Your Nonverbal Communication Counts, too!

Nonverbal communication… This is how you convey meaning in the form of non-word messages. We also refer to it as body language. It includes facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and your tone of voice.

Body language is important because the way you listen, look, move, and react tells the other person whether or not you care.

When your words match up with your body language... they increase trust, clarity, and rapport. When they do not, they generate tension, mistrust, and confusion.

These types of messages also includes how you say the words - the tone, pitch, and pacing of your voice. When you are angry or excited, your speech tends to become more rapid and higher pitched.

The ability to understand and use body language, is a powerful tool that can help you connect with others. It allows you to express what you really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build better relationships.

Research shows that the majority of our messages are not conveyed through words.

Let’s also include the importance of appropriate dress and appearance here. The way you dress sends a message. Therefore, it is a good idea to dress, groom and appear appropriate for the environment you are in.

Body language allows you to reinforce or modify what you say in words. It also provides important feedback for the other person. Similarly, It can create barriers.

Here are some Barriers...

Flashing or rolling eyes
Arms crossed
Gestures made with exasperation
Slouching, hunching over
Avoiding eye contact

Your nonverbal communication plays an important role in interacting with others.

Effective interchange sends clear and concise messages, utilizes feedback and is free of stress. It is two-way and reflects the accountability of both speaker and listener.

Frequent arguments, conflicts, and disputes between people result from miscommunication, and are barriers to interacting effectively.

All expressions... whether intentional, unintentional… makes some sort of impact.

Go from Your Nonverbal Communication Counts Too to How To Have Good Communication Skills

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Good Communication Skills