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