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What Is the PALMS Model of Communication? Explained with Simple Examples

Learn the PALMS model: a 5-step guide using position, attitude, and listening to calm conflict

Understand what is palm model of communication in this blog by Global Assignment Help
22 Jan 2026
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12 minutes
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The PALMS model of communication is a simple framework used to improve how messages are delivered and understood. It helps people think before they speak by focusing on five key aspects: Position, attitude, look and listen, make space and stance. Students, teachers and professionals, especially in healthcare, use the PALMS communication framework to maintain a calm conduct, listen carefully, respect others' personal space and keep a non-aggressive body posture. For example, instead of facing someone directly or blocking their path, you have to stand at an angle with open hands, making eye contact with empathy instead of hate.

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What Describes The PALMS Model of Communication?

What is PALMS model of communication is a structured approach that is usually used in security and to handle conflict and provide a solution with empathy and understanding as a base. The PALMS model encourages people to understand the reason behind communication, understand the audience, and select the correct tone and speech.

Moreover, to learn body language, for example, showing palms shows friendliness, which can help build trust to find a peaceful solution, no matter what the conflict is about.

Furthermore, this model is widely used in

  • Academic settings
  • Corporate environment
  • Healthcare providers and hospitals (NHS)

PALMS Concept Explained Simply

ThePALMS communication skills is used in personal safety and conflict management.

The “PALMS concepts focus on”?

P - Positions: Always make sure that the person you are talking to has a clear path to leave the conversation, so they don’t feel trapped

A - Attitude: Show you are friendly and just want to talk to lower the tension

L - Look & Listen: Pay attention to the body language of the person you are talking to and try to understand their viewpoint.

M - Make space: Keep a comfortable distance, a safe distance is about 0-0.5m, Normal 0.5-1.2m, and Stranger 1.2-3 meter. The objective is to create a safe and open space.

S - Stance: Stand at an angle that gives a clear exit path to the person you are talking to, while keeping your shoulder relaxed to signal openness

Components of The PALMS Model

The Components of the PALMS communication process model work together to shape communication. Understanding the basics of PALMS can help students to navigate their professional and academic life better by focusing on verbal and non-verbal cues to know the audience they are interacting with

Component

Description

Real-Life Example

Purpose

Reason for communication

Explaining exam instructions

Audience

Target receiver

First-year students

Language

Tone and vocabulary

Simple, academic language

Medium

Communication channel

Classroom lecture

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PALMS Model Supports Effective Communication

The PALMS model is a Transactional Model of Communication that supports clear communication by giving a structured framework. It makes sure messages are clear, delivered with respect, and appropriate for the current situation. In academic and professional settings, poor delivery of a message can lead to errors and conflicts. However, using the PALMS communication can help you deliver a message without arguments. This can make interaction better as people tend to be more open when they feel like they can leave at any time.

PALMS Communication Framework in Academics

The PALMS communication framework is highly useful in communication studies and academic settings. Students can apply it in presentations, projects, and group discussions in their academics.

In academics, PALMS stands for

P - Presentation

A - Active listening

L - Language and Nonverbal Signs

M - Manage Difficult Situations

S - Self-awareness

For example, using PALMS can help students write answers that directly address exam questions.

PALMS Model of Communication NHS Example

The PALMS model of communication NHS is effective in healthcare. Especially in settings like handling patients or de-escalating conflict.

P - Position: Nurses can approach elderly patients and kids by keeping their body posture relaxed

A - Attitude: The nurses use a soft tone while listening with empathy, which can help the patient calm down

L - Look & Listen: The nurse makes eye contact and looks for cues that can help the patient

M - Making space: The nurses make sure that there is enough room between them and the patient

S - Self-awareness: The nurse can know their own demeanour, so that they can manage their stress better.

PALMS Model of Communication Conflict Resolution

The PALMS model of communication conflict resolution can help manage conflicts calmly. It ensures understanding before responding.

Real-life example: Conflict in group projects among students

Purpose: Solve the disagreement

Audience: Team member

Language: Respectful with neutral tone

Medium: Group discussion

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Purpose of Using The PALMS Model

The key purpose of using the PALMS model is to improve communication with clarity, impact, and safety. Its crucial parts are Position, Attitude, Look/Listen. Message, and style/Space. Moreover, it helps in the de-escalation of arguments and conflicts. For security, leadership, and education, it gives a clear approach to balance verbal and non-verbal cues for effective communication. It ensures people feel heard and respected, which can be crucial to building trust. Moreover, students can also look for Communication Assignment Help for a helping hand in academic learning.

PALMS Methodology for Structured Communication

The PALMS methodology gives a structured approach to clear communication. To improve public speaking, the use of a simpler format is critical, which is

  • Prepare
  • Associate
  • Link
  • Memory

This can help with public speaking and memory. Both aim for clear communication and correctmessage interpretation. One focuses on non-verbal cues for safety (open PALMS) and the other on cognitive techniques.

For example, giving feedback in person instead of text gives a better understanding.

PALMS Technique for Students

The PALM technique is helpful, especially for students, to manage their communication problems

Students can use PALMS for:

  • Writing assignment
  • Academic Presentation
  • Answering viva questions
  • Participate in a group discussion

Students should focus on their language and academic tone at all times.

PALMS Communication Framework for Career Growth

The PALMS communication framework supports professional growth. Organisations value employees who can communicate clearly with a correct tone.

Career benefits include:

  • Better teamwork
  • Strong leadership
  • Clear reports
  • Reduce conflict in the workplace

Thus, learning PALMS can give students an academic advantage.

Conclusion

The PALMS model of communication is a structured and easy-to-use framework that improves tone and body language across different academic, professional and healthcare settings. PALMS focus on the purpose of the message, the audience the message is for, the language used to convey the message and the medium chosen for communication. It could be through dialogue, text, or email. The PALMS concept makes sure that the message is received as intended. Moreover, the real-life examples of this model can help students to understand communication better and support conflict resolution. For learners who want to master the PALMS communication framework, it can improve their academic and professional performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the PALMS model of communication?

Ans. PALMS model stands for Position, Attitude, Look and Listen, Make space and Stance. It is a framework for clear and effective communication.

Q2. What describes the PALMS model of communication best?

Ans. It is a structured approach for empathetic communication, which focuses on Purpose, Audience, Language and Medium.

Q3. How is the PALMS model used in the NHS?

Ans. The PALMS model improves communication with patients, especially the elderly and children, and it reduces medical errors that happen through the wrong interpretation of a message.

Q4. Can the PALMS model help in conflict resolution?

Ans. Yes, it absolutely does by promoting respectful dialogue with clarity during disagreements.

Q5. Why is the PALMS technique useful for students?

Ans. It helps students so that they can organise their ideas and communicate clearly in academics.

Q6. Is the PALMS communication framework suitable for professionals?

Ans. Yes, it supports communication with leadership and coworkers in an organisation.

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