Helpguide.org reports that the majority of communication is nonverbal. Many people don't realize the impact that their facial expressions and gestures have when talking with others. Leaning about nonverbal communication and how to control it can significantly improve your communication skills and life.
Types
Culture at Work reports that the basic types of nonverbal communication include body motions and postures, gestures, facial expressions, space, touch and presentation of yourself. You give nonverbal messages in the way that you look at others, how you dress and how close you stand to them. The tone, pitch and volume of your voice also send messages and signals. For instance, you make different statements when you whisper than when you yell.
Significance
If you have good nonverbal communication skills, you'll be more likely to succeed at work, have successful romantic relationships and express what you really want to get across. According to Helpguide.org, we constantly give and receive nonverbal signals. Nonverbal communication can repeat, compliment or distract from your verbal message. For instance, if your supervisor is giving you a new task, checking your watch and staring into space gives him the message that you're not interested or listening, even if you tell him that you're excited about the new project.
Misconceptions
Harvard Business School reports that liars can control their nonverbal communication just like everyone else and may not give off the common signs that they're lying. They might not fidget or lack eye contact. Many people hear that they must make eye contact to appear confident, but staring and too much eye contact can make people feel extremely uncomfortable. You should find a good middle between no eye contact and staring.
Some people believe that you should stand with your hands behind your back and use touch to demonstrate power and dominance. Harvard Business School finds that putting your hands behind your back usually sends an untrustworthy message, and most people who initiate touch are women and have less power.
Considerations
Nonverbal communication isn't precise and can be easily misread. Even if you work on improving your nonverbal communication and think that you're complementing or repeating your message with your nonverbal cues, the other person or people might feel differently. Try to take that into consideration when you read others' nonverbal cues. For example, if your friend crosses her arms in front of her body, sending the cue that she's closed off, she might just be trying to keep warm.
Improvement
If you want to improve your nonverbal communication skills, record yourself in different interactions. When you review the recording, evaluate your nonverbal cues and how others react to them. Consider your voice, facial expressions and eye contact. Figure out whether these signals send the message you're trying to send and whether the other person appears comfortable.
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