5-Minute MCH: Module 5.1

Skillful communication is the ability to convey information to and receive information from others effectively. It includes essential components of attentive listening and clarity in writing or speaking for a variety of audiences. Other forms of communication, such as body language and tone, are equally important. An understanding of the impact of culture, language, literacy level, and disability on communication between MCH professionals and the individuals, families, and populations that they serve is also important.

Knowledge Areas

MCH leaders will demonstrate a working knowledge of:

• Principles of communication for all three communication modalities, including verbal, written, and nonverbal, in various practice, policy, and research settings.
• Approaches to overcome communication challenges, such as literacy levels, disability, cultural meanings, language differences, professional terms, and acronyms.

Skills

Foundational. At a foundational level, MCH leaders will:

1. Share thoughts, ideas, and feelings effectively and with cultural and linguistic proficiency in discussions, meetings, and presentations with individuals and diverse groups.
2. Write clearly, effectively, and with cultural and linguistic proficiency to express information about issues and services that affect MCH population groups.
3. Understand nonverbal communication cues in self and others.
4. Listen attentively and actively.
5. Tailor information for the intended audience by using appropriate communication messaging. Audiences can include consumers, policymakers, clinicians, and the public.

Advanced. Building on the foundational skills, MCH leaders will:

6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly through effective presentations and written scholarship about MCH populations, issues, and/or services.
7. Employ a repertoire of communication skills that includes disseminating information in a crisis, relaying difficult news, and explaining opportunities and risks for health promotion and disease prevention
8. Summarize complex information appropriately for a variety of audiences and contexts.

Click for Discussion Form

If you can't see/access the form above, please email your comments to [email protected].

• "There's a lot to learn about communication. How we as professionals communicate among ourselves, how we communicate with different population groups. And how everyone is listening these days is changing so dramatically. It seems like no one has time to hear messages anymore, and there are so many sources of communication, it's overwhelming."
• "The importance of crafting a convincing MCH story both for those we serve and for those who make decisions at a field level cannot be overstated."
• "I hope you remember to include basics such as public speaking and how to write convincingly. I'm amazed at how these are skills that many upcoming professionals need more background in."