Communication Opinion Paper

Communication Opinion Paper

HCS/320

Deb Swart

July 30, 2012

Lynn Bell

Communication Opinion Paper

The definition of health communication according to Du Pre (2005) is, “The way we seek, process, and share health information” (p. 8). The questions needed answered are; how does effective communication incorporate the basic elements of communication, how do the basic elements of effective communication differ from the basic rules of health care communication, how might a provider encourage a reluctant consumer to communicate candidly, and how might cultural differences influence communication? This paper will answer these questions and help express the importance of effective communication.

Reading our text, Communicating in the Workplace, according to Cheesebro, O’Connor, Rios (2010), “The definition of communication is sometimes defined as the process of sending and receiving messages” (Ch. 1). Furthering the definition; when a person communicates a problem to another, a message has been sent and should have been received, but if there is a language barrier the message may not be clear (Cheesebro et al., 2010). The message needs to be clarified and this is done be carefully listening and asking questions to help understand the message. One key to effective communication is called shared communication; meaning that the more accurate the message and shared understanding is found between the sender and the receiver (Cheesebro et al., 2010). For there to be effective communication between sender and the receiver the shared communication must also include other things; such as the feelings, thoughts, wants, needs, and intention of both parties. The receiver may receive the message but may not understand why the message is important to the sender, the receiver must be able to understand the senders feelings and...