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Health Care Industry

The Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop

AORN Journal, March, 2004 by Maureen Bidwell

The Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop Joshua D. Guilar 2001, 400 pp $35 paperback

This educator's guide provides a concise, well-organized program that easily could be adapted to a hospital or corporate setting. The information is arranged to be presented as either a two-day workshop or a series of four sessions. The author's experience as a teacher in the corporate world is evident in how he relates discussion topic, to the audience he is addressing. Included in the book is a section containing reproducible pages to be used on an overhead projector and as workbook pages.

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The material is divided into three parts. Part I is related to the framework of the workshop. Here, the author presents the philosophy of his work and the groundwork for a successful workshop Part 11 contains the four workshop modules--Powerful Listening, Assertiveness, Conflict Management, and Conversations for Coordinating Action. Part III gives recommended options for evaluating a workshop. After spending a great deal of time, energy, and resources, how does a facilitator know if the workshop was effective? There also is a lengthy section on available resources.

The content is presented in an easy-to-understand and intelligent manner, and each of the modules contains useful information. After reading only a few pages, I found myself mentally applying the information to situations in my workplace. It is not necessary to have a degree in education or psychology to understand and apply the ideas in this book.

The author's attention to detail is evident throughout the book. He has thought of everything a facilitator might need. Several classroom arrangements are illustrated, and the location of classrooms in relation to restrooms and telephones is discussed. He itemizes supplies needed and how to use them most effectively. He also makes suggestions about what to prepare and when and what to do during the presentation. At the beginning of each module, there is a breakdown of the total time required, how long a break should be, and how long each segment of the module should take.

The author leaves nothing to chance. Each module begins with instructions for the facilitator and an explanation of why the subject is important. He even includes a checklist to ensure that the facilitator does not forget anything. He encourages the facilitator to take an inventory of personal skills and experiences and to be prepared.

The author demonstrates his creativity by including games in which the participants apply the principles discussed. The participants are placed in mock situations, and the information presented by the facilitator is used to solve or improve the problem presented. Each segment also includes workbook activities to be completed singly or in small groups.

Before attempting to use this book in an actual workshop setting, I recommend the facilitator read it through carefully. There are many activities included that require advance preparation. This book is informative, creative, and interesting and certainly would benefit someone planning a communications workshop.

This book is available from AMACOM, 1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, http:// www.amanet.org/books/catalog /0814470858.htm.

MAUREEN BIDWELL

RN, CNOR

CLINICAL EDUCATOR, OR

GOOD SAMARITAN REGIONAL

HEALTH CENTER

MOUNT VERNON, ILL

Health Care Industry

The Interpersonal Communication Skills Workshop

AORN Journal, March, 2004 by Maureen Bidwell

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