While many of us sit at home following the instructions to leave the house as infrequently as possible, others are having to risk their lives providing services for us that until a few months ago were considered “unskilled”.
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If nothing else comes out of this I hope we will always refer to those who have kept us going as “Key Workers”.
In comparison to what our Key Workers are doing, writing about communication seems much less important …
… However, I raise the following two points in the hope it will help you.
- Please look each other in the eye when you do go out. I know you are busy keeping a safe distance away but the loss of eye contact makes the distance feel even greater. If you pass someone from the other side of the street please make the effort to look them in the eye, smile and nod … it will make both you and them feel better and doesn’t raise the risk of infection in any way.
- Get in touch with friends, family and acquaintances. Write a letter, pick up the phone, email or simply text if that works better for you. We are social beings and this lack of interaction isn’t good for any of us. It may only be a small gesture from where you are standing but it might make a massive difference to the recipient.
Keep safe and let me know below how you are coping with our new normal.
Dear Sally,
A coach on TV yesterday was suggesting that with more limited visual clues in on line meetings/conversations, language becomes more important. This seems to make sense and what advice do you have for changes we should make to take account of this.
Yours,
Peter Henry
Hi Peter
I would concentrate more on being heard – diction and clarity on the phone or behind a mask are critical to being understood. A slightly slower pace can sometimes help … depends on your usual speed though!
My top tip re language at any time is to use everyday language … it’s clearer, easier to understand and has more impact. … Mmm just given me an idea for next months blog … watch this space!
Hi Sally
Absolutely spot on with that first tip in particular ! We live in a village in Kent and are now on “Hello” terms and more with a number of people that we would have walked past before ! A smile and a nod does make a difference “Hello” can lead to new friends. Thanks
Hi Phil
That’s great to hear and hopefully we will have all got to know our neighbours a little better by the end of all this.