonly communication models are used without us even realising it. There are two commonly used communication models in the health and social care environment known as SOLER and SURETY. The aim to aid practioners in their non-verbal communication.

The first acronym SOLER stands for:

S - face the client squarely

O - adopt an open posture

L - lean towards the other

E - maintain good eye contact

R - relax

SOLER was developed in the 1970s as a way to 'visually tune into clients'. It allows a healthcare professional to externally show the correct internal feelings of empathy and respect.

The second acronym used by healthcare professionals is SURETY. It is a newer model devised by Stickley and proposes to create a 'practical therepeutic space'. SURETY stands for:

S - Sit at an angle to the client

U - Uncross arms and legs

R - Relax

E - Eye contact

T - Touch

Y - Your intuition

As you can see many of the points are the same but it is the combination of the two models that will provide care workers with the most effective form of non-verbal communication.