Would you say you are a better verbal or written communicator?
"I do not lean one way or another when it comes to verbal or written communication. Both are equally important to me. If I have to choose just one, I will choose written communication as one can always look back on written communication for reference."
"I am comfortable with both so that it would depend on the message, I suppose. Urgent news needs to be communicated verbally and followed up in written form, but quick messages on simple changes can be communicated effectively through email or instant message."
A clinical nurse specialist must be highly skilled in both written, and verbal, communication. In which manner do you prefer to communicate - written or oral? Discuss your preference with the interviewer and support your answer.
"I prefer verbal communication because I feel that with written communication, a lot can be misread due to lack of tone, fluctuation, expression and body language. I will always choose a face to face conversation whenever possible."
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Anonymous Answer
I am comfortable with both. It depends on the occasion and urgency of the message.
Kevin's Feedback
Great! To further strengthen your answer, go into more detail about your abilities to communicate both verbally and through the written word. There's an old workplace adage when it comes to communication, 'Message sent is message received.' As a clinical nurse specialist, your communication skills could be a matter of life or death. So how do you ensure your communication, in all forms, is thorough and is sending the message you want received?
I am very thorough with both. If it is written communication, I am very thorough, choose my words carefully, and proof my work for any errors. I never pass on written communications unless I am sure it sends the message I want. When it comes to verbal communication, I make sure everything they say adds up to a communal understanding. That is why I frequently repeat it once I am certain they understand, confirming we’re on the same page, or often ask them to repeat it back to me. I think mirroring is a very useful technique in this regard.
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