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# 4. Communication Skills An open stance can nonverbally communicate sincerity, respect, and empathy, for example standing (or sitting) with a full-frontal appearance to the other person. A closed posture occurs when you have your arms folded in front of your chest, legs crossed at the knees, head...

# 4. Communication Skills An open stance can nonverbally communicate sincerity, respect, and empathy, for example standing (or sitting) with a full-frontal appearance to the other person. A closed posture occurs when you have your arms folded in front of your chest, legs crossed at the knees, head facing downward, and eyes looking away from the patient. ## Key Components of Kinesics 1. Varied eye contact (consistent, but not a stare) 2. Relaxed posture 3. Appropriate comfortable gestures 4. Frontal appearance (shoulders square to other person) 5. Slight lean toward the other person 6. Erect body position (head up, shoulders back) ## 2. Proxemics The distance between two interacting persons plays an important role in nonverbal communication. Proxemics, the structure and use of space, is a powerful nonverbal tool. Most people tend to be more comfortable when a distance of 18 inches to 48 inches is maintained between other individuals. One should consider the distance factor whenever you consult with patients. If you want to stand close enough to ensure privacy, yet at the same time provide enough room so that the patient feels comfortable. Patients usually indicate nonverbally whether they feel comfortable with the distance by either stepping backward or leaning forward. ## 3. Environmental Nonverbal Factors A number of environmental factors play important roles in communicating nonverbal messages to patients. For example, the colors used in the pharmacy's decor, the lighting, and the uses of space all have been documented as important nonverbal communication factors.