The reason than people communicate . To build relationships with others, this can start with a greeting to engage an individual in a setting. This could be a smile, a wave, a hello and an introduction. Gaining, sharing or seeking information from others. This will help the way people interact and work together. Control, by giving instructions or orders.
Social interaction is the main purpose of communication, and the interaction with others is how we maintain relationships. Satisfying the need to gain reassurance and acknowledgement through praising and showing interest.
Fulfilment – in order to get what we want, in some cases, we need to ask for it. Self-expression – in order to demonstrate our individuality we need to communicate to express our views, we also share ideas and thoughts that are creative and imaginative. Reasoning as a way to problem solve with others for them to understand how we get to through the process of decision making
Communication within a work setting could be between yourself and your manager, a parent, a child or a co-worker. It can be affect the relationship in many ways. Good communication can result in effective sharing of information. This will make for a more needs met service, better referrals, more tailored service. Better relationships within a work setting make a child feel more comfortable and confident. This will enhance a child’s learning as they are more relaxed. This can also aid during times of transition, if the child is new to the setting or dealing with transitions at home. Effective communication leads to teams that work better together, less misunderstanding and cuts down on un-necessary doubling up of work.
Factors to consider when promoting effective communication:
- Location – the environment needs to be suitable to facilitate good communication. Things that you should be considering are quiet, homely, cosy, familiar and with as few distractions as possible.
- Proximity – how close you position yourself to others, this is likely to change depending on who you are with. Be perceptive to their body language, they will give cues to you if they need you to be closer or if you are invading their personal space.
- Orientation – Your body position gives out a different impression if you are sitting opposite them or side by side. A side by side conversation is less confrontational and allowed for breaks in eye contact when needed.
- Posture – sitting or standing, you need to be aware of what body language signals you are displaying. Be aware of what can seem as ‘bored’ or ‘unimpressed’ as opposed to ‘interested’ and ‘sympathetic’ signals. This could be arm crossing, jiggling, arm crossing etc.
- Listening – Active listening, take into account not just what is being said, but how.
Information is often presented to us that relates to a child or parent that is relevant to our working practice but needs to be kept private from the public. This can be information that relates to all users e. g. phone number, address, to more specific information on some e. g. child in need status.
