The first 7 seconds set the tone of the whole consultation.
How much time do you have for a first impression?
I have written in an earlier post that we send out our signals for the first impression within the first 100ms of any new encounter.
The most important time of any new meeting is the first seven seconds of the consultation. Within this brief period, the child decides whether we are a friend or an enemy.
What triggers that I might be seen as an enemy?
Additionally to the previous post, about the importance of first impressions, I have also already indicated that the odds are stacked against us. The whole environment screams danger! Everything around us tends to trigger fear and avoidance of contact.
As a doctor, I want to be seen as a friend. Therefore, I need to actively and boldly send the signals that friends would send.
The first 7 seconds set the tone of the consultation.
What would be the signals of a friend?
- Being focused on “the friend to be”
- Smile at “the friend to be”
- Showing open gestures (waving from a distance)
- Meet the child at eye level by crouching down
Being seen as a friend by the child from the start is essential because children only cooperate with friends.
When my posture and my body-language consciously communicate, “I am your friend”, then the child has the invitation available, to join in. I can’t force friendship, I can only offer it. My experience is, that about 95% of children do want to join in and want to interact with me, as their friend.
The base for a fruitful consultation is laid within the first 7 seconds.
Why is the time so short?
After 7 seconds, we have come to a (pre-)judgement about another person, and we tend not to change our first judgement.
When the child has decided to see me as their enemy during this time, I have an uphill battle in front of me. Anything I do will be seen by the child as actions of an enemy.
On the other hand, when the child has decided to trust me, they tend to stick to their first decision as well. In this case, I might get away even with slightly unpleasant examinations.
When I focus on the child, what will the parents think?
When the parents see, that the interaction between the doctor and their child goes well, they tend to relax. With a lower anxiety level on their part, they also can contribute more efficiently to the consultation themselves. Their turn comes, when I need to discuss with them the medical history and when we develop the treatment plan together.
The first 7 seconds set the tone of the consultation also with the parents.
7 seconds are a very valuable investment of my time.
I do not only want to become the child’s “friend” within seven seconds but want them to trust me as a guide for the consultation. To achieve that, this crucial moment needs to be carefully planned. I must cater for the child’s needs.
When the parents see that their child is safe with me, they themselves tend to open up and to relax as well.
In a nutshell:
The first 7 seconds set the tone of the consultation.
Previous post Next post
Connect Respect Engage Extra tips Contact/About me
Communication lives on comments … fancy to share yours?