Tips for building a relationship with a new service user
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should understand in what ways you might use your communication skills in a meeting to build a relationship with the service user.
Your verbal, non-verbal and symbolic communication skills provide you with the tools you need on placement to quickly build rapport with a service user. Of course, every service user has different needs and as such, you will need to become skilful in altering your approach to ensure you can create the most effective relationship possible. This process begins in the very first meeting.
In the following video, students share their own experiences of meeting a service user for the first time, and how they have used their communication skills to build an effective relationship.
Reflective Questions
- How can preparation help you feel less anxious about meeting a service user for the first time?
- Lucy says she uses paraphrasing and clarifying to check understanding in meetings. What other verbal communication elements might you use to ensure you have correctly understood what is being said?
- What strategies could you put in place so you are aware of your communication skills during a meeting and can use this awareness to change your approach if necessary?
- What non-verbal communication might you use if a service user was particularly nervous in a meeting?