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College of Nursing

iCON | Intranet for the College of Nursing
iCON | Intranet
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Tips for Communication

1

Start with the heart.

Begin conversation with genuine care and concern for the other person. Create a safe environment.

 

2

Establish a safe space.

Please make sure both parties feel comfortable expressing themselves.

 

3

State your concerns.

Clearly outline your concerns and viewpoint. Be specific and focus on one issue at a time.

 

4

Focus on the results.

Keep the conversation focused on achieving positive outcomes. Set a mutual goal.

 

5

Master your story.

Retrace your path to action for the listener by explaining how and how you’ve reached these conclusions.

 

6

Stay focused.

Keep the conversation focused on the issue at hand. Help the student stay on task.

 

7

Listen actively.

Listen attentively to the student's perspective without interrupting. Listen without preparing a response.

 

8

Apply consequences.

Communicate the positive and negative consequences of maintaining or changing the behaviors.

 

9

Explore other’s concerns.

Seek to understand the motivations and concerns of the student. Restate their story to check for understanding.

 

10

Move to action.

Collaborate on finding practical solutions and agree on specific steps.