In order to achieve effective communication it is important that you share positive body language including eye contact, posture and proximity. Maintaining good eye contact is important because it enables the care worker to read how the service user is feeling about what the care worker is telling them. Different ways in which you look at someone all mean totally different things like looking in all different directions show how you are feeling towards the person who is talking and it is important that you give out a positive image. This enhances effective communication and dignity.
The way in which the care worker or service user is standing is important as it may give off the wrong message depending on how you stand and where you stand. E. g. if the service user is standing over the care worker the care worker would then be in a submissive position. An example where a care worker might take a submissive position during a conversation could be when they are talking with a client about a sensitive topic. By them taking this position it will help the client to feel they have some control and that the staff respects them.
Also if the care worker is slouching or has their arms closed this shows that they are clearly not interested and they have something better to do hence don’t have the time of day to talk to the service user and this makes the service user feel unimportant and could make matters worse for example if the service user was known to have tried to commit suicide in the past, it could make them close up and not want to share information with anyone as they might feel all care staff will treat them like this.
Therefore effective communication is enhanced if the care worker uses good posture. When talking to someone, where you stand is also important as if you stand close to someone leaning towards them shows that you are keen and are fully listening to what they have to say. Leaning away from them shows a lack of interest to the topic. Leaning over the service user shows that you are in control of the situation and are slightly forceful in the direction of the conversation.
Again effective communication and dignity are enhanced but standing closer together may also encourage privacy. It is important that you consider the tone of your voice when talking to different people as some people maybe happy with you talking in a certain ‘jokily’ fashion however someone else may have a different issue and need their situation handling in a more serious manner. Staff need to be able to use their own judgements on how and what to say to make sure they are being sincere and using the correct tone of voice with each individual.
Having good listening skills shows that you are concentrating on what they have to say and using appropriate gestures whilst they are communicating with you like nodding your head as this shows you are understanding and following what they are trying to say. Staff should ensure that they are treating people fairly, with dignity and making sure they have an opportunity to make their own choices.
When the care workers are communicating they need to ensure they don’t come across patronising or sarcastic as this may give off a bad impression to the service user and make them feel slightly intimidated. When you are communicating it is good if you take it in turns as there won’t always be someone talking and someone listening as this is only a one way conversation and isn’t very helpful to communicate effectively. This enhances effective communication and equality of opportunity.