November 2019 Communication Tip
Silence
Dear Providers,
We all just received our October “StarCard.”
You might have noticed that 3 of the 6 questions are about how well we communicate.
So each month, I’ll be sending a quick tip about improving communication skills that I’m hoping will be helpful to you.
This month’s Tip:
Communication is a balance between talking, listening, and silence.
We often forget about the silence part.
Sharing silence tends to lead clinicians and patients to find connection and empathy.
What comes up after a moment of silence is often more important than what you were talking about before.
So yes… this month’s communication tip is about silence.
The next time you are talking with a patient about important things…
Try staying quiet for just a second or two longer than you might otherwise.
(and notice what you feel and how the patient responds).
To listen another’s soul into a condition of disclosure and discovery may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another.
From GLEANINGS by Douglas V. Steere
All My Best
mike