Communication in healthcare settings is challenging because we’re often not feeling well, because the stakes are high, because we often feel anxious, and because the discussion is frequently filled with jargon and complexity. Six tips will help improve your conversations about your health.
Your Next Conversation Beckons
Communication is imperfect, but people are resilient. Take both qualities into account when setting your conversational expectations.
Five Conversational Dog Whistles
Communication is hard enough without muddying the waters with disguised meaning. Find tactful ways to say what you mean instead of resorting to conversational dog whistles.
Slow Communication is Safe Communication
Difficult conversations can easily cause relational damage. Remember the acronym SLOW to discuss sensitive issues safely.
Apologize Early, But Not Necessarily Often
Apologies are powerful tools for correcting communication errors, but not all apologies are created equal. Seven tips will give your apologies the best chance of acceptance and success.