Let us recap what we have learned about non-verbal communication skills.

Non-verbal communication skills are important as part of an effective communication between a patient and a doctor. Good non-verbal communication skills helps to establish good rapport with the patient, reduce complaints and malpractice allegations. It can improve patient's satisfaction and ultimately help in the health outcome of patients.

Non-verbal communication skills include the following:

• Having an open and welcoming gestures,
• Having good eye contact - paying attention to patient,
• Having good facial expression,
• Having good appearance during the consultation,
• Having appropriate touch,
• Respecting personal space or physical proximity,
• Having a good body posture such as leaning forward and being at same level with the patient,
• Use of non-verbal encouragers such as head nodding; and
• And the use of silence where appropriate.