Senior man discusses diagnosis with doctor
Language Services Blog October 22, 2021

The Impact of Nonverbal Communication

The impact of nonverbal communication has been a source of research for many years, beginning in 1872 with Charles Darwin's publication of The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. The observational study is regarded by many as the first research conducted on nonverbal communication and behavior. The study includes observations of infants, children and adults’ nonverbal expressions and the ways such expressions vary across cultures. Darwin found that nonverbal cues account for a large percentage of communication and are more reliable than the spoken word.

Additional evidence indicates between 55 and 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, has conducted several studies on nonverbal communication. His research demonstrates the following:

 

Nonverbal communication, especially body language, can send a strong message that may support or conflict with what is being said. This is important to keep in mind in healthcare, particularly with the limited English proficiency (LEP) patient population. The tone of voice, pitch, volume, quality, and speed of speech can also impact the meaning of communication. According to Edward G Wertheim’s work, The Importance of Effective Communication, nonverbal communication has five main functions:

  1. Repetition: reinforces what is being said
  2. Contradiction: conflicts with the verbal message
  3. Substitution: replaces what is being said
  4. Complement: adds to the verbal message. For example, a pat on the back while saying “Congratulations”.
  5. Accent: emphasizes a certain part of the verbal message

When asked whether nonverbal communication is universal, David Matsumoto, a renowned expert in the field of nonverbal expression, explains that “facial expressions of emotion are universal in the sense that everybody around the world regardless of race, culture, nationality, sex, gender, etc., whatever the demographic variable is, we all show the same facial muscle expressions on our faces when we have the same emotions.” While facial expressions of emotion are universal across cultures, gestures, he explains, are very different. Matsumoto breaks gestures down into two categories:

  1. Speech illustrators are gestures used to accompany a point. For example, someone points when giving directions.
  2. Emblems are culture specific gestures that correspond with verbal phrases. For example, a thumbs up means “OK”.

Gestures and facial expressions carry significant meaning, making up a considerable percentage of the overall message. For effective communication to take place, it is important to observe the manner is which something is said in addition to what is being said.

The Importance of Nonverbal Communication in Healthcare

Qualified medical interpreters are trained to pick up on cultural nuances that impact patient provider communication, including any gestures or facial expressions that vary from one country to another. They are also dedicated to interpreting the original message in its entirety, to ensure accuracy. This includes the meaning of any nonverbal communication that may accompany the verbal message. Qualified medical interpreters may be accessed over video, phone or onsite. The visual component of video remote interpretation (VRI) and onsite interpretation services yields a significant advantage, as over-the-phone interpretation services do not allow for the interpretation of nonverbal cues. Learn more here about how VRI services can improve communication with your LEP patients.

View Language Interpreter Jobs

AMN Healthcare's Language Services

Additional Language Services Resources

Latest News

What the New Executive Order Means for Language Services in Healthcare
Language ServicesMarch 24, 2025

What the New Executive Order Means for Language Services in Healthcare

Understand the implications of the new Executive Order on language services in healthcare, and how it affects equitable care. AMN Language Services is committed to providing the highest quality

Onvida Health Partners with AMN Language Services to Enhance Patient Care
Language ServicesJanuary 21, 2025

Onvida Health Partners with AMN Language Services to Enhance Patient Care

Discover how Onvida Health transformed patient care and communication with AMN Language Services.

Proven Success in Multilingual Healthcare: Shriners Children’s System and AMN Healthcare Partnership
Language ServicesNovember 19, 2024

Proven Success in Multilingual Healthcare: Shriners Children’s System and AMN Healthcare Partnership

By providing reliable interpretation for Shriners Children’s System, every patient can receive the exceptional care they deserve. Discover how AMN Healthcare Language Services bridges

Fostering Understanding in Healthcare:
Language ServicesNovember 13, 2024

Fostering Understanding in Healthcare:

Discover the transformative impact of AMN Healthcare Language Services in this heartfelt testimonial from the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. 

Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare Partnerships: 2024 Supplier Horizon Award Winner
Language ServicesOctober 09, 2024

Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare Partnerships: 2024 Supplier Horizon Award Winner

Learn AMN Language Services' achievement as the 2024 Supplier Horizon Award Winner and our outstanding dedication to improving communication, inclusivity, and compassion in healthcare.

Navigating the New Era of Hospital Accreditation, Health Equity, and Legal Compliance
Language ServicesJuly 22, 2024

Navigating the New Era of Hospital Accreditation, Health Equity, and Legal Compliance

Massachusetts is the first state to mandate specific accreditation and certification requirements that incentivize healthcare equity. 

The Critical Role of In-Person (onsite) Interpreters in Healthcare
Language ServicesJuly 19, 2024

The Critical Role of In-Person (onsite) Interpreters in Healthcare

While technological advancements have introduced various modes of interpretation, there are specific scenarios in the healthcare industry where the physical presence of an interpreter is a better

Navigating the New Era of Hospital Accreditation, Health Equity, and Legal Compliance
Language ServicesJuly 18, 2024

Navigating the New Era of Hospital Accreditation, Health Equity, and Legal Compliance

Gain insights from industry experts about hospital accreditation, health equity, and legal compliance. Learn strategies for healthcare organizations to adapt to changing regulations.

Article search

Take the first step to starting your new career.

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. Show more I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details. Show less

* Indicates Required Fields

 

I agree to receive emails, automated text messages and phone calls (including calls that contain prerecorded content) from and on behalf of AMN Healthcare, and affiliates. {{show_more}} I understand these messages will be to the email or phone number provided, and will be about employment opportunities, positions in which I’ve been placed, and my employment with AMN companies. See privacy policy or cookie policy for more details.

Complete Your Application!
Continue to NurseFinders to complete your application and profile.