In this task I will be analyzing, evaluating and explaining a few methods of interpersonal communication- the way in which these methods work in a nursing setting. In task one (a) I will firstly be looking at body language. Secondly, I will be working on personal contact. Lastly, I will focus on signing. In task one (b) I will exhibit how factors affect communication. .
TASK 1A.
Body Language.
Body language means communication through gestures, postures, and facial expressions by which a person manifests various physical, mental, or emotional states and communicates nonverbally with others (American Heritage 2013). However in nursing, body language is viewed as the way in which our bodies communicate our own or a character's attitudes- for example maintaining eye contact as you converse with a patient, lets the patient know that you are listening and interested in hearing what they have to say. Nurses view body language as a benchmark for- revealing clues to unspoken intention or feeling; reinforcement or emphasise through physical behaviour. Kinesics includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space. Thurman (2011) state, "Although you may think that you do most of your communicating by speaking, in fact over 90 percent of what you communicate to others is done without speaking a word." Through facial expression, a nurse can tell if a patient is happy, sad or scared for example a client is admitted due to her being assaulted and threatened. The police have come to speak to her but her body language suggests that she is frightened and does not want to speak to the officers. .
Personal Contact.
Nagar(2006) cites Sommer's (1969) definition of Personal space as "an area with invisible boundaries surrounding a person's body into which intruders may not come in.' For example; a client in a nursing home will refer to their bedroom as their personal space therefore the room is personalised with family pictures and items that make patients feel at home.
