Different communication techniques

Engaging with others throughout the behaviour support process

HomeDifferent communication techniques

In this resource:

Practitioner resources (downloadable):

Different communication techniques

Transcript

Dr Jennifer Frean, Communication and Inclusion Specialist
(The University of Melbourne; Melbourne, Victoria)

Communicating takes place in many different ways, and it's particularly important to be aware of this when engaging with your participant and their support network as part of the behaviour support planning process.

In terms of positive effective communication, get the setting right first. Have the conversation in places that are relevant to the person, where they feel comfortable and in a space that makes sense, in terms of what you're talking about.

It's also important to be aware of yourself and what messages you're giving off through your body movements, tone of voice.

And remember, communication is dynamic. It changes from moment-to-moment, especially when shifts in topic take place.

So, remember to read cues, adapt, slow down, watch and listen.

Don't be afraid of silence. People are often thinking and if you give them that space, they'll find the way to communicate their ideas.

You can try asking open questions rather than simple yes / no questions, because they can sometimes shut the conversation down.

Consider different techniques such as drawing pictures together, show and tell with props like photos or visiting places around the house or community discussion mats or Key Word Sign.

Let the person with disability lead the conversation and you fill in the gaps. You can find out more information on our website where we have some of these tools and we also link out to other tools, so have a look there too.

It's really helpful to remember that your fellow practitioners are a wealth of information. So, share and ask.

Closing credits (text presented on screen)

How will you use these ideas to improve engagement in your behaviour support practice?

Different communication techniques: Engaging with participants

Behaviours of concern are often used by people with disability as a form of communication.

By considering what alternative communication strategies the person can use instead of the behaviour, you can shift to positive behaviour support strategies instead.

These alternatives should be based on the person’s preferred communication style and skills. For example, if the person uses Key Word Sign to communicate, include a strategy in the plan that teaches the person and their support network a new sign that can be used to let others know what it is they are seeking or trying to avoid.

Participant communication guide

The participant communication guide (download Word version for desktop) is designed to help behaviour support practitioners prepare to communicate effectively with a participant ahead of meeting a participant for the first time or in the early stages of getting to know the person.

The guide includes sections that help you record the way the person communicates. It also provides prompts about the person’s environment to help you as a behaviour support practitioner to equip yourself with the information you need to engage the participant in an effective way throughout the behaviour support planning and implementation process.

Next steps

Also see: