Good communication is the framework for any relationship, whether personal or professional. Sadly, most people fail to understand the complexity of communication, especially since 50% of all communication is done nonverbally. What makes this troubling is that nonverbal communication tends to reveal more about a person's real feelings than what they are actually saying.
50% Of All Communication Is Nonverbal.
Facial expressions, body language, gestures, even a speaker's proximity are all major components to their communication skills. For most people, nonverbal communication is a subconscious act, an external reflection of their internal thoughts and feelings. And those who are perceptive to body language can learn a lot more about a person's attitudes by observing their nonverbal communication. In fact, major airports have security personnel whose only job is to watch and analyze people's body behavior prior to going through security.
The 7 Key Areas Of Nonverbal Communication:
1. Facial Expression - When it comes to expressiveness, nothing tops the human face. Facial expressions are a cultural icon for emotional states - just look at the range of smiley faces online used for "emoting." A person's expression is the easiest way to gauge their emotional state.
2. Eye Contact - Eye contact is the first thing speakers look to when gauging the level of interest or disinterest whomever they are speaking to may have. Most of us rely heavily on the visual sense, so it is important to capitalize on that when engaging in communication.
3. Speech Patterns - A person's tone, pitch, volume, inflection, rhythm and speech rate all carry hidden messages behind the words actually spoken. Sometimes more can be divined about a person's state of mind from the manner in which they speak than the words they produce.
4. Body Posture - How someone walks, sits, stands and how they hold themselves are subtle forms of nonverbal communication, ones often overlooked by all but the most discerning eyes. Most of us absorb and process this information subconsciously and file it away. For those looking for a better command over communication, however, body posture needs to be consciously absorbed.
5. Physical Gestures - How much more do you nod or wave "hello" and "goodbye" to another person rather than actually say "hello"? Probably a surprising amount. Day-to-day gestures make up a significant chunk of nonverbal communication, such as waving, pointing, beckoning and gesticulation during speech.
6. Physical Interaction - This includes handshakes, tapping someone's shoulder, hugs or a pat on the back. Placing a reassuring hand on someone's shoulder can sometimes say more than words. A skillful communicator knows when physical interaction will be a more powerful form of communication and how to employ it effectively.
7. Proximity When Speaking - Something as simple as proximity - how close you are standing next to the person you are speaking to - can add to the experience. Invading someone's personal space may read as an act of aggression, or perhaps as an illustration of intimacy.
Summary: The human body is an engine for communication, beyond just speaking. While writing and speaking will undoubtedly remain the king and queen of communicative methods, a lot more can be ascertained by observing the subconscious messages people send out through body language. The ability to interpret these signals will not only give you a leg up in the business world, but also in life.
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