Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 9

Answer

• a.Mass media
• b.Interpersonal
• c.Mass media
• d.Interpersonal.

Answer

Interpersonal means of communication are the best means to change the behaviour. Adoption of a behaviour passes through different stages and interpersonal communication has importance at all these stages. So if you want to help someone to change their health behaviour you will certainly have to use interpersonal communication effectively.

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The primary functions of non-verbal communication are:

1. Expression of emotion — emotions are expressed mainly through the face, body, and voice
2. Communication of interpersonal attitudes — the establishment and maintenance of relationships is often done through non-verbal signals (tone of voice, gaze, touch, etc.)
3. Accompany and support speech — vocalisation and non-verbal behaviours are synchronised with speech in conversation (nodding one’s head or using phrases like ‘uh-huh’ when another is talking)
4. Self-presentation — presenting oneself to another through non-verbal attributes like appearance
5. Rituals — the use of greetings, handshakes or other rituals.

Remember too that as well as using these various methods yourself you can ‘read’ them in other people. Most communication is a two-way thing and you can, for example, read other people’s appearance just as they can read yours.

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Communication can take one of several approaches; generally, there are four approaches to health communication.

• Informative: This type of message provides information about a new idea and makes it familiar to people. Mass media of this type is mostly used for wide coverage and reaching a large audience. Print materials and interpersonal communication are used to reinforce mass media messages and inform people in more detail and in ways that are more tailored to them as individuals.
• Educating: The new idea is explained including its strengths and weaknesses. This approach is used when people are already aware, but need more information or clarification. Interpersonal communication with individuals or small groups is probably the most appropriate way to provide more detailed information and can be reinforced by print materials such as books, pamphlets and other multimedia approaches such as films, slide shows and videos.
• Persuasive: The message promotes a positive change in behaviour and attitudes which encourages that audience to accept the new idea. This approach to message development involves finding out what most appeals to a particular audience. Persuasive approaches are more effective than coercive approaches in achieving behaviour change. Interpersonal communication is usually the most effective way to get across persuasive messages. Other persuasive methods include radio spots, advertisements and posters.
• Prompting: Messages are designed so that they are not easily ignored or forgotten, or to remind the audience about something and reinforce earlier messages.

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Communication barriers are categorised as follow:

Physical barriers include difficulties in hearing, seeing and inappropriate physical facilities. Make sure people can see and hear you as you deliver you message — and that they are physically comfortable.

Intellectual barriers may exist, between the sender and the receiver of the health message. So make sure that your messages are at the right level and can be understood by your audience.

Emotional barriers can exist, so try to ensure that you are in the right state of mind to deliver your health education messages and that your audience is in a good state of mind to receive your messages.

Environmental barriers such as noise, invisibility congestion. Make sure that these barriers are not present as you go about your health education work.

Cultural barriers include the customs, beliefs, religion, attitudes, economic and social class differences. So be aware of language variation and any age difference between you and your audience.

Answer

A is false. Since the communication is active and interactive, there is high chance of utilising more than two senses, such as seeing, hearing and touching, where interpersonal communication is needed.

B is true. More people can be reached, but the communication is less targeted and less tailored to individuals.

C is true. Communication may be easily distorted since you mostly rely on word-of-mouth in the method.