Communication is about sharing and self-understanding. If we have not yet begun to understand ourselves - what of ourselves can we share? Practice is important to communicate efficiently; being aware of the complicated experiences that resonate in our inner worlds, and finding the words and non-verbal language to express this, is arguably essential if communication is to have a positive effect.
It is well-known that if people are inconsistent in their non-verbal communiction and verbal communications, the recipients naturally take the non-verbal expression as the true intent and meaning. Therefore it is essential that we are aware of what messages we are sending to others and how others may percieve these messages (Argyle, M. (1994)).
Responding to this reflective exercise will assist in providing evidence of self-awareness, learning and critical thinking related to non-verbal communication.
The following survey asks you to reflect on your non-verbal communication skills as a way of building rapport and therapeutic relations with team members, patients and service users.
As well as verbal skills, effective non-verbal listening skills are essential if patients and their families (as well as team members) are to perceive us as genuine. Being more aware of our body language assists with the building of therapeutic relationships when interacting with others.
On completion of this survey, this reflective exercise will feed directly into your e-Portfolio of learning.
You are encouraged to comment on others responses to enable discussion, provide feedback and to evidence learning from others.
Further reading : Argyle, M. (1994) The Psychology of Interpersonal Behaviour. Penguin Books, London. [Social psychologist Michael Argyle, born in Nottingham, 1925, specialised in the study of interpersonal behaviour, social skills and body language, and applied his research in the field of management and management training with great success.]