Interpersonal Communication

Skills for Childbirth Educators

A

t the most basic level, interpersonal communication is transferring an idea from one person to another. However, the simple act of sharing an idea is not so simple when we realize the skills it takes to successfully transfer meaning.

Paying Attention

Although you cannot control the learner's ability to pay attention, you can help her refocus her attention by saying her name before you speak. You can also encourage your learners to pay attention by making eye contact.

Clarity of Expression

You have the most control over how you express your ideas and meaning to your students. First and foremost, stay within your learners frame of reference by relating new information to something she already understands. For example, when describing the stages of labor you may relate the changes in the mother to the changes the learner has gone through on a long walk or hike, during an exhausting athletic competition or during a stressful situation.

Use short sentences with easy to understand words when giving directions. After giving the direction, use a sample� question to demonstrate or have the students demonstrate what they are supposed to do.

When asking for input or answers from your students, give them time to gather their thoughts before they speak. You may ask them to write down a few thoughts, or discuss it briefly with their partner before sharing with the group.

To give emphasis to important concepts or key words, pause before stating them. Be careful not to let the pause drag, but simply express the importance of the concept. To further emphasize important points, reword them or restate them later in the class.

Feedback

When providing your students with feedback, try to make it as immediate as possible. Do not correct everything they have said or done, but pick out the most important point and comment on that. Only give them as much information as they can use, which will generally be only one or two suggestions.

Do not forget to give your students time to respond to the feedback. If you made a suggestion for how to improve massage skills, do not stop and move on to the next topic until you have given the students time to practice that new skill.

Conductive Environment

When planning your classes, be sure to choose an environment that is free from distractions and interruptions which can break a train of thought and make it more difficult to pay attention. Be sure that all the students can see the teacher, and that the teacher is able to make eye contact with each of the students.

You May Also Be Interested In: The Coach's Notebook explains a variety of comfort measures and techniques for childbirth. The Christian Childbirth Resource Directory lists websites, books and organizations all created to help you honor God through childbirth. Birthing Naturally Books publishes books to help you grow closer to God during this special time of life. Find other childbirth professionals near you in the Natural Childbirth Directory.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

Home | Site Index | Disclaimer | Contact