Non Verbal Communcation

Question 1

What is the significance of non-verbal communication in the patient-practitioner relationship?

Answer 1

Non-verbal communication can provide cues to help practitioners understand their patients’ unspoken cues.

Question 2

How can non-verbal communication override verbal communication?

Answer 2

If a physician tells a patient everything is going to be alright but has a worried facial expression, the patient may focus more on the non-verbal cues than the verbal ones.

Question 3

List the types of non-verbal communication.

Answer 3

• Facial expressions
• Gestures
• Invasion of personal space
• Paralanguage
• Appearance

Question 4

What are the universal facial expressions identified in non-verbal communication?

Answer 4

• Anger
• Joy
• Sadness
• Surprise
• Contempt
• Disgust

Question 5

What does paralanguage refer to?

Answer 5

Paralanguage refers to non-verbal speech elements such as ‘umms’ and ‘errs’, pitch, and volume of communication.

Question 6

What is meant by ‘invasion of personal space’?

Answer 6

Invasion of personal space refers to an invisible boundary around individuals that, if crossed, can make people feel uncomfortable, varying in size based on individual preferences.

Question 7

What are gestures in the context of non-verbal communication?

Answer 7

Gestures include hand movements or shrugging of shoulders, which can vary in meaning across different cultures.

Question 8

How does appearance influence non-verbal communication?

Answer 8

Appearance includes factors like dress, hairstyle, and facial hair, which can impact perceptions and communication.

Question 9

True or False: Non-verbal communication is less significant than verbal communication in the patient-practitioner relationship.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Non-verbal communication can often ______ verbal communication.

Answer 10

override