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Strategies for Practice
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Attention to communicationBy now, you will have noticed that communication is important throughout the support for decision making process.
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This video talk introduces the strategy: Attention to communication
Using these approaches will assist in your communication strategy:
- Pitching the information and communication methods at the right level: use very basic language in your descriptions, pictures, symbols or electronic devices to assist in explaining the situation. You might also need to use other methods like pointing to or touching things.
- Being aware of verbal and non-verbal behavioural cues: everyone communicates through non-verbal language. Can you interpret the person’s body language, facial expressions or gestures? For example, a staff member might reflect that if there is something the person doesn’t like to eat, they will just push it away.
- Checking back for understanding: you can ask the person you support to repeat things back to you in their own words or with their own gestures. This way, you can check that what you have discussed is being understood. This might also require you to repeat things several times. Remember that you may need to give the person time to process the information before they respond.
- Reviewing information presented: this is about checking whether what the person has said is what they meant to say. For example, they might decide to order a coffee, but they normally have a chocolate milkshake.
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ACTIVITY 5.1: Communication techniques |
Watch the video and then answer the questions. Write in the downloadable workbook located in the Resources section.
- What are the different types of communication techniques shown in this video?
- What different types of communication strategies does the supporter use?
- Think about someone you support to make decisions. What types of strategies do you use with them to assist with communication?
Select the button below to learn about the strategy Education about consequences and practicalities.
