Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

• Certain responses communicate a lack of acceptance of the person or a desire to
change or control them. Certain imply that the person is incapable of making a
decision and deny the person the responsibility for their problem and solution.
Ask the group:
‣ What usually happens in a conversation:
-- You speak . . . . I listen
-- I speak . . . . . you listen
or
-- You speak . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I listen – evaluate – listen – plan – listen – prepare what I’m going to say – speak (at
the first chance I get to interrupt you).
Explain that, in fact, we often evaluate what others say before trying to understand them; in
so doing, we risk drawing false conclusions.
Distribute the participant document Obstacles to Communication. Ask volunteers to read
and comment the additional obstacles on page 3.
III.
CONDITIONS THAT FAVOR POSITIVE COMMUNICATION (15 minutes)
Ask the group:
‣ What kind of conditions do we need to create in order to make it easier for a woman
to discuss freely her situation (problems, concerns, feelings)?
We need to create a relationship of mutual trust and respect:
• Establish a positive and constructive rapport with the woman
• Try to understand the woman’s situation and feelings, and any problems she may
have in talking about her situation
• Be willing and able to accept and respect the woman without judging her
• Be ready and willing to help
• Be objective in interacting with the woman
• Pay attention to the relationship between what we say verbally and our non-verbal
messages. (The woman’s perception of our non-verbal behavior is often more
important than what we say verbally.)
• Ask for feedback from the woman if we are unsure of whether or not we are
understanding each other or whether information we are giving her is helpful;
respect the woman’s feedback; and respond constructively to it.
• Use language (words, expressions) that are understood by the woman
Explain to the group that the following sessions will focus on creating the conditions, and
using communication skills, that facilitate positive communication with women in our
communities.
208
RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 14: Interpersonal Communication