The ability to effectively communicate is a primary skill. The more you become an effective communicator; the more likely you are to achieve what you want. Over 80 percent of your waking life is spent in sending or receiving information. Therefore it is beneficial to communicate with people effectively as poor communication can waste time and energy or cause conflict.

Communication competency is indispensable for successful participation in the work of health extension workers. The ability to communicate effectively often determines a person's perceived overall competency and level of success. To positively communicate and bring good relation, you need interpersonal skills even more than technical expertise.

Communication is a series of events including:

• Seeing.
• Touch.
• Taste.
• Hearing.
• Smell.

To communicate effectively, you need to use:

• Verbal messages - the words we choose.
• Para-verbal messages - how we say the words.
• Non-verbal messages - our body language.

Elements of communication

• The sender or source is an individual, group or organisation who initiates the communication as a source.
• The message is the information that the sender wants to transmit.
• The channel or medium is the mean used to convey the message.
• The receiver is the individual or individuals to whom the message is directed.
• Feedback. This is the way in which the receiver responds to the sender. It can be spoken comment, a long sigh, written message, a smile, etc.

Communication channels

• Interpersonal:
  • Face-to-face (health extension worker, community health promoters).
  • Home visit (community health promoters).
  • Group discussion.
  • Counselling in consultation.
• Traditional:
  • Drama.
  • Songs.
  • Puppet shows.
  • Community theatre.
• Print materials:
  • Leaflets (EPI Invitation Card).
  • Posters.
  • Immunisation diploma.
  • Flip charts.
• Mass media:
  • Radio.
  • Television.
  • Newspapers and magazines.
  • Movies.

It is important that you, as a health extension worker, use terms that are readily understood when you talk to members of the community, ensuring that you appreciate local problems and showing respect for local customs and culture.

Effective communication skills

Effective communication begins when a health worker starts thinking about what keeps people from coming to a health facility and/or what prevents them from returning.

As health workers we need to listen, understand, encourage, and better communicate with individuals and communities so that improved health behaviours become a part of the way people live.

Effective communication includes be warm/friendly, encourage the mother/parent, give messages relevant to the mother's/child's situation , keep messages simple and clear and have caretakers repeat what you have said to know if they understand.