Chapter 6: Variation in Communication Styles

Metacommunication

Combination of verbal and nonverbal behaviors conveying messages about how to interpret communication.

Verbal Style: Factors

Includes pitch, tone, and frequency, influenced by age, race, education, gender, and context.

Nonverbal Style: Factors

Facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and distance indicate personal communication styles.

Words as Symbols:

Verbal communication influenced by culture, background, and experiences.

Verbal Communication Denotation

Meaning: (generalized meaning, impact of culture) and connotation (personalized meaning); influenced by culture and context.

Feedback for Mutual Understanding

Verify mutual understanding to ensure effective verbal communication.

Factors That Influence Word Choice

Age, Race, Socioeconomic group, educational background, Gender, Situation in which the verbal communication is taking place.

Verbal-Style Factors Moderate Pitch and Tone:

Paralanguage (voice inflection) impacts interpretation; mismatch with content causes misinterpretation.

Verbal-Style Factors Vary Vocalizations:

Cultural variations in sound patterns need orientation to diverse voice tones.

Verbal-Style Factors Encourage Involvement:

Shift from paternalistic styles to partnership for promoting patient responsibility.

Verbal-Style Factors Validate Patient's Worth:

Caring styles affirm patient worth and autonomy; confirming responses validate feelings.

Verbal-Style Factors Advocate for the Patient:

Assertive communication style to secure optimal care or services.

Verbal-Style Factors Provide Needed Information

Timely, accurate information in manageable amounts; maintain goal-focused communication.

Nonverbal Communication

Comprises the majority of person-to-person communication, enhancing the interpretation of verbal messages.

Nonverbal Communication: Silences

The therapeutic use of ___ allows time for reflection and processing in nurse-patient interactions.

Congruent Nonverbal Behaviors

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication: Nonverbal cues should align with verbal messages to avoid misinterpretation.

Facilitative Body Language

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication Posture: Leaning forward demonstrates interest and openness; avoid turning away or using aggressive stances.

Nonverbal Communication

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication:Facilitative Body Language:Facial Expression:Open, friendly expressions without being overly cheerful; avoid negative facial cues.

Nonverbal Communication

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication:Facilitative Body Language:Eye Contact:Direct eye contact (without staring) generally signifies interest and positive engagement.

Nonverbal Communication

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication:Facilitative Body Language:Gestures:Affirmative gestures aid communication; avoid gestures that may convey negative messages.

Nonverbal Communication

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication:Facilitative Body Language:Touch:Affective touch can convey care and comfort but must align with patient cultural preferences and boundaries.

Nonverbal Communication

Aspects of Nonverbal Style in Nurse-Patient Communication:Facilitative Body Language:Proxemics:Cultural perceptions of personal space affect nurse-patient interactions; maintain appropriate distance.

Posture

Attend to Nonverbal Body Cues: Body stance reflects emotions and confidence levels; attentive posture conveys engagement.

Facial Expression

Attend to Nonverbal Body Cues: : Frowning, smiling, and other facial expressions complement verbal messages.

Eyes

Attend to Nonverbal Body Cues:Eye Contact:Direct eye contact indicates confidence and credibility; gaze aversion may suggest dishonesty.

Communication Accommodation Theory

Proposed by Giles and Ogay (2007), it emphasizes people adjusting their speech, vocal patterns, dialect, word choice, and gestures to accommodate others.

Communication Accommodation Theory Convergence:

Adapting speech patterns to align with conversational partners, aiding interaction, acceptance, trust, and rapport.

Communication Accommodation Theory Divergence:

Deliberately choosing a distinct style, for instance, using assertiveness with a child or matching a patient's speech cadence for better understanding.

Effects of Sociocultural Factors on Communication Age Cohort and Generational

Diversity:Differing views, work motivations, values, attitudes, and communication styles across different generations can lead to workplace conflicts if ignored.

Effects of Sociocultural Factors on Communication Gender:

Traditional gender stereotypes in communication patterns