How Doctors Sit, Stand, and Show They Care:

Why Body Language Matters

When you go to a clinic or hospital, you might feel nervous. Maybe you're in pain or don’t know what’s wrong. But did you know that the way a doctor or other healthcare provider stands, sits, or moves can help you feel better?

This is called body language. It includes how close someone stands, if they make eye contact, and how they hold their body. These things might seem small, but they send a big message: “I care about you.”

Let’s talk about why body position and distance — also called proximity — are important when building trust, rapport (a friendly, safe feeling), and persuasion (helping someone feel good about making healthy choices).

What Is Body Language?

Body language is how we use our bodies to speak without words. It includes:

• Where we stand or sit

• How close we are to someone

• If we look at the person when we talk

• If our arms are crossed or open

• If we face the person or turn away

• And much more

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers use body language all the time. It helps them connect with patients — that means you!

Why Does Body Position Matter?

Imagine a healthcare provider walks into the room but doesn’t sit down. They stay standing, look at their computer, and barely glance at you. How would that feel?

Now imagine the doctor walks in, sits beside you, looks you in the eyes, and speaks in a calm voice. That would feel much better, right?

When a doctor sits down and faces you, it shows that they are not in a rush. It says, “I’m here with you. I’m listening.” This helps you feel safe and calm.

The Power of Being Close — But Not Too Close

How close a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider stands matters, too. If they stand too far away, it might feel cold or distant. If they stand too close, it might feel uncomfortable and pressuring.

Most people like a little space, but not too much. Being close enough to hear and see each other clearly — without feeling crowded — is best.

This is called personal space. Good doctors know how to calibrate to and respect each individual patient’s personal space.

Building Trust with Good Body Language

Trust is very important in healthcare. You need to feel like your doctor/healthcare provider listens and cares about you.

Good body language helps build trust. Here’s how:

• Sitting down shows the doctor is not rushing.

• Facing you shows the doctor is paying attention.

• Nodding and making eye contact shows they understand.

• Keeping their hands open and relaxed makes you feel safe.

When a doctor does these things, it’s easier to talk to them. You might feel brave enough to say what’s really bothering you.

Rapport: Feeling Safe and Understood

Rapport (say it like “ra-PORE”) means you feel like the doctor understands you. You feel calm around them.

You can build rapport with someone in just a few seconds — and body language helps. When a doctor smiles, sits beside you, and speaks kindly, you start to relax. You feel seen and heard.

That makes it easier to ask questions, share your thoughts, and trust what they say.

How It Helps with Persuasion

Sometimes, doctors or nurses ask you to do things that are good for your health — like take medicine, eat better, or stop smoking. The art of influencing a person’s decision making by relaying important information in the context of the individual and how it pertains to their health and well-being which allows them to make their own decision to accept the healthcare professional’s recommendations is called persuasion. It means helping someone choose what’s best for them by presenting information as it pertains to them as the individual.

If you don’t trust your doctor or feel like they care, you might not listen. But if they look at you kindly, sit close, and talk gently, you’re more likely to believe them.

Good body language helps patients say, “Okay, I trust you. I’ll try it.”

What About in the Hospital?

When someone is staying in the hospital (inpatient care), these things matter even more. Patients may feel lonely, scared, or tired.

When doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers sit at the bedside, make eye contact, and speak with care, it brings comfort. Even small things — like pulling up a chair — show love and respect.

A Real-Life Example

Let’s say an older man is in the hospital. A nurse walks in, stands near the door, and quickly asks, “How are you feeling?” The man doesn’t say much.

Later, another nurse comes in, pulls up a chair, and sits beside his bed. She looks at him and says kindly, “Hi, I’m here to check on you. Can we talk for a minute?”

The man nods and begins to open up. He feels like this nurse really wants to help.

It’s not magic. It’s body language.

Final Thoughts

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers don’t just help with medicine — they also help a patient feel more relaxed and comfortable in anxiety and fear producing health scenarios. How they stand, sit, and move can show that they care.

Good body position and the right distance help patients feel safe, heard, and respected. This leads to better care, more trust, and stronger connections.

So next time you visit a doctor or hospital, notice how they use their body language. A small change — like sitting down and smiling — can make a big difference.

Supporting Articles:

1.      Henry SG, Fuhrel-Forbis A, Rogers MA, Eggly S. Association between nonverbal communication during clinical interactions and outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Patient Educ Couns. 2012;86(3):297-315. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2011.07.006

2.      Mast MS. On the importance of nonverbal communication in the physician-patient interaction. Patient Educ Couns. 2007;67(3):315-318. doi:10.1016/j.pec.2007.03.005

3.      Riess H, Kraft-Todd G. E.M.P.A.T.H.Y.: a tool to enhance nonverbal communication between clinicians and their patients. Acad Med. 2014;89(8):1108-1112. doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000000287