COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Effective communication is more than just exchanging information; it is the art of conveying thoughts, ideas, and emotions so they are clearly understood by others. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a student, mastering these skills is vital for successful social and professional interaction.
What is Communication:
The word communication comes from the Latin word ‘communicare’, which means to share or inform. It is a process involving a sender and a receiver who exchange facts, ideas, or feelings to achieve mutual understanding.
4 Main Types of Communication Skills:
Understanding the different modes of communication helps you choose the right one for any situation:
- Verbal Communication: Using spoken words in meetings, presentations, or phone calls.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Conveying messages through facial expressions, gestures, and body language.
- Written Communication: Typing or printing symbols, emails, and reports.
- Visual Communication: Sharing information via art, photography, charts, and graphs.
The Art of One-to-One Communication:
In face-to-face interactions, the Mehrabian Rule highlights that communication is much more than just the words we speak:
- 7% Words: The actual content of the message.
- 38% Tone of Voice: Your pitch, volume, and tempo.
- 55% Body Language: Facial expressions and posture.
Why Face-to-Face Matters:
- Instant Feedback: Misunderstandings can be cleared up immediately.
- Confidentiality: Ideal for discussing sensitive or private matters.
- Delicate Situations: Best for managing conflicts or team tensions.
Effective Communication in Healthcare:
For pharmacists and medical professionals, clear communication can literally be life-saving. Here are four essential techniques:
- Listen First: Allow the patient to finish their thoughts without interruption.
- Mind Your Pace: Do not talk too fast; it can lead to misinterpretation.
- Check Body Language: Maintain eye contact to build trust and show interest.
- Ensure Engagement: Encourage patients to ask questions to confirm they understand their treatment.
Understanding Body Language (Kinesics):
Body language signals are often sent unintentionally but are interpreted instantly by others.
Guidelines for Success:
- The Power Pose: Stand firmly with arms open to boost confidence.
- Act Natural: Professionals who act like themselves are more assertive and clear.
- Power of a Smile: Smiling in tough situations reduces stress for both you and your listener.
- Dress Code: Your appearance, including clothes and accessories, deeply impacts how your message is perceived.
Overcoming Barriers to Communication:
Even with the best intentions, certain barriers can block a message:
| Barrier Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Physiological | Issues like poor eyesight, hearing problems, or ill health. |
| Psychological | Personal attitudes, judgements, or emotional states. |
| Physical | Geographical distance and lack of technological access. |
| Semantic | Language differences or using words the receiver doesn’t know. |
| Cultural | Different meanings assigned to the same symbols or actions. |
Dr. Saint Paul is a pharmacy educator, Pharm.D graduate, and academic content creator from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), where he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree between 2015 and 2021.
He has more than 7 years of experience creating pharmacy educational content, writing study materials, and reviewing academic articles for pharmacy students. He has also contributed guest articles to pharmacy education platforms, including PharmD Guru.
At D.PharmGuru, his work focuses on simplifying complex Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharmacy) subjects into easy-to-understand notes, practical explanations, and exam-oriented educational resources for students across India.
His areas of focus include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy, and other core D.Pharmacy subjects.
