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Communication skills

What function do the following sentences/phrases have? One example is given for each function.

1 Yes, of course.

2    It'll be OK. We'll make surę you have all the support you need.

3    I'm afraid the results of the tests are not good.

4    When you say you feel sick do you mean you want to vomit?

5    I think I can begin to understand how you feel.

6    Can you give me that number again, please?

7    Pm sorry but thafs not the way I see it.

8    No, quite!

9    Pve come today to discuss the results of your tests.

10    Pm sorry! I said the thirteenth not the thirtieth!

11    So, from what you've told me you suffer stornach pains, especially in the evenings, and have difficulties sleeping!

STATING THE PURPOSE

C ASKING FOR REPETITION

B CLARIFYING INFORMATION

Pd like to go over what we're going to do tomorrow.

Did you say these pains always come an hour after you've been eating?

D SHOWING THAT YOU'RE LISTENING

44 Section 5: Hospital erwironment

AGREEING

| CORRECTING INFORMATION

DISAGREEING

Nul KUM! KŁEM!

Weil, Susan, it seems your main concerns are about the operation.

KEASSURING

J EMPATHIZING

I >on't worry about Illiil. We'll soon Mili It out for you.

(showing understanding)

GIV1NG RAD NEWS

l in very sorry but your father died len minutes ago.

I can imagine it's very difficult for your family at the moment.

lis important in English to choose your words carefully and to use polite phrases. Medical personnel are seldom criticized for their medical abilities Init often criticized for their poor bedside manner (tact and sensitivity)!

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