Week 7 Post 1: Reflection on Communication Presentation

In class on Monday, Jess and Sarah had a great presentation on the topic of communication. Having good communication skills is a very important attribute, especially as a future healthcare manager/leader. The study of communication is important, because every administrative function and activity involves some form of direct or indirect communication. Communication is defined as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one person to another. It is important to note that unless a common understanding results from the exchange of information, there is no communication. The article Jess and Sarah had us read before class did a good job of describing communication and how it works. The article explains the two common elements in every communication exchange, which are the sender and the receiver. The sender initiates the communication, and the receiver is the individual to whom the message is sent. There are certain responsibilities of the sender and receiver.

The sender’s responsibilities are as follows:
1. Clarify ideas before communicating
2. Take into consideration the total physical and human setting
3. Examine the true purpose of each communication
4. Consult with others in planning communications
5. Be mindful of the tone and basic content of the message being communicated
6. Take the opportunity to convey something of help or value to the receiver
7. Make sure they follow up with their communication
8. Communicate for future as well as the present
9. Make sure their actions support their communication
10. Seek to be a good listener

The receiver’s responsibilities are as follows:
1. Stop talking and listen
2. Put the talker at ease
3. Show a talker that you actually care about what they are saying and want to listen
4. Remove any possible distractions
5. Empathize with the talker
6. Make sure that you are patient with the speaker
7. Go easy on argument and criticism
8. Ask questions when appropriate

I believe that Jess and Sarah did a great job in their presentation, they kept the class engaged and explained how communication works and why it is important. I specifically liked the activity they included in the presentation, in which they made use tell a story to a classmate. As the listener, you were not allowed to communicate with the speaker in any way so just had to sit there and listen. This was pretty hard for me because always like to communicate with speakers when they are talking to me. I will usually say words to agree with them or nod my head, which shows that I am actually listening and not just daydreaming or looking off into space.