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Source: Kim, et al. Health
Communication 1999;11(1).
Photos: B. Goldberg
Slide 19
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Providers may have a tendency to conduct one-way communication,
doing most of the talking and not allowing the expertise of
the client to emerge. Studies in Ghana, Kenya and Indonesia
used audio and video recordings to analyze actual client-provider
interactions. The studies found providers spoke twice as often
as clients. Moreover, each time providers said something, they
spoke longer in duration than the clients. When clients did
speak, they usually answered providers’ questions with
one- or two-word responses that conveyed minimal information.
When clients actively participate, they elaborate on a response,
ask questions, seek opinions and express agreement or disagreement.
To encourage more active participation by clients, providers
might begin a session by saying, “I invite you to talk
freely with me today. Please ask me anything you wish, and let
me assure you that whatever we discuss will remain private between
us.”
For effective two-way communication, providers need to encourage
clients to talk more openly during counseling, using the active
listening skills discussed on the next slide.
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