LEADERSHIP &

COMMUNICATION
MHE4
HEALTH
EDUCATION/PROMOTION

HEALTH EDUCATION/PROMOTION
OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
1.

Plan communication strategies to deal with

specific issues

2.

Discuss common communication problems

in the work setting

3.

Value the importance of planned

communication to enhance leadership

LEARNING ACTIVITIES
A.

Introductory Session
- discuss communication issues and principles

B. Activity session
- Listen to/ view and critique communication
materials

C. Self Directed learning

- Plan and develop communication materials
A.

Feedback session

COMMUNICATION
The production and exchange of information
and meaning by the use of signs and
symbols.
Who
In

says what

which channel

To

whom

To

what effect

Communication is
MS. CREFS
Message
Source
Channel
Receiver
Effect
Feedback
Setting

COMMUNICATION & HEALTH

1.

How do communication processes add to or

detract from health behaviour change?

2.

How can communication strategies be used in

a planned way to influence behaviour change?

3.

Does health Communication have an impact?

COMMUNICATION & HEALTH

Communication can

Increase awareness of a health issue or problem

Affect attitudes to create support for individual or

collective action

Demonstrate or illustrate skills

Increase demand for health services

Remind about or reinforce knowledge, attitudes or

behaviour

COMMUNICATION & HEALTH

Communication cannot:

Compensate for lack of health care services.

Produce behaviour change without supportive

programme components.

Be equally effective in addressing all issues or

relaying all messages.

Communication & Leadership

Question
What

are some communication issues

relating to leaders and members of the health
team?

Answers
Ineffective
Clarity

communication

of instructions or information

- use of technical terms(such as the use of jargons)

-tone of voice(tone may not be friendly or welcoming
-Attitude(body language can act as a barrier for
effectieve communication)
-Inadequate information
Respect

for team members

Recognition

of those who contributed

Communication & Leadership

Question
What

are some groups/ individuals that

leaders of a health team will need to relate to

in order to achieve the smooth running of a
programme or to discuss key health issues?

Answers

Patients/ clients

Team members

Families

Donors

Interest/ pressure groups

Media

Other professionals

What is Required for Effective

Communication as a Leader?
Skills in
Interpersonal
Motivation
Working

relationships

and team building

with the media

Interpersonal Skills
Active
- read

listening

between the lines

- note the feelings through the tone of voice

- often what is unsaid is as important as what is said
Claifying

what is heard

ask questions

rephrase

Summarise

Interpersonal Skills
Maintain
Be

aware of the body language

Use

encouraging gestures and sounds

Respect
Be

other peoples feelings and opinions

patient and avoid dodging

Use
Be

eye contact

clear simple language

assertive but avoid aggression

Motivation and Team Building

Keep communication lines opened

Empathize

Listen

Acknowledge good work and team successes.

Follow up verbal instructions with written ones.

Where possible include staff in decision making or

at least explain why a decision was taken

Manage the change process

Working with the Media

When being interviewed
Be

prepared

-Prepare your facts and become familiar with them

-Find out about your audience and their interests
-Establish the purpose of the interview
-Identify key messages and repeat them
Use

simple language

Support

your point with data

Working with the Media

When being interviewed
Use

examples to back up your point

Avoid

jargon and explain technical terms

dont say anything that you dont want

quoted

Know

your limitations

Remain

focused

Working with the Media

News Releases

Be aware of the communication policies of your

organization

Reach out to the media especially in matters of the

public interest

Put important information first

Use simple clear language

Avoid long complex sentences

State where added information may be obtained

Indicate when the information is to be released

Working with the Media

Interviews on camera

Dress appropriately- avoid distracting clothing

Display self confidence

Look at the interviewer not the camera

Avoid getting so comfortable that your actions, tone

or gestures become distracting

Control nervous habits

Working with the Media

Interviews on camera

Remain calm- avoid arguing with the interviewer

Be aware of and control your body language

Use natural gestures, facial expressions and voice

inflections

Summary

The communication processes can add to or

detract from health behaviour change?

Leaders of the health team need to

communicate effectively

Effective Communication as a leader requires

skills in
-Interpersonal relationships
-Motivation and team building
-Working with the media