A number of factors can influence communication when you take into account the number of different ways people communicate. In addition, Health and Social Care covers a broad spectrum of settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices, daycare centers, nurseries, counsellors’ offices, emergency service vehicles and more. This will affect communication depending upon present barriers or aids. This will not be an all-encompassing list, but some suggestions may trigger other ideas that are not listed here. Communication can be verbal, non verbal - think eye contact, facial expression, body language, touch, pictures/signs, and apppearance, written or technologically aided - text and voicemail by mobile phone, typed text to voice box used by Professor Stephen Hawking. Communication is a cyclical process with definitive steps: An idea occurs - you think of something you want to express The message is encoded - you think about how you want to express your idea, eg spoken, written or signed The message is sent - you express the idea via your chosen method The message is received - another persons senses your message, eg by sound, sight or touch The message is decoded - the other person interprets what you have said The message is understood - you have communicated clearly and the other person has interpreted your message correctly as is evidenced by their feedback. It is actually a complicated process when you break it down and a number of factors can impact on any step in this process: Sensory deprivation Language (including foreign languages, jargon, slang, dialect and acronyms) Cultural differences Emotion Health Environment Misinterpretation Aggression Using your verbal skills effectively can help you to overcome barriers to communication. Paraphrase what someone has said to ensure the message was received clearly. Use questions that can be answered with single words or short phrases. Other things to consider when faced with communication barriers include: Adapting the environment Understanding language needs and preferences Using the preferred language where possible Time to understand what is being said Technological aids
