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It also encompasses careful and empathic listening; awareness of gestures, posture and other forms of nonverbal communication; and attention to the level of information presented. By consistently utilizing strong communication skills, practitioners can maintain a healthy rapport with patients.

"Mutual trust and respect are the foundation of the practitioner-patient relationship. They must be developed from the first encounter and continuously reinforced. Trust and respect depend in turn upon effective communication, which involves more than talking to patients. It also encompasses careful and empathic listening; awareness of gestures, posture and other forms of nonverbal communication; and attention to the level of information presented. By consistently utilizing strong communication skills, practitioners can maintain a healthy rapport with patients."