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Positive Indicators of Nonverbal Communication

By T.E. Smith|B.C. Gartin|N.L. Murdick|A. Hilton
Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall
Updated on Jul 20, 2010

The goal of non-verbal communication is to put the other person at ease while receiving the message. Non-verbally expressing an open and positive attitude leads to a supportive and collaborative atmosphere in which goals may be met. The table below describes the positive indicators of non-verbal communication during two-way communication.

Area Positive Indicators
Body
  • Turn and face sender.
  • Relax your body.
  • Lean slightly forward toward the person.
  • Move slowly.
  • Limit repetitive movements(e.g., moving a leg up and down).
Head
  • Nod to express your understanding.
  • Tilt or turn an ear slightly toward the sender to help indicate you are listening.
Face
  • Look at the person but be aware of their comfort.
  • Smile frequently.
Arms
  • Keep arms relaxed and open.
  • Rest arms on the table or the arm of your chair.
Hands
  • Keep hands open with palms up.
  • Touch the person gently.
  • Use gestures of understanding.
Voice
  • Use a soft tone of voice.
  • Reduce verbiage.

Excerpted From:

Families and Children with Special Needs: Professional and Family Partnerships
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Excerpt from Families and Children with Special Needs: Professional and Family Partnerships, by T.E. Smith, B.C. Gartin, N.L. Murdick, A. Hilton, 2006 edition, p. 105.

© ______ 2006, Merrill, an imprint of Pearson Education Inc. Used by permission.  All rights reserved. The reproduction, duplication, or distribution of this material by any means including but not limited to email and blogs is strictly prohibited without the explicit permission of the publisher.

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