Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Select one of the twenty-three listed cultural differences on the www.edupass.org/culture/ web site and summarize what is said about this specific difference.. Your summary should describe the barrier, how this barrier might be a problem for a health care worker, and your ideas about how you might cope with this barrier as a health care worker.
Points Possible: 10
• Summary = 2 points
• Problem = 4 points
• How to cope = 4 points

Consider these communication tips:
• Attempt the best you can to separate your emotions from the discussion topic./>
• If you feel unable or too emotional to talk now but are willing, set a time for later.
• Find a good quiet place to talk without distractions.
• Get the other person’s whole story.
• Be aware of your body language, tone, and intention.
• Make eye contact and focus on the person speaking.
• Ask questions if you don’t understand, "Could you repeat that?" "Could you explain further?" "Are you saying that...?" "How are you feeling about all this?"
• Clarify/Paraphrase:"It sounds like what you are saying is____. Is that correct?"
• Listen with heart and mind and be polite.
• Ask if the other person understands your views.
• Make certain that you understand the other person’s intent and opinion.

Consider an unsatisfactory conversation that you have had. Answer each of these questions:
What was the incident about? (2 points)
What was the body language of the other person? (2 points)
Was there an ongoing disagreement that that had not been previously resolved? (1 point)
What you were thinking and feeling at the time of the incident or confrontation? (1 points)
What message do you think your body language was saying? (2 points)
How could you have applied the communication tips above so the conversation might have been more satisfying or successful? (2 points)
Points Possible: 10