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It is important that you, as a health care professional, manage how you communicate when caring for your RS-distressed patients. Here are some tips: 1. Be aware of your body language as they tell you their religious or spiritual issues. Pay attention to how you may appear to your patient, especially with facial expressions. • Frowning can imply disapproval or not wanting to be bothered, even though you may not want to portray that. A simple, genuine smile can make you appear more trustworthy and approachable, increasing the chances of your patient cooperating with you. Try to smile gently and genuinely as you interact with your patient. If you are unable to smile, maintain a neutral facial expression. Avoid yawning! • Avoid crossing your arms over your chest, as this may appear like you are bored or just waiting for your patient to finish talking so that you can get on with something else. Keep your body posture open. • Control your gestures, so as to help calm your patient and not give the impression that you might get physical with them. Avoid doodling, tapping your finger/pen or fidgeting with yourself or objects. Look interested. • As much as possible, sit facing your patient and put yourself within their line of vision as well. Standing sometime implies or reinforces authority over the patient, which may impede communication. • If you are the "touchy-feely" type and want to touch your patient, be very aware of how, where and when. Before touching or hugging, ask for permission first! While okay with medically necessary contact, they may not be comfortable with being touched familiarly by non-relatives or opposite genders. 2. Be aware of your tone of voice as you respond to their religious or spiritual concerns. This is especially important if you come from a cultural background where talking loudly or passionately is considered the norm! • Where feasible, try to match the tone of your patient; however, if they are agitated or barely audible, try to speak calmly to better manage the situation. Do not use "slow talk", "baby talk" or "baby voice" to talk with your patient - it can feel belittling. • The lower your voice, the more authoritative you will sound. Relax yourself and voice to sound confident. 3. Practice active listening as they narrate their religious or spiritual challenges to you. It can be challenging to restrain yourself and remain silent when your patient is saying things that go against your beliefs, knowledge or medical instructions, or when your patient becomes agitated or belligerent. Remember, regardless of behavior, all your patient wants is to be heard and understood. • Telling your patient stories about yourself or someone you know to show them that their situation is not unique, or that you have a better story than theirs. • Arguing or trying to prove you are right interferes with the spiritual care of your patient. Patient silence can prove to be your best ally in situations like these! • Avoid multitasking while your patient is speaking with you, such as thumbing your smartphone, tablet or electronic device, engaging in conversation with other people or taking phone calls. Avoid checking your text messages and social media posts. • Make direct eye contact with your patient while listening, as long as it is culturally appropriate. • Let your patient finish speaking, and rephrase what was said to show that you listened and understood. • Ask clarifying - but not condescending- questions to show your engagement. • When in doubt, ask your patient the best way to proceed with them.