In telehealth, how you speak is just as important as what you say. Whether you’re treating a long-time patient or meeting someone for the first time, virtual care adds a new layer of complexity to your communication. Between internet lag, audio dropouts, and patients adjusting to this format, it’s essential to make sure your words are not just heard, but understood.
Because of being on a virtual platform and having in-depth and important conversations about patients ‘ health and medical records, it is more important than ever to speak clearly and pause often.
Why Clear, Intentional Speech Matters in Telehealth
Even with today’s technology, virtual conversations aren’t always seamless. Minor delays or sound issues can cause patients to miss important parts of your message. And unlike in-person visits, you don’t always get immediate visual feedback to know if they’re confused or need clarification.
By slowing down and pausing regularly, you give space for:
- Audio lag to catch up: Avoid talking over your patient or missing their questions.
- Patients to process your advice: Especially helpful for those who are anxious or unfamiliar with medical terminology.
- A more relaxed pace: Helps build rapport and ensures patients don’t feel rushed.
3 Ways to Improve Communication During Virtual Visits
- Speak Clearly and Calmly
Use a steady tone and enunciate your words. If you’re discussing something complex, break it into smaller pieces and summarize key points before moving on.
- Pause with Purpose
After delivering important information, pause briefly. This lets your patient absorb what you said and gives them a chance to ask questions without feeling like they’re interrupting.
- Confirm Understanding
Don’t assume everything was understood. Ask open-ended questions like:
- “Can you walk me through how you’ll use this medication?”
- “What questions do you have about the steps I just shared?”
- “Do you have any questions about this part of your injury?”
A Better Patient Experience Starts with Better Communication
Telehealth should feel just as personal and supportive as an in-office visit. Taking a few extra seconds to slow down and speak with intention can make a world of difference to your patients, especially those who are elderly, hard of hearing, or experiencing stress.
At SecureVideo, we support healthcare providers with intuitive, reliable tools for virtual care. And with simple communication tips like this, we hope to make your telehealth visits even more impactful.