In the nursing and midwifery profession, the ability to execute therapeutic communication as well as establish an effective therapeutic relationship is important. Day, Levett-Jones, and Kenny (2012) state that therapeutic communication promotes understanding of the client, by developing a relationship between the nurse and client, so that the nurse is able to understand the client's verbal and emotional messages. Warnecke (2014) describes the therapeutic relationship as an art form, with the emphasis placed on the care and healing of the patient rather than simply solving the problem. This essay is a critical reflection based on the role play that took place during the third week tutorial. From here, two interpersonal communication skills that have been successfully applied will be considered; eye contact and body posture, as well as a skill that needs improvement; express empathy. During the interview, I found that I was able to maintain continuous eye contact at appropriate times, particularly when asking the client about the problems she was experiencing. Showing that she had my full attention and that I was genuinely interested and wanted to know more. The only difficult aspect of this nonverbal communication technique, in my opinion, was that trying to fill out paperwork distracted my eye contact as I tried to pay attention to the customer, while trying to record all the important information. Stickly (2011) advises that occasionally breaking eye contact is appropriate, as staring can become intrusive and if the client is distressed or looking down, make sure your engagement through eye contact is expected. Harvey and Park (2012) explain that maintaining eye contact is a way of expressing respect in most westernized cultures, but others may find it disrespectful, ...... middle of paper .... .. throughout the interview process, my two strengths were maintaining appropriate eye contact and using correct body posture, and my communication limitation was the ability to express empathy . Through research, we now understand the importance and effectiveness of correctly applying verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. When eye contact, body posture, and empathy are expressed correctly, positive results are evident, strengthening the client-nurse relationship. Next time, it would be beneficial to participate in an interview with a cohort member you have not worked with before, because in a clinical setting you likely will not know this person. It would also be beneficial to record the role play, so that the interviewer can observe themselves and possibly notice other strengths/limitations that they might unconsciously have, for example. Restless or wandering eyes.