munication, by definition, is the act of transmitting facts, feelings, and meanings by words, gestures, or other action. Hence, communication may be verbal or nonverbal, and both are important. It seems reasonable to assume that communication in an interpersonal relationship such as the nurse has with her patient must carry with it the transmission of feeling if it is to be meaningful. It is possible, of course, for a person to transmit facts and avoid feelings, and such transmission of facts may be very effective in keeping the patient and the professional person away from their feelings.