Introduction to Communication
Note: The contents of this book are mostly included in the book for supervisors, Leadership Training for First Responders. Therefore, this book is intended for non-supervisor First Responders.
Communication is a key to all occupations within the overall First Responder umbrella. Public relations is always a priority in all agencies. Good communication with each other and especially the public will certainly enhance public relations.
It is crucial for First Responders to learn how to communicate as quickly and efficiently as possibly in all situations.
Another key to being a good First Responder is: Don’t bring your home troubles to work!
Learning how to communicate at home and elsewhere off the job will help you tremendously on the jog as well.
Therefore, please apply the principles you will learn in this book to the rest of your life as well!
Following is an overview of each chapter:
Chapter 1. Communication
Our communication is successful only when the other person hears exactly what we said. Everything we say should be understood that way. When it is, others will understand us exactly the way we meant to be every time. The other half of communication is that we hear exactly what the other person said. Then we will understand them the way they meant to be every time.
The following topics will be discussed:
Levels of Communication
Four Ways We Communicate
Sending Messages
Receiving Messages
Putting It All Together
Special Considerations
Develop a Public Image
Group Communication
Telephone Communication
E-Mail Communication
Chapter 2. Self Control
As a first responder, there are many situations in which you may find yourself that could cause you to lose control of your emotions and/or your temper. Those situations are too numerous to even try to list. Suffice it to say that your profession is one in which a great deal of self-control is needed quite often.
Please do not skip this chapter thinking that you don’t need to hear about self-control.
Have you ever been angry with a co-worker or management?
Have you ever been frustrated with a co-worker or management?
If you have, then you need to work on your self-control. Even if you have never literally “lost control” you need to be prepared for that time in the future when too much will pile up on you and you are in danger of losing it. Then, you will be prepared for it and it won’t get the best of you.
The following topics will be discussed:
Losing Control
Keeping Control
Chapter 3. Controlling Your Reactions
There are many things that we human beings can do and do rather successfully. For example, we are quite capable of planning our actions for a whole day, week, month, or even a year in advance. When we do this, we tend to be proud of ourselves.
There is one thing we cannot do as successfully, and that is plan or control our reactions. Yes, I said our reactions. No matter how well we plan our actions, something or someone comes along and places something unexpected in our paths. How do we react to these unexpected actions of others?
Our reactions to these unplanned events, tell others much more about the real persons that we are than any planned actions we ever accomplish.
The goal of this chapter is to learn how we can be able to better plan our reactions as well as our actions. At the least, we want to be able to maintain better control over our reactions.
The following topics will be discussed:
Actions versus Reactions
Are You in Control?
Are Your Reactions Hurting You?
Responsibility
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