What is more important, what we say or how we say it?  It is hard to choose because words, tone of voice, body language, gestures, and facial expressions can all communicate.

  It is most important that they match, that they are congruent or a mixed message will be conveyed.  In nursing it is very important that  we do not give a double message.  Specialized communication from nurses is called therapeutic communication.  Schuster (2000) says, therapeutic communication is the foundation of professional practice" (p. 7). 

I think that one of the most important treatments that nurses can perform is to use their communication techniques therapeutically.  To find out what the patient, or famiy member, or co-worker needs through the use of appropriate listening, or open-ended questions or affective touch is part of the art of nursing.  It is worth making every effort to hone our communication skills every bit as much as we strive to improve our othr nursing skills.

Schuster, P. M. (2000).  Communication the key to the therapeutic relationship. Philaelphia, PA:
F. A. Davis Company.