Communication is a vital component of our daily lives. Not only does it shape our identity and culture, but it also impacts our relationships with others, including friends, family and co-workers.
By understanding how someone communicates and what they need to feel heard, we can better support those who display challenging behaviours and pave the way for growth and empowerment.
In this blog, we will discuss how effective communication promotes positive behaviour with the aim of improving outcomes across health, social and education sectors.
The Importance of Communication
Verbal and non-verbal communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings between two or more people. It is a critical component of social interaction, and helps us to establish relationships, express our thoughts and emotions, as well as understand the needs of others.
However, for people with physical or mental illnesses, disabilities, or developmental disorders, there are many communication difficulties that arise and manifest through altered speech, facial expressions, and body language. For example, a brain injury like Aphasia affects a person’s ability to comprehend speech and written language, whereas mental conditions such as anxiety or schizophrenia can make it difficult to concentrate and interact comfortably with others.
How Effective Communication Promotes Positive Behaviour
It is crucial to be aware of the barriers faced by these individuals and develop strategies for effective communication. By doing so, we can help to promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has an equal voice and opportunity to participate in society.
Builds Trust and Rapport
The key to building trust lies in active listening, compassion, and empathy. By choosing to connect with people in your care on a personal level, you can foster a positive rapport that will enhance their experiences and reduce negative behaviour such as aggression or frustration.
Encourages Collaboration
Collaboration is essential in health and education, especially when care requires a multidisciplinary approach. Good communication helps to facilitate cooperation between staff and their students, patients and service users. Teams will be more confident in their abilities to manage situations safely, leading to productive partnerships and positive outcomes.
Prevents Misunderstandings and Issues
Clear, concise communication helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts within a care or learning environment. Medical jargon can often be perplexing for patients, while unclear tasks leave students feeling frustrated and resentful. By taking the time to explain things in a simple way, individuals feel more informed, secure and less likely to exhibit challenging behaviours.
Better Quality of Care
Finally, it provides practitioners, care professionals, and teachers with accurate insights into a person’s unique needs and expectations. This knowledge empowers staff to make informed decisions about individual care and treatment requirements, leading to more effective outcomes and the prevention of potentially volatile situations.
Improve Your Communication Skills
At Timian, we recognise the importance of clear communication. Our comprehensive positive behaviour management courses equip staff with crucial skills to effectively support those they serve.
From communication strategies to de-escalation techniques, our PBM training empowers staff to build bridges, foster understanding, and create more inclusive and diverse societies. Call our team today on 0800 987 4075, or fill in the form for more information.
James Hourihan MSc Econ | FRSA | MIOD
Director
Timian Learning and Development