Section 2: Communication Skills of the Student

Students should hopefully have learned basic communication skills before entering optometry school, but may benefit from coaching in the following areas:

• Active Listening
  • While delivery of the message is important, they should be able to listen and interact in two-way dialogue, understanding there may be varying perspectives.
• Awareness of communication styles
  • Some may be active communicators, while others may be passive or a blend of both. The knowledge that there are different styles of communication allows someone to have a positive relationship with another person.
• Persuasion
  • The ability to influence others’ opinions and behaviors is important, especially when a student is presenting a case and giving information to contribute to the preceptor’s decisions on next steps. This may look like using more clinically-appropriate language, choosing a time to speak when the preceptor is not still busy typing or on the phone, framing the case presentation in such a way that extraneous information is not included.
• Professional Email Communication
  • The ability to write an email in a professional manner is important for a doctor’s interpersonal communication.  
    • Dr. Eilene Kinzer and Dr. Rachel Fitzgerald have provided an informative lecture addressing this situation. lecture notes available here.