What might influence a client's verbal and non-verbal communication?

External stressors can significantly influence a client's verbal and non-verbal communication in various ways. When clients experience stress from work, family issues, financial concerns, or other personal circumstances, it can affect their ability to communicate effectively. Stress may lead to changes in body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding eye contact, as well as shifts in verbal tone or hesitance in speech. Understanding that clients may carry these external pressures allows real estate professionals to foster a more empathetic and supportive communication environment, ensuring that the client's needs and concerns are addressed more effectively.

While previous interactions, social media presence, and product knowledge can also play roles in communication, they do not typically have as immediate or profound an impact on a client’s state of mind and communication style as external stressors do. Thus, recognizing the role of external stressors is essential for any professional wishing to establish good rapport and effective communication with their clients.