An Audiologist Applies Her Communication Skills to a Political Career

As communication sciences and disorders health professionals, we work to improve communication abilities for our patients and their families. And, as an audiologist, I constantly experienced conversations in which people with hearing loss would either withdraw from situations due to a lack of confidence or would dominate verbally so they could drive the conversation. I began to see a similar pattern in politics—and how it led to a disconnect between constituents and their elected officials. I ran for political office (and won—I was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives last November) because I recognized an opportunity for improved leadership and better communication. I used my listening skills as I knocked on door after door during the campaign. In many instances, my patients also became my campaign advocates for how well I listen and interact with people. Campaigning showed me that no matter what job we do, we’re all really in the relationship business. My community recognized I was a good listener, a fiscally responsible business owner, a wife, a mother, and someone who wanted to help people after 23 years working with patients in my private practice. Now in office, I still use the same skills as I work to give people their ultimate voice in our state government. My skills accrued as an audiologist and a business owner are invaluable to me as I listen to the concerns of others. Several of my other skills translate into helping me become a good representati...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Audiology News Private Practice Slider Source Type: blogs