Download MPH 525 Effective Forms of Communication

Communication plays a major role in how effectively a message or idea is conveyed. Part of
becoming a better leader means improving upon communication skills. Health communication is defined
by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2012), as the study and use of communication
strategies to inform and influence individual decisions that enhance health.
Two of the most defining features of health communication include effective listening and
reducing communication misunderstanding. Effective listening is often a neglected communication skill
(Kline). This lack of instruction is interesting due to the fact that people spend seven out of every ten
minutes awake in some form of communication- 10 percent writing, 15 percent reading, 30 talking, and
45 percent listening (Kline). There are several people who do not have very good listening skills. Being
able to listen to others and learn from what they have to say allows for better communication overall.
Reducing communication misunderstanding also allows for more effective communication.
Misunderstanding the message is a direct barrier to effective communication (Kline). People with
different educational backgrounds may use different words that could mean the same thing and in turn
create confusion. Eliminating some barriers to communication would allow for more valuable
communication.
While completing my undergraduate degree I was involved in a cancer rehabilitation course. For
the first six week of the class, there was instruction and the last nine weeks we were given the
opportunity to work hands on with cancer survivors, providing initial assessments and training sessions
to those who were either receiving treatment or had already completed their treatment and were in
remission.
During the instruction portion of the class, the lecturer provided important health information in
regards to cancer, cancer treatment, and the effectiveness of exercise during and after treatment. The
PowerPoint’s provided risk factors associated with different forms of cancer and lifestyle choices that
increase ones risk of getting cancer. This allowed me to understand the implications of certain lifestyle
choices and how cancer affects the human body.
The messages provided influenced my decisions regarding exercise and other risk factors
associated with cancer such as smoking. I have chosen to partake in regular exercise and to smoke in
hopes to decrease my chance of being diagnosed with cancer. This was not only a class but an effective
health communication message in reference to cancer.
Overall, health communication is an effective way to influence and enhance health decisions
made by individuals. Efficient communication allows for health professionals to convey important health
information to the public. Understanding the importance of communication and helpful tools that make
communication easier will allow for the messages to be received in a more effective manner.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2012). Health communication basics. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/healthbasics/whatishc.html
Kline, J. Leaders communicating effectively. Retrieved from
https://engage.cune.edu/learn/pluginfile.php/6135/mod_page/content/8/kline.pdf