Describe how nutrition counselors can communicate effectively with clients from different cultures.

Nutrition counselors can communicate effectively with clients from different cultures by smiling, showing warmth, and being friendly. In addition, nutrition counselors can attempt to learn and use keywords, especially greetings and titles of respect, in the languages spoken by their clients. Nutrition counselors should be sure to articulate clearly and speak in a normal volume. Often individuals mistakenly raise their voice when they feel others are having difficulty understanding them. It is important to keep in mind, clients' inability to communicate in English does not reflect their level of intellectual functioning. If you are unsure what a particular behavior means (e.g., looking down), it is acceptable to ask the client for clarification on what that behavior means (e.g., "I notice that you are mostly looking down. Would you tell me what that means for you?"). Finally, if you sense there is a problem, stop what you are doing and ask your client for clarification (e.g., "There seems to be a problem. Is something I am doing offending you?").