Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

SESSION 14: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
OBJECTIVES: By the end of the session, the participants should be able to:
1. Identify verbal responses that can block communication with women in the
community.
2. Identify non-verbal obstacles to communication with women in the community.
3. Name conditions that favor positive communication with women in the community.
4. Describe behaviors that indicate that one person is actively listening to another.
5. Define active listening.
6. Explain the importance of active listening in communication for behavior change.
7. Define the 3 components of active listening: passive listening, paraphrasing and
clarifying/open questions.
8. Explain factors that influence what they are willing to reveal about themselves.
9. Explain the application of these factors to the behavior of women in the community
in discussions of reproductive health.
10. Explain principles to respect when responding to rumors raised by women in the
community.
11. Describe approaches to the initiation of discussions of reproductive health issues
with women in a variety of situations
12. Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills appropriate to promoting changes
in reproductive health behaviors.
TRAINING METHODS: Exercise, Discussion, Role play
TIME: 5 hours
MATERIALS:
Flip charts:
• Session 14 objectives
• Obstacles to Communication
• Principles for Improving Communication in Reproductive Health
Participant documents:
• Obstacles to Communication
•
• Active Listening
• Examples of Questions Useful in Reproductive Health
• Principles for Improving Communication in Reproductive Health
• Role play Discussion Questions
Trainer document:
• Statements: Obstacles to Communication
• Role plays: 2 series of 3 each
INSTRUCTIONS
Post the flip chart Session 14 objectives and ask volunteers to read them.
I-II. OBSTACLES TO COMMUNICATION (40 minutes)
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 14: Interpersonal Communication