Public speaking is a skill that every professional, regardless of industry, should master. Whether it’s giving a presentation at work or attending a conference, public speaking requires practice and preparation.
What’s more, it can be an intimidating experience for many people who are afraid to speak publicly. But with the right strategies, anyone can overcome their fear and communicate clearly.
In healthcare, there are several situations where public speaking is required. From medical staff to providers alike, clear communication is needed, and a lack of clarity may have serious consequences.
Why Public Speaking is Important for Healthcare Professionals
Public speaking skills are a must-have for healthcare professionals because they often have to speak at conferences or meetings. They also need to engage in dialog with patients and their families, as well as colleagues.
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other health care providers must present information clearly and concisely to patients of varying ages. Explaining a procedure to an elderly or middle-aged person won’t be the same as communicating with a pediatric patient.
Exchanges of information and accountability are important in this industry. A doctor who speaks falteringly may lose the trust and confidence of their patients.
Nurses, for instance, should be able to explain complex medical processes to patients. Additionally, nurses should be able to accurately jot down notes for every action performed or any changes made during a patient’s treatment. Nurses are also frequently required to speak with doctors about organizational matters such as their shifts, and discuss the status of their patients. With so much information being relayed through nurses, their ability to effectively listen and respond is vital. Therefore, listening and speaking skills should be part of any RN’s job description.
What Factors Can Influence Public Speaking as a Medical Professional?
The first step in preparing for public speaking is understanding what makes it so difficult. There can be many contributing factors that make public speaking challenging for you. Let’s run by a few of them:
Nerves & Anxiety
Being nervous or anxious are common feelings when speaking in front of others. This feeling usually stems from fear of making mistakes or not knowing how to convey your message. If the nerves hit before a presentation, chances are you’ll feel even more anxious once you start talking.
Lack of Confidence
If you lack confidence in yourself, you won’t be able to project your voice properly or speak with conviction. You might sound like you don’t know what you’re saying, or worse, you could come across as arrogant or condescending. Both are detrimental to any interaction a healthcare provider may have.
Stage Fright
If you’ve ever experienced stage fright, then you know how nerve-wracking it can be. Stage fright is caused by a combination of nerves and lack of preparation, but also an inherent fear of failure. Getting over your stage fright as a medical professional requires practice and proper training, and it’s something that must be done in this industry.
Poor Preparation
A lack of preparation can lead to several problems. For example, if you haven’t practiced enough, you may find yourself struggling to get your words out. You may also forget important details of your speech. And if you’re unprepared, you may find yourself getting flustered and unable to keep your composure.
Six Tips to Communicate More Effectively in Health Care Settings
1. Be Clear About What You Want Patients To Do
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Tell patients exactly what you expect them to do. For example, “I want you to call in every day after your medical discharge so I can follow up with you.” Or, “I want to schedule a follow-up appointment with you next week.”
2. Use Plain Language
Use simple language and avoid medical jargon. Avoid technical terms like “biofeedback” and “neurological exam” unless you’re talking to a patient who knows exactly what these words mean. Instead, try saying things like “we’ll test your reflexes” or “we’re going to look at your eyes.”
3. Don’t Assume People Know What You Mean
Don’t assume that everyone understands what you’re trying to say; instead, ask questions to clarify. Ask open-ended questions to encourage patients to tell you what they think. When you talk to a patient, ask him or her to repeat back what you just said. And remember, if you’re unsure about something, simply ask.
4. Listen Well
Listen carefully to what patients are telling you. Pay attention to their tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions. Are they smiling or frowning? Does their voice sound frustrated? These clues can give you insight into how well you’re connecting with patients. A confused facial expression is a dead giveaway that they didn’t quite understand what was said, so these are definitely signs to pick up on.
5. Remember to Stay Calm
Patients and families appreciate a calm demeanor. Try to stay relaxed and smile. Remember, too, that sometimes it takes a little extra effort to connect with patients and families. As with any interaction, we are all unsure as to what someone may be going through in their personal lives. An abrupt or harsh way of speaking may turn off the person you’re conversing with, especially if other things are affecting them.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Communicating effectively with patients and families requires practice. Start practicing improvements now, and continue to hone your communication skills throughout your career.
Conclusion and Next Steps Towards Effective Communication in Healthcare
Effective communication is an essential and understated part of providing quality healthcare among all medical professionals. The most effective way to improve your communication skills is through practice.
Since preparation is always key, the following are your next steps in helping you get started on your journey:
• Read books or watch videos. Many books can help with this. Books such as The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols will provide valuable insights into communicating more effectively. You can also watch videos online or read articles on effective communication. There are countless helpful resources on YouTube and other online platforms.
• Attend local workshops. There may be opportunities available locally to attend workshops on effective communication. Check online with nearby libraries or other organizations to see if there are any upcoming events.
• Join an organization. Many organizations exist to support physicians and nurses in their efforts to communicate better with patients and families. For example, the American Board of Internal Medicine has the Physician Charter Program that provides physicians with tools to improve their communication skills.
• Take advantage of streaming technology. Technology can be used to enhance your communication skills. For instance, video conferencing software allows you to speak face-to-face from different locations. Video recording software enables you to record sessions so that you can review your interactions later. There are also various podcasts you can listen to on streaming platforms like Pandora or Spotify that touch on effective communication and listening techniques.
And finally,
• Keep learning. As you gain experience, you’ll become increasingly comfortable speaking with patients and families. This comfort level will allow you to communicate even more effectively.