Twelve tips for effective body language for medical educators. (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hale, Andrew J.; Freed, Jason; Ricotta, Daniel; Farris, Grace; Smith, C. Christopher
• Is Part Of: Medical teacher. Volume 39:Number 9(2017)
• Page Start: 914
• Page End: 919
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2017.1324140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-159X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: A significant proportion of human communication is nonverbal. Although the fields of business and psychology have significant literature on effectively using body language in a variety of situations, there is limited literature on effective body language for medical educators. Aim: To provide 12 tips to highlight effective body language strategies and techniques for medical educators. Method: The tips provided are based on our experiences and reflections as clinician-educators and the available literature. Results: The 12 tips presented offer specific strategies to engage learners, balance learner participation, and bring energy and passion to teaching. Conclusions: Medical educators seeking to maximize their effectiveness would benefit from an understanding of how body language affects a learning environment and how body language techniques can be used to engage audiences, maintain attention, control challenging learners, and convey passion for a topic. Understanding and using body language effectively is an important instructional skill.