Nonverbal Communication

What might you see?

• Having a hard time understanding common nonverbal cues (for example, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc.)
• Standing too close or too far from people in a conversation
• Body language that doesn’t “match” what is being said
• Facial expressions that don’t “match” what is being said
• Poor eye contact with the person talking or listening
• Staring at others during conversation

How can you help?

• Politely ask the service member or veteran to stand closer or further away during a conversation.
• Explain that the behavior is making you feel uncomfortable.
• Tell the service member or veteran you are confused by the difference in body language and spoken message. Briefly explain what you saw and heard.
• Ask them to stop any distracting motions.
• Work with the healthcare team to practice appropriate behavior in therapy and at home. This will help decrease behavior that causes problems.
• Talk to the service member or veteran about how to act in certain situations before those situations occur.
• Give feedback on the right amount of eye contact to keep with another person.
• Decide on a signal to let the service member or veteran know if their nonverbal communication is inappropriate.
• Praise all improvements in verbal and nonverbal communication skills.