Clear, respectful communication

A clear conversation starts with attention. Introduce yourself, explain why you are speaking and give the other person time to respond. Avoid making assumptions about what someone knows or what matters to them.

Use ordinary language and one question at a time. If a term is unfamiliar, explain it or ask someone qualified to explain it. Notice when the setting is too noisy or public for the conversation. Follow workplace arrangements for interpreters and communication support rather than assuming a companion should interpret.

Reflect: Think of a phrase you use that could be replaced with simpler language.

A nod or a quick yes does not always mean a message was understood. Invite the person to explain what they have understood in their own words, without turning the conversation into a test. Ask what questions they still have.

When receiving an instruction at work, repeat back the important details and ask who to contact if anything changes. If an instruction is unclear or outside your role, pause and ask the responsible colleague for clarification rather than improvising. This course does not teach clinical handover or clinical decision-making.

Reflect: How would you ask for clarification in a respectful way?

Finish a conversation by making the next step explicit. Who will do what, and who needs to know? Check that the agreed action is realistic and that responsibility has not been left ambiguous.

For example, a new colleague asks where to find the local orientation checklist. You can identify the responsible supervisor, show the approved location and check they were able to access it. Do not assume that passing on a link has resolved the issue.

Reflect: Describe a non-clinical situation where checking back would help.