What element enhances assertive communication in nursing practice?

Maintaining eye contact is crucial for enhancing assertive communication in nursing practice. Eye contact serves as a nonverbal cue that demonstrates confidence and attentiveness. It helps to establish a connection between the nurse and the patient, fostering trust and openness in the communication process. When a nurse maintains appropriate eye contact, it conveys that they are engaged and genuinely interested in what the patient is saying. This aspect of communication is essential in building rapport and encouraging patients to share their concerns, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

Choosing words carefully can contribute to effective communication, but without the supportive nonverbal cues like eye contact, messages might not be as impactful. Using jargon can create barriers rather than enhance communication, particularly with patients who may not understand technical terms. Avoiding nonverbal cues diminishes the overall effectiveness of assertive communication since nonverbal components play a significant role in conveying empathy, sincerity, and understanding in nursing interactions. Therefore, maintaining eye contact is the element that best enhances assertive communication in this context.