Interpersonal Communication
Download student handouts: Interpersonal Communication handouts [Word doc].
Suggested Learning Strategies
Strategies that Focus on Caring
1. Discussion About Effective Interpersonal Communication
Invite students to form small groups to discuss the following:
Think of a time when you really felt comfortable with another person and you were both able to talk freely. What were some of the characteristics of that interaction? Have the groups share their responses with the whole class.
From these discussions, ask the class to develop a list of the characteristics of effective interpersonal communication which will likely include points such as:
- There is a feeling of trust between the people involved.
- There is a sense that the two people involved understand each other and what each is experiencing.
- Both individuals feel that the other likes or respects them.
- Often the two people have similar values, ideas, and experiences.
All effective interpersonal communications have one thing in common: each person involved feels valued, respected, and worthwhile.
Based on this understanding of effective interpersonal communication, ask students to discuss some examples of communication approaches they have experienced that they found to be particularly unpleasant, even dehumanizing. Some examples might include:
- Moralizing, judging, or blaming
- Threatening
- Ordering or commanding
- Shaming
- Stereotyping
- Ignoring
Invite students to think of times when they may have used these approaches and the outcomes of these responses. Why do we sometimes use dehumanizing communication?
Application to the workplace: Invite students to discuss how approaches to elderly clients might inadvertently be dehumanizing (ageism). What are some better choices?
2. Discussion About Caring
Use the following questions to start a discussion about caring:
- How are self-caring and self-esteem interrelated? Why is it so difficult to care for oneself? In what ways might a person with healthy self-esteem be a more effective care provider?
- What is the difference between task-oriented touching and caring touch in a health care environment? In your caregiving role, what are some ways you might appropriately show caring through touch? What are some other non-verbal behaviours you might use to exhibit caring?
- Consider the following statement: When we try to truly understand the other person, we are exhibiting caring. Do you agree with this statement? How is this related to the interpersonal communications skills you have learned in this course?
- What are some potential challenges to caring communication in an acute care setting or an acute situation? For example:
- Not being in the client’s usual home situation may create more barriers, such as unfamiliar sights and sounds
- An acute illness may cause fear and an increased need for empathetic communication skills
- Increased urgency of caregiver care activities may interfere with active listening.
- A cha