Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is paramount to providing quality care. 

Two models that offer valuable insights into improving your communication skills are Charles Duhigg’s three types of conversations and Lowenbraun & Stephens’ S.A.I.D model. 

Let’s explore how these frameworks can enhance our clinical practice and client interactions.

Duhigg’s Three Types of Conversations

Charles Duhigg proposes that all conversations fall into three categories: practical (action-oriented), emotional (feelings-focused), and social (identity-based). Understanding these types can help clinicians tailor their approach to each client’s needs.

Practical Conversations

These are action-oriented discussions focused on problem-solving and decision-making. In a clinical setting, this might involve discussing treatment options, creating rehabilitation plans, or explaining exercise routines.

Emotional Conversations

These conversations centre on feelings and emotions. Clinicians often engage in emotional conversations when addressing a client’s concerns, fears, or frustrations about their condition or treatment progress.

Social Conversations

These discussions revolve around identity and how we relate to others. In healthcare, this might involve conversations about how a client’s condition affects their role in family or work life. It can also include ideas that the client brings into the consultation from Google, other professionals and from social conversations.

The S.A.I.D Model

Lowenbraun & Stephens’ S.A.I.D model offers a complementary approach to Duhigg’s framework, focusing on four key communication strategies: Support, Advance, Immerse, and Discern.

Support

This involves actively listening and providing emotional support to clients. It aligns closely with Duhigg’s emotional conversation type.

Advance

This strategy focuses on moving the conversation forward, often by asking probing questions or suggesting next steps. It shares similarities with Duhigg’s practical conversation type.

Immerse

Immersion involves fully engaging with the client’s perspective, which can be particularly useful in social conversations as defined by Duhigg.

Discern

This strategy emphasises careful observation and analysis of the client’s communication, helping clinicians identify underlying issues or concerns. It can also be when either party wants to ‘brain’storm’ ideas before making a decision.

Comparing the Models

While Duhigg’s model provides a framework for categorising conversations, the S.A.I.D model offers specific strategies for engaging in these conversations effectively. Both models emphasise the importance of recognising the nature of the conversation and adapting our communication style accordingly.

Value to Healthcare Clinicians

Understanding and applying these models can significantly enhance a clinician’s ability to connect with clients and provide more effective care.

Improved Client Rapport

By recognising whether a client needs a practical, emotional, or social conversation, clinicians can better meet their clients’ communication needs, fostering trust and improving rapport.

Enhanced Treatment Adherence

When clinicians can effectively support, advance, immerse, and discern during conversations, they’re more likely to uncover barriers to treatment adherence and address them proactively.

More Comprehensive Care

These models remind us to consider the whole person, not just their physical symptoms. By engaging in all types of conversations and using varied communication strategies, we can provide more holistic care.

Efficient Problem-Solving

Recognising when a practical conversation is needed and using the ‘advance’ strategy can lead to more efficient problem-solving and decision-making in clinical settings.

Emotional Intelligence Development

Regularly engaging in emotional conversations and using the ‘support’ and ‘immerse’ strategies can help clinicians develop greater emotional intelligence, a crucial skill in healthcare.

Practical Application

To implement these models in your practice, start by consciously identifying the type of conversation you’re having with each client. Are they seeking practical advice, emotional support, or discussing how their condition affects their identity? Then, apply the appropriate S.A.I.D strategies to enhance the conversation.

For example, if a client is expressing frustration about their slow recovery (an emotional conversation), use the ‘support’ and ‘immerse’ strategies to validate their feelings and understand their perspective. 

Then, you might transition to a practical conversation using the ‘advance’ strategy to discuss potential adjustments to their treatment plan.

By mastering these communication models, you can significantly enhance your ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and provide more effective, patient-centred care. 

As healthcare continues to evolve, these communication skills will become increasingly valuable in navigating the complex biopsychosocial aspects of your clients’ health journeys.

Self-Awareness in Communication: Recognising Your Conversational Comfort Zone

It’s crucial to recognise that each of us has a natural inclination towards certain types of conversations. 

Some clinicians may excel in practical, action-oriented discussions, while others might find emotional or social conversations more comfortable. Understanding your own conversational preferences is as important as recognising those of our clients. 

This self-awareness allows you to adapt your communication style more effectively, ensuring you don’t inadvertently steer conversations towards your comfort zone at the expense of the client’s needs. 

By acknowledging your tendencies and consciously working to develop skills in all conversation types, you can become more versatile communicators, better equipped to navigate the diverse needs of your clients and provide truly patient-centred care

Looking Ahead: In-Depth Explorations of Communication Styles

In my upcoming articles, I’ll be taking a deep dive into each of Duhigg’s conversation types and the components of the S.A.I.D model. These focused explorations will provide you with detailed strategies and practical examples to help you master each aspect of effective clinical communication. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your skills in practical, emotional, or social conversations, or aiming to refine your ability to Support, Advance, Immerse, and Discern, my future content will offer valuable insights to elevate your clinical practice.

Contact me to find out when I’m coming to your state for communication skills workshops