Community Health Volunteer's Training Manual - Population Council

Module 1 The CHPS Concept
Unit 2
Communication Skills
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Introduction
Welcome to the third unit in Module 1. In this unit we will learn about communication
and the role it plays in CHPS. We will identify communication channels we use at the
community level and the ones health volunteers can use in their work. In this unit you will
also be guided to demonstrate skills used in communicating effectively. Finally, we will
explain barriers to effective communication and discuss ways of overcoming them.
Unit objectives Unit topics
By the end of this unit participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the elements of effective communication
2. Identify communication channels used in the
community
3. Describe communication channels used by
volunteers
4. Demonstrate skills used in effective
communication
5. Identify and explain barriers to effective
communication
6. Explain how to overcome barriers to effective
communication
1. Understanding communication
2. Communication channels used at the community
level
3. Skills for effective communication
4. Barriers to effective communication
Keywords
barriers, channels, demonstrate skills, interactive, participatory, recipient, feedback, intervention,
communication, channels
Topic 1 Understanding communication
What is the most important ingredient for success in the activities we do in our various
communities? What is needed to get the support and cooperation of people, and build
personal relationships? The answer to these two questions is one and the same as the ability
to communicate skillfully and confidently with people.
Whenever we talk, dress up, write or make a facial expression we are giving messages to
people around us. We describe this as communication. We communicate in various ways by
what we do or do not do each day. Even silence is a form of communication thus the saying,
“Silence means consent”.
This topic will define communication and discuss its importance in CHPS. Let’s now do an Exercise.