Activity 1

Learn from an example

Think about a recent example of a communication you needed to share with a person or group of people.

• Think about the reason 'why' you needed this change to happen
• Define exactly 'what' you wanted them to do
• Finally recall the actions or next steps requested, i.e. 'the how'.

Activity 2

Think about a forthcoming communication you have to carry out and complete the following steps:

1. Write down who your audience is going to be (e.g. a patient, the pharmacy team, etc).

2. What is the subject or topic you want to cover?

3. What is the specific objective, outcome or action you want to achieve?

4. Create a three-part agenda for the meeting, which will usually fit nicely around your 'why', 'what' and 'how' questions.

5. Think a bit more about the content of each part, bearing in mind the audience you're speaking to. Identify a maximum of three key points for each, if applicable.

6. Come up with one or two sentences that summarise each part to help you complete your communication.

7. Think about the best way to introduce and open the communication.