Technique

Communication Technique

Communication is an essential skill for providing first aid and other treatment to people who are ill or injured. Communication can help establish rapport, assess the situation, obtain consent, explain the procedures, and reassure the person. Communication can also help ease pain and bring comfort while awaiting conventional medical attention, by distracting the person from their suffering, offering emotional support, and encouraging positive coping strategies. For example, communication can involve asking the person about their hobbies, interests, or family, listening empathetically to their concerns, or using humor, praise, or affirmations.

Communication can also play a vital role in the recovery process, after or during conventional treatment. Communication can help resolve the underlying issue that may have caused or contributed to the illness or injury, such as stress, trauma, or conflict. Communication can also help the person understand their condition, follow the treatment plan, and express their needs and preferences. Communication can also facilitate the collaboration and coordination among the health care providers, the person, and their family or caregivers. For example, communication can involve providing clear and accurate information, asking open-ended questions, eliciting feedback, or using motivational interviewing techniques .

Every communication cycle has the same components: a start, a confirmation of listening, a response, and a validation of the response. This improves communication by making it simpler and more efficient over time. Here is an illustration:

Good Example:

In this basic example, Person A makes a statement, and Person B responds. The response needn't be verbal; a smile, nod or other gesture works as well.

Poor Example:

The goal of communication is to make both parties or all participants feel that they were listened to and understood. This will greatly improve your interactions with other people, whether they are your family, friends, or loved ones. Unfortunately, many conversations in our life involve people interrupting and talking over each other, and this is seen as normal and natural. However, this is actually a sign of aggressive and conflictual communication, and it reflects emotional distress.

Therefore, this technique has four basic steps. You should pair up and switch partners after some time to practice communicating with different people.

ONA Communication Technique:

Section 1: Person A: Choose who will initiate the first communication and say something simple, such as I like your hat, Nice shirt, or Is it a bit chilly in here? You can also make slightly longer statements, but don't use go on and on. This is an exercise, not a State of the Union address.

Section 2: Person B: The person who received the message says something to acknowledge that they heard the other person, such as Thanks for noticing, I got it in Paris or Yes or No, depending on what is appropriate for the statement or question.

Section 3: Person A: Then makes a comment, gesture, or statement related to what Person B said, such as It is a bit warm, or It looks French, or nods, smiles, or waves, whatever addresses the message.

Section 4: Person B: Then says Thanks, OK, or Sure thing, smiles politely, nods, or gestures.

Section 5: Switch roles and start all over again. When this is complete, move on.

Section 6: Now change partners and repeat Sections 1 to 5.

You can practice this on your own or with other people you know. Make sure you explain to them why you are doing this so they don't think you have gone crazy or are asking them trick questions. Communication can be very healing and rewarding when we learn to listen to what others say and let them know we heard them and they recognize we did. When you are done, share with others what your experience was.