Assess Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Relation to Each Interaction

Individuals with dementia find it difficult to understand words and meanings and forget what is being said even while we are speaking. Communication is more difficult if they are tired or upset. You may find they repeat questions frequently as they cannot remember asking them. When talking to an individual who has any form of dementia ensure that you speak clearly and face the individual. Make sure there are no distracting sounds. Maintain eye contact and remain calm and pleasant. Use simple sentences and words always giving the individual time to understand.

MindTools, n.d. Introduction to Communication Skills. Retrieved July 20, 2014 from http://mindtools.com/CommSkll/CommunicationIntro.htm [Accessed 18 June 2012]

Although, games are a great way to interact with elderly individuals with dementia, a second way that people who are working with the elderly community can interact with elderly individuals with dementia is by bring familiar objects such as a photographs and accessories to help trigger memories and engage in good conversation.

In this assignment I will be assess my communication and interpersonal skills in relation to each interaction.

Ignorance of these differences may lead to offending an employee, leading to unintentional discrimination and poor relationships. It would therefore be beneficial for human resource management to understand culture disparities that may affect the way in which a message is perceived (Culturaldiversisty.org, 2008). Cultural diversity not only causes interferences within verbal communication but also in the way non-verbal communication is perceived. In relation to the cultural variations within non-verbal communication, body language is often misconstrued. For example when the British are talking face to face they ‘tend to look away spasmodically’, in contrast to this the Norwegians ‘typically look people steadily in their eyes without altering their gaze,’ thus a British individual communicating with a Norwegian could portray this eye contact as threatening and a wrong perception of that person may be perceived (Mullins, 2005, p231).

Tacachale Center is a community for adults with developmental disabilities. I learned about Tacachale from a classmate and was compelled to visit the community after learning about its mission to promote independence and the individual potential of the residents. As a volunteer, I did crafts with the residents and helped serve snacks. I learned from the staff that most residents were abandoned by their families and that visitors were not common. Although most of the residents are unable to clearly communicate, it is easy to realize how much they appreciate the volunteers and enjoy interacting with new people. Through this experience, I learned that I posses a strong interest in working with underserved populations. I am drawn to people that

Provide examples of the verbal or non-verbal behaviours which you used during the consultation to demonstrate each of these two specific communication skills

Due to dementia patients deteriorating of cognitive function, this may have an effect on whether or not a message is successfully understood (Downs & Collins, 2015). Communication is an extremely important part of caring for people with dementia, for this reason ensuring information is delivered efficiently and meaningfully it is imperative for HCP to develop tailored approaches (Downs & Collins, 2015; Kilgore, 2015). Such methods that can improve communication with dementia patients are reduce rate of speech with verbatim repetition with the use of simple sentences (de Vries, 2013). Additionally, allowing the person time to process and respond to what has articulated (de Vries, 2013). When talking to a PWD, talk in a clear voice and allow them time to respond (McEvoy & Plant, 2014). Closed questions may possibly be used to facilitate the completion of daily activities whereas, open ended questions can lead to conversations (de Vries, 2013; Kilgore, 2015). It has been assessed when verbally communicating to people with dementia using a tone that exerts control or infantilising communication also known as ‘elder speak’ results in the patient becoming resistant to care (de Vries, 2013). Through improving interactions with HCP, communication skills can have significance on improving the quality of life and well-being for those living with dementia (McEvoy & Plant, 2014). Being

I worked directly with these disabled individuals each day and tried to help out in any possible way I could to get the most out of my experience. At North Star each day they would have different educational and fun activities for adults, for example the first day we started off with a craft activity, making tissue Christmas trees and

The purpose of the Interpersonal Communication Competence Assessment is to educate individuals on his or her ability to adapt to certain communicative situations across different contexts, utilize conversational skills, manage conversations, empathize with others, speak effectively, and have appropriate conversations. This assessment asked me questions that really allowed me to take a step out of my body and thoroughly examine my communication from the outside in. I learned about the types of communication with which I struggle as well as the ones in which I exceed. It specifically taught me about my lack of conversational management, my expertise with appropriateness, my ability to empathize with others, my room to improve in

After volunteering at Beyond I can, I found that I was most surprised with how all of the individuals never complained about working and were always so positive throughout the day. There was not one single time that I did not feel welcomed, included, and cared for. I think I was surprised because I did not know what to expect entering the building and I feel as if I would get tired of working. Additionally, I would think that the individuals may not be in the best mood every single day. Surprisingly enough, no matter the situation or disability, the individuals were so inviting and loving. My goal is to make other individuals feel as if the clients at Beyond I can made me feel.

Later in my fieldwork, I had the pleasure to work in a special education classroom.

Individual Student Assignment Weighting: 30% Due Date: Refer to course description. Submission: Submit your report on Moodle – use a zip file format if necessary. Your lecturer will inform you if a paper copy is required and provide you with details. Assignment Topic: Select one or more key issues concerning communicating as professionals and discuss in detail how it relates to practise in a particular field. (For example, journalists, lawyers, teachers and IT professionals) Description of Assignment: Students will prepare a 2000 - 2500 word report (approximately 10 pages doublespaced, not including references). The assignment is to

It is encouraging to the learning services trainers and volunteers when they witness the successful outcomes of their efforts on these special individuals who can communicate with others satisfactorily as well as have a comfortable lifestyle of their own in their own

Interpersonal skills are what social equips an individual making them able to coexist in a work surrounding. This skill may vary but they contribute to one thing which is help an individual be more reliable and work efficient.