Question

Ensure that you:

Select and use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication

Recognise situations where misunderstandings may arise from diversity and form appropriate responses

SCENARIO

Nelson is a young Indigenous worker who feels extremely challenged and anxious when confronted by direct questioning. He has done very well at TAFE, but on attending a job interview the style of questioning made him feel uncomfortable and he found difficulty answering questions about his skills and experience.

It was only the skills of the interviewer that turned the questions around into a more relaxed interchange. This allowed Nelson to express his ideas and demonstrate his skills.

Answer 1

Appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication for Indeginous workers:

Indegenious people are native to land or region. In Australia , indegenious people are called Aboriginal or Torres islanders. Often the diversity in culture and behaviour influences the pattern of communication , both verbal and nonverbal form. The communication technique that are inappropriate to Indeginous people are:  

* Direct questioning

* eye to eye contact maintanance, especially eye contact with the unfamiliar opposite gender: Direct looking into eyes and speaking may considered as rude, and disrespect

* Touching without permission

* Calling their names alone without adding certain titles like Aunty or uncle, especially elder people

Appropriate vebal and nonverbal communication:

* Use the language that is understandable for them. Don't try to imitate their language or speak it without clear knowledge. Make use of an interpreter for a clear communication

* Avoid complex words and sentences or jargons

* Give enough time for answering

* Only few from Indeginous people   are comfortable with eye contact. Lower the eyes when speaking with them. otherwise they may be uncomfortable.  

* Indirect Approach questioning is more appropriate for Indeginous people . Direct questioning may leads to discouragement of participation, misunderstanding especially when the person is speaking non standard English during data collection or an interview.   (That's why Mr. Nelson felt uncomfortable)

Use indirect questions with plain words. avoid compound questions.

* Use appropriate titles like ' Aunty or uncle' .

* Actively listen to them , show empathy.  

* use open ended questions and give enough time to think and answer.

* Before making decisions , ask the patient, whether she/ he wants to consult with family members.