Modes of communication
communication is the process Of
conveying information verbally through the use of words and non-verbally through
gestures or behaviors that accompany words. Nonverbal communication also can
occur in the absence of spoken words.
Verbal communication
Verbal communication is used to
convey content such as ideas, thoughts, or concepts to one or more listeners to
effectively use verbal communication one must use the spoken word as a
communication tool while being mindful of its potential to affect outcomes.
verbal communication allows us to present ourselves to each Other, using words
to convey the most complex dimensions of ourselves - aspect that aren't obvious from appearance or
action.
Nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is said to
reflect a more accurate description of one's true feelings because people have
less control over non-verbal reaction. vocal cues, gestures, physical
appearance, distance or spatial territory, position or posture, touch and
facial expression are nonverbal communication techniques used in the
psychiatric - mental health clinical setting.
Techniques
·
Vocal cues: pausing or hesitating
while conversing, talking in a tenses or flat tone, or speaking tremulously is
vocal cues that can agree with or contradict a client's verbal messaoe. For
e.g. a person who is admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery may speak
softly but tremulously stating "I am okay. I just want to get better and
go home as soon as possible' the nonverbal cues should indicate to the nurse
that the client isn't okay and the client's feelings need to be explored.
·
Gestures: Pointing, finger
tapping, winking, hand clapping, eyebrow raising, palm rubbing, hand wringing
and beard stroking are the examples of nonverbal gestures that communicates
various thouohts and feelings. They may betray feelings of insecurity, anxiety,
apprehension, power, etc
·
Physical appearance: People who
are depressed may pay little attention to their appearance. They may appear
unkept and unconsciously don dark - colored clothing, reflecting their depressed
feelings. Persons who are confused or disoriented may forget to put on items of
clothinø.
·
Position or posture: the position
one assume can designate authority, cowardice, boredom, or
·
Indifference. Eg. a nurse standing
at the foot of a client' bed with arms folded across chest gives the impression
that the nurse is in charge of any interaction that may occur. A nurse sitting
in a chair leaning forward slightly and maintaining eye contact with a client
gives the impression that the nurse is interested in what the client says or
does.
·
Touch: reactions to touch depend
on age, sex, cultural background, interpretation of the gesture and appropriateness of the touch. The nurse
should always exercise caution when touching the people. E.g. ,hand shaking,
hugging, holding hands, and kissing typically denote positive feelings for
another person, the client with
depression or who is grieving may respond to touch as a gesture of concern,
whereas the client who is sexually promiscuous may consider touching an
invitation to sexual advances.
·
Facial expression: a blank stare,
startled expression, sneer, grimace and broad smile are examples of facial
expressions denoting one's innermost feelings. For example the client with
depression seldom smiles.
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