Non-verbal Actions that Assist or Impede Communication:

Actions which assist communication:

1. Maintaining eye contact.

2. Occasionally nodding the head in agreement.

3. Smiling and showing animation.

4. Leaning towards the speaker.

5. Speaking at a moderate rate, in a quiet tone. Actions that impede:

6. Looking away or turning away from the speaker.

7. Sneering or using other contemptuous gestures.

8. Closing your eyes.

9. Using an unpleasant tone of voice.

10.  Speaking too slow or too fast.