INFORM? INFLUENCE? INSPIRE? THE ART OF SUCCESSFUL TEACHING

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Why do we teach? If it is to influence others, what is the best way of doing so? How can we ensure that our message will be remembered and acted upon?

These issues are particularly important in the context of medical knowledge, where the period between the acceptance of evidence, based on research, to the implementation of change in clinical practice may be counted in lives potentially saved or human suffering reduced. One of the problems facing healthcare leaders is how to minimize this time, between proven innovation and its acceptance. In achieving this, good communication is essential.

In this lecture these key themes will be explored. The means of improving communication and teaching will be considered through a focus on “5 Ms”: message, medium, meaning, and motivation.

Each of these will be considered in terms of their influence on communication, with hints given as to how this can be improved. This will be emphasized in the modern context, where communication is characterized by greater complexity in messages, directions and media.

Doctors in the 21st century will need to be more than good clinicians, they also should be good communicators: as teachers, as learners, as team members, and as authoritative guides for their patients.