Nonverbal Skills

Key points

• When a person expresses feelings and attitudes, only 7% is expressed through words. 38% is expressed through tonality, such as voice, tone, and pace. 55% is expressed through body language, such as facial expressions, posture, and gestures.
• While the cognitive function of people with dementia continues to decline, their ability to sense the emotions of other people remains. As a result, they are more sensitive to nonverbal expressions than the spoken words others. Caregivers thus have to be more aware of nonverbal communication they have with the person.

Use of voice, tone and pace

• Adjust your speed and pace when speaking so that the person will not feel anxious or rushed.
• Keep your voice and tone calm and soft so the person will feel safe and will not rebel.

Body language

• Face the person when you speak to show respect.
• Maintain eye contact and observe the emotions and reactions of the person to show your care.
• Pat the person's shoulder or hand, if allowed, to show care and love.
• Use gestures to help the person understand, as in pretending you are chewing when you say it's time for a meal and waving your hand when you say goodbye.
• Stay calm so the person feels your support and acceptance.