PART IICHAPTER IV
ATTENDING SKILLS
ATTENDING SKILLS
• ATTENDING SKILLS are nonverbal communication and listening skills.
• Research tells us; people never pay full attention to their own communication, nor to their partner’s communication.
• Nonverbal Communication: There are 2 different types; 1. The nonverbal communication expressed by the client and picked up by the clinician i.e., sad affect.
• 2. Nonverbal communication used by the clinicians for therapeutic goals i.e., nodding head, being open and available to client.
ATTENDING SKILLS
• Interaction of verbal and nonverbal communication According to Knapp (1978) there are 6 ways which verbal and nonverbal communication interact.
• 1. Repetition 2. Contradiction 3. Substitution 4. Complementation 5. Accenting (to stress or emphasize on something) 6. Regulation
• (see table 4.1 handout)
ATTENDING SKILLS
• Components of Non verbal Communication All nonverbal communication consists of one
or more of these 5 components.1. Physical Appearance:2. Kinesics:3. Paralinguistic:4. Use of Space:5. Timing
Components of Non verbal Communication
1. Physical Appearance: Refers to: height, weight, hygiene, complexion, and style of dress, your posture is also important.
2. Kinesics: is body language or communication by gestures , movement and body positions.
See table 4.2
Components of Non verbal Communication
3. Paralinguistic: meaning nonlinguistic aspect of speech i.e., very high volume-- >anger
very low volume-sadness fast rate—>manicSlow rate depressedSighing-relief or discouragementPressured in speech –--- excitement or anxiety4. Use of Space: Distance and positioning5. Timing: 20-25 or 45-55 or 75-80
Helpful hints for nonverbal communications:
• 1. Congruence -being genuine see table 4.4• 2. Sensitivity Understanding the client’s
nonverbal as well as verbal communications. Nonverbal such as kinesics and paralinguistic
• And verbal such as contradiction, complementation, substitution, accenting, repetition, and regulation.
Helpful hints for nonverbal communications:
• 3. Synchrony Meaning match your voice with the client’s tone of voice to create an empathic atmosphere. See table 4.3 for pitfalls in nonverbal expression.
Listening Skills:
• Listening skills are another aspects of attending skills. Use active listening and do not interrupt the client. See p.118
• Road blocks to listening:• See table 4.5
Essential skills for good listening:
• Essential skills for good listening:• Always pay attention and listen to your clients.• Also, listen to your own immediate personal
reactions to the client. See table 4.6 for helpful skills for active listening.