GIVING INFORMATION

GIVING   INFORMATION

Giving Information

Getting and Giving Information is probably the #1 competency required. If we cannot communicate effectively, then no other skill will compensate this lack. First and foremost, we must be able to exchange information effectively and accurately.

Giving Information

When giving information, use all five senses whenever possible. In addition to them we have to,

1.   Speak clearly.

2.   Use language that everyone understands.

3.   Vary your tone and pace.

4.   Move from the general to the specific.

5.   Use visuals— charts, maps, and diagrams.

6.   Eyeball the listener.

7.   Encourage two-way flow—ask questions and get them asking questions of you.

8.   Don't pass judgement on the question or the questioner.

9.   Use feedback and reflective listening to keep your verbal and non-verbal communication in synchronization.

10.        Take notes of the main ideas and review your notes soon afterwards to make sure they continue to make sense.

For example, talking about our health means sharing information about how we feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Knowing how to describe our symptoms and bring up other concerns will help us become a partner in our health care.

If we give correct information clearly then our description helps the doctor to identify the problem. A physical examination and medical tests provide valuable information, but it is our giving information about the symptoms that point the doctor in the right direction.

While giving information we must be,

1.   Honest

2.   Decide what questions are most important

3.   Stick to the point

4.   Share our point of view about the subject

If we want others to give us information then we must,

1.   encourage others to speak freely.

2.   Show interest by leaning forward, paying attention, nodding in agreement, taking notes, and so forth.

3.   Greet new ideas with interest.

4.   Give the individual your undivided attention.

5.   Maintain eye contact.

6.   Use the individual's name.

7.   Smile, relax, and be friendly.

When getting information or giving information, we may be watching for a variety of clues to gather meaning: not only verbal or written information, but nonverbal behaviour as well. Both verbal and non-verbal means are very important for information.

In case of the situation, if we cannot say verbally, then non-verbal methods will be more effective.

This is the world of information. Information is commodity today. So we must be very careful in giving information. In order not to forget the gist we must

·         Take notes. Always write down key information received or to be given.

·         Repeat back what we think, what we heard the person say.

The information that we give or going to give may be taken as reference by another speaker. So giving information should be authentic.