Back to: HIV Stigma Workshop Kit
Good communication is not just about one conversation. It’s about building a consistent practice that makes stigma reduction part of everyday work. This approach reminds us that stigma reduction isn’t only about avoiding hurtful words, it’s about building intentional habits.
Communication is about listening in different ways, speaking in different ways, getting information, gathering information, and coordinating information among many other things. It all takes practice. Here is one potentially helpful framework to build a practice of communication. The elements of who, why, where, when, how, and what help us think about the specifics of the person in front of us, their needs, and how to meet them respectfully.
Why it matters – Communication is the key facilitator of delivering consisting & equitable care, coordinating care between harm reduction roles, and reducing stigma.
How to build a practice of communication
Strong communication starts with knowing who, why, where, when, what, and how as it relates to HIV stigma. By having awareness of these dimensions of communication and have the ability to apply them in different situations, you can turn everyday harm reduction interactions into inclusive, stigma-reducing care.
CLICK on each word below to reveal details about each dimension of communication.
WHO
The ‘who’ part of communication is about putting people at the centre. Who is being served, included, or excluded? Who are the people in your harm reduction community as individuals and as people? Who is experiencing stigma? There are many other questions a harm reduction worker can ask themselves to identify the specifics of ‘who’ the people are that they serve. When you get to know people, it can reveal insight as to how you might help reduce stigma.
WHY
Understanding the goals and purpose of communication keeps things focused on inclusion, health, and reducing harm in general. What outcome or purpose guides this conversation? Have a good understanding of where a person is in their harm reduction journey so that potential next steps are clear. When you clearly know the reasons why you are communicating, it makes it easier for the ‘where’, ‘when’, and ‘how’ to take place.
WHERE
Setting and circumstances can help shape your approach to effective communication. It’s about choosing the right setting that meets people where they’re at and is appropriate for the interaction. What setting will feel safe and accessible? Does the setting allow for privacy, dignity, and trust?
WHEN
Considerations of time and timing strengthens engagement during communication. Use time wisely and efficiently. Is this the right time for the person’s state of mind and readiness? Should a conversation be scheduled or spontaneous? Inevitably the picture of ‘when’ might depend on who, why, where, what, and how.
WHAT
This is about the subject matter, the topics at hand to communicate about. Clarity of details avoids confusion and builds trust. Be clear on what your message is, what information you want to share or help people learn. What details or information are needed for clarity? What are the details of a person’s personal story about stigma? What aspect of HIV might be a good topic to have a timely dialogue with a community member about?
Although HIV and stigma are the focus topics of this kit, there are numerous other topics that intersect with HIV and stigma such as:
- Health resource information and services
- A person’s health-related information
- Support and care navigation
- Community involvement
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Disclosure and stories of lived experience
- Advocacy
In community-focused work like harm reduction, there are certain topics that frequently arise related to HIV stigma, inclusion, and care. Check out the kit section called “Hot Topics in Stigma and Care” in the “Stigma Knowledge Essentials”
HOW
The methods, processes, and personal style that make effective communication happen. What style, tone, or method will make communication most respectful to facilitate action and a strong sense of being included? Overall, it’s about how you will use communication to maneuver through conversations about HIV and stigma.
Here are some examples of ‘how’ a person might communicate to engage in the topics of HIV and/or stigma:
- Be empathetic to make a personal connection
- Use different styles of listening depending on the nature of the interaction
- Approach conflict and challenging behaviour with objectivity and assess the situation
- Build trust by maintaining privacy and confidentiality
- Use accurate language and people-centred language
- Coordinate details to help move the person’s health in a positive direction
Think about all the different modes of communication where a person could apply the model of who, why, where, when, what, and how. Modes of communication include speaking, conversations, writing, different forms of listening, presenting, instructing, sharing information, debating, arguing, and collaborating.
EXPLORE MORE
Talking Points: The Resource Guide for Facilitating Stigma Conversations (NASTAD)
Discussing Sexual Health, Substance Use and STBBIs: A Guide for Service Providers (CPHA)
How to talk about: U=U (Government of Canada)
Changing How You Talk About Drug Use (Government of Canada)