Final answer:
Effective communication with your physician is essential and can be improved by active listening, asking questions, and using clear and respectful language. Maintaining eye contact and being aware of body language are also important components of good communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommendations to improve your communications with your physician do not include increasing caffeine intake, using medical jargon extensively, being assertive and demanding, or avoiding eye contact. In fact, these might have adverse effects on communication. Instead, effective communication can be achieved through practices like active listening and asking questions to ensure clarity and understanding. Being prepared to engage in a meaningful exchange includes avoiding the use of specific terms or jargon that can confuse the conversation, and instead, enunciating clearly using respectful language. Additionally, maintaining eye contact conveys engagement and confidence, whereas avoiding it can be interpreted negatively. It is important to read and respond to body language, adjusting your own nonverbal cues and being receptive to those of your physician for a more effective dialogue.