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.