Basic Nonverbal Cues
Dental World Second Supplement
Basic Nonverbal Cues
Posture
Keep a relaxed posture, both sitting or standing. Keep your back straight, but not stiff. Let those shoulders relax. Not only will this communicate that you feel comfortable with your surroundings, but it will actively help you relax if you have any tension in your neck and upper body from the last treatment.
Take up space, don’t hide
You don’t have to sprawl out or do the Superman pose, but sit or stand with your legs slightly apart. This communicates to others that you are at ease with yourself and not trying to hide. As we said, nonverbal communication is very primitive. If you look uneasy, or like you’re trying to hide, they will instinctively feel uneasy and want to hide.
Lean in
Lean in slightly when someone is speaking. This is a clear active listening sign. Leaning away as someone speaks signals that you are uninterested or even hostile.
Arms
Crossing your arms is an unmistakable sign that you are turned off by what is going on around you. Letting your arms hang comfortably at your side or bringing your hands together in your lap shows others that you are open and paying attention to what they are communicating.
Gestures
Emphasizing words with your hands helps you appear more credible and confident.
Eye contact
Keep your head up and look at the patient’s eyes both when they are speaking to you and when you are speaking to them. No need to stare! Allow yourself to blink and look away naturally. Good eye contact lets others know that you are present, they are being seen, and you are interested in the conversation.
Affirmative movements
You can show empathy with simple actions of agreement like nodding your head or smiling. These actions let people know that you understand their perspective and can identify with what they are telling you. When it’s appropriate, laughter is very affirmative.
Taking notes
We have many questions we need to record the answers to. Repeating, confirming, and following up on their answers lets patients know that what they are saying is important, that you are interested in being accurate, and it also helps them give you the most useful answers.
Slower
Take a deep breath, hold it for a second or two, and let it out easily. Focus on slowing down your speech and body movements a bit. You’ll feel and appear more confident and receptive.