Non-verbal Communication

Communication is the tool that is used to pass across a message. Verbal words play a big

role in this, but there are many more ways of communication. These are called non-verbal

communication cues. They are considered more weighty than verbal communication, and they

are voluntary as well (University of Minnesota,2013). There are various ways of communicating

non-verbally which include; the use of facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, posture,

and even tone of voice. Non-verbal communication cues tell the person one is communicating

with whether or not they are listening to and relating to them. It is a powerful tool to build trust

when what you are verbally saying matches with your non-verbal cues.

Do you have particular or unique patterns of nonverbal communication?

I have several nonverbal communication patterns. I have been told that I look people in

the eye as they speak. I like paying attention and observing because as much as they can read my

communication cues, I can also read theirs as well. I have noticed that the use of eye contact

makes me more attentive and as a result, I convey a lot of emotions. It is very easy to know my

reaction towards something someone says because it is usually written all over my face, even

when I try to conceal it. In addition, I sit still and do not move around on my chair as someone

speaks, because that would mean I am bored of their talk. This way, someone can talk all about

what they feel or want to pass across trustfully and know that they are being heard. The most

common gesture I use is the movement of my head in agreement with what someone is saying.

Lastly, I am cautious about what the tone of my voice is. I try as much as I can to let it

communicate that I agree or understand what someone is saying because the tone of my voice

might bring out a different message than what my words are communicating if it is not in line

with what I am saying verbally.

I have been told severally that I am a good listener. I tend to use words like “uh-huh” as

someone speaks, and that way they are encouraged to keep on speaking. I must admit that I am

not able to stop someone or let them know they are talking too much because it guilt trips me. I

will keep on listening even when the conversation is boring. Secondly, I am an emotional person,

and I can hardly conceal my emotions. My friends and family say I am an open book. Even

without telling someone what impact their words had on me, they can tell that easily.

Additionally, I tend to be very empathetic and try as much as I can to understand where someone

is coming from, even when I cannot relate to what they are saying. I have heard people say I am

easy to speak to, and even most of my family members communicate with me more than they do

with anyone else.

How do you think your non-verbal communication impacts your effectiveness as a

communicator?

Maintaining eye contact makes people trust me and can easily open up to me. I also give

people affirmative words to let them know I am with them in the conversation, and I can

understand what they are saying. People end up sharing a lot of information with me, and I am

left wondering how that happened. I have had people who are not even close to me call and let

me know they need to talk to me. They end up sharing very sensitive information. I do not nag

people into speaking about what they are not comfortable talking about. I believe information is

volunteered and people only share what they want to when they are comfortable and willing to

do it. I can read other people’s nonverbal cues and tell when they are telling the truth or when

they are lying. Additionally, I can tell what their emotions are as they communicate, and that
way I can get a way to relate with them. I use touch when appropriate. People feel more loved

and cared for when touch is used on them. Furthermore, I first figure out what the culture of a

person is before I can apply these non-verbal cues. Ali (2018) says that some cultures do not

appreciate direct eye contact. One needs to be aware of what is not acceptable in some cultures

and what is.

In what ways do you think your non-verbal communication patterns will influence your

ability to provide client-centered care

According to Benbenishty and Hannink (2015), the feeling of being heard is spirit

healing for some people. This not only applies to a patient but their family as well. Being

empathetic and listening carefully makes people feel heard and loved. These skills will help me

encourage clients even in their lowest moments, or when they have no other way of

communication rather than nonverbal communication. Additionally, the right posture when

speaking to someone is very important. They can tell whether you are listening to them. I am

cautious about how I move my body as I talk with a patient since I need them to fully trust me

and know I hear and understand them. Other nonverbal communication skills I have such as

maintaining eye contact and being empathetic, make clients trust me and feel heard and loved. I

want to show clients that I care about them, and I can hear them. For me to do that, I have to use

the necessary nonverbal communication skills that they can relate with.

What is said and how it is said are powerful tools of communication. Eye contact,

posture, gestures, and the tone of one’s voice communicate whether or not they are listening to a

conversation. Clients need to feel heard, and listening to them also helps the nurse understand

them and what kind of care they need. If nonverbal forms of communication are applied
properly, a client forms trust with the patient, and they get the support they need. However, if the

nonverbal cues do not match with one’s words, then the conversation is just meaningless.

References

Benbenishty, J., & Hannink, J. (2015). Non-verbal communication to restore patient-provider

trust. Intensive Care Medicine, 41(7), 1359-1360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-015-

3710-8

Ali, M. (2018). Improving Provider-Patient Communication: A Verbal and Non-Verbal

Communication Skills Curriculum. Nursing Times, 11

4(2), 41-42. Retrieved 22 February 2022, from

https://cdn.ps.emap.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/01/180117-Communication-

skills-3-Non-verbal-communication.pdf.

University of Minnesota. (2013). 4.1 Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication.

Open.lib.umn.edu. Retrieved 22 February 2022, from

https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/4-1-principles-and-functions-of-

nonverbal-communication/.