Some REALLY important considerations when delivering a perception check:

• Nonverbal congruency: Be certain that the way you approach the person and the way you say your thoughts are in no way accusing the person of anything.
• Make sure you complete all three steps in order. Form a perception based on clues, consider two possible causes, ask why the person is behaving as he or she is.
• Appropriateness: consider the cultural rules of the situation as well as if you are choosing the most appropriate time and setting to perform this skill.

Image from Windle and Warren: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/Windle.cfm

· Learn to separate facts from assumptions (inferences vs. facts)

· Remember that perceptions, especially first impressions are not always accurate

· Avoid mindreading (assuming we understand what another things, feels, or perceives)

· Recognize that people from different cultural backgrounds do not always share the same meanings of events, objects, etc.

· Remember that perceptions are a function of the perceiver, the perceived, and the situation in which the perception occurs

o Question the accuracy of our perceptions

o Perception-check whenever possible