Smiles, Eye Contact, and A Positive Tone

Prior to learning the skills that will be reviewed in Modules 1 and 2, which focus on appropriate approaches to collect anthropometry and diet data, it is important to . Now imagine that you are applying these skills out in the field as a part of a practicum experience or as a part of your current job. You’ve been working hard to ensure you are using the proper locations when taking head circumference or that you are getting as much detail as possible when collecting food records, but you’ve been finding the experience grueling and tiresome. The children may be crying or afraid and the food records you receive from parents seem to be short in the amount of detail you expected based on the high quality training you’ve provided. At this point, we may need to think beyond the actual implementation of the measurement or interviewing of the parents and begin to think about our “bedside” manner. Is your tone engaging and friendly, or is it monotone and uninterested? Do you tower over your 3-year old participant or do you get down at eye level with them? This lesson will review suggested soft skills for positively engaging with your participants.