Identify and use the appropriate method (in person, phone, voice mail, text, e-mail, letter) for your communications.
Tools for Communicating Effectively 1. Identify and use the appropriate method (in person, phone, voice mail, text, e-mail, letter) for your
communications. 2. Evaluate your communication skills in various situations. Think of ways to improve. 3. Practice using the skills described in specific situations, such as with your coworkers, the medical
staff, and with patients and their families. 4. Become sensitive to others’ responses, both verbal and nonverbal, and craft your messages
appropriately. 5. Gather feedback and continue to assess the effectiveness of your communications. 6. Strive to improve your communication skills.
Questions to Challenge You 1. Consider a recent interaction you witnessed.
Did the sender express the message clearly? Use the appropriate medium? Listen and respond to questions and comments? What was the outcome?
2. Now think about a recent interaction where you were the sender using the above criteria. If you could replay the interaction, what would you do differently?
3. How well does communication function in your workplace, school, or clinical site? 4. To improve your communication, practice the skills described in the chapter by role playing or
recording yourself (Sullivan, 2013).
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