Information Sheet 1.

1-1
Communication

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Define communication.
2. Understand various verbal and nonverbal methods of communication

Introduction
Fundamental and vital to all healthcare functions, communication is a
means of transmitting information and making oneself understood by another
or others. Communication is a major challenge for all because we are
responsible for providing information, which results in efficient and effective
performance in organizations.
Communication is the transfer of facts, ideas, opinions, feelings and
information from one person or group to another. It is how we come to know
and understand everything around us.

Communication - is a process by which information is exchanged between

individuals through a common system

MAIN TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

1. Verbal Communication
- is probably the most used form of communication.
- refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message.
- the sender shares his/her thoughts in the form of words.

Types:
face-to-face conversations

telephone conversations

voice mail
 teleconferences

Meetings

Interviews

lectures

2. Non-Verbal Communication
- is when you communicate to others without the use of words.
- behavior and elements of speech aside from the words themselves that
transmit meaning.

Types:
Body Movements (Kinesics)

Example: hand gestures or nodding or

shaking the head

Posture

how you stand or sit,

whether your arms
are crossed
Eye Contact

where the amount of eye contact

often determines the level of trust
and trustworthiness

Para-language

- aspects of the voice apart from speech, such as pitch, tone, and speed of
speaking

- accompany speech and convey further meaning.

Closeness or Personal Space (Proxemics)

- determines the level of intimacy

Facial Expressions

- Includes the act of smiling, frowning and even blinking

 Physiological Changes

Example: - sweating more when nervous

- Red flushed face when angry

3. Written Communication
- Is the process of communication in which messages or information is
exchanged through writing.

Types:
Memos
Reports
Bulletins
Job descriptions
Employee manuals
Emails
 Self-Check 1.1-1
Matching Type. Match column A with column B by writing the letter of the
correct answer on the blank provided.

A B

A. It is how you stand or sit, whether your

1. _________ Communication
arms are crossed.

Verbal B. An act of communicating including hand

2. _________
communication gestures.

Non-Verbal
3. _________ C. Includes the act of smiling or frowning.
communication

D. It is a process by which information is

Written
4. _________ exchanged between individuals through
communication
a common system

E. Determines the level of trust and

5. _________ Posture
trustworthiness.

F. The sender shares his/her thoughts in

6. _________ Proxemics
the form of words.

G. Accompany speech and convey further

7. _________ Para-Language
meaning.

Facial H. When you communicate to others

8. _________
Expression without the use of words.

9. _________ Eye Contact I. It determines the level of intimacy

J. Is the process of communication in

10. _________ Kinesics which messages or information is
exchanged through writing.
ANSWER KEY 1.1-1

1. D

2. F

3. H

4. J

5. A

6. I

7. G

8. C

9. E

10.B