Your body language often can speak louder than your words. Consider the way you convey your message with your face and your body. Giving good news with less-than-enthusiastic body language and nonverbal communication can confuse the message. To improve nonverbal communication, you must become aware of your body, face and hands when you speak, according to Harvard Business School. Analyze your communication to identify what your body is saying when your mouth is not moving.
Playback
Rarely do you get a chance to see yourself deliver a message, so videotape yourself giving one, suggests HelpGuide.org. If you have a big presentation coming up or are just hoping to improve your nonverbal communication on an everyday scale, set up a tripod in your home and videotape yourself saying different phrases, from bad news to good news to instruction. Watch the videos and identify where you could improve in your gestures, eye contact and facial expressions.
Repetition
Practice is an ideal way to become more proficient in any skill. The Ohio State University Extension suggests practice exercises for children who have trouble with nonverbal communication, which you can adapt to suit your own purposes. Take one simple phrase, and repeat it several times, exhibiting different body language each time. For instance, consider the phrase, "I'm sorry for your loss." Say it while rolling your eyes, while crossing your arms, and while making eye contact to see the difference.
Evaluation
Spend time with individuals whom you believe to be proficient in nonverbal communication. Assess what they do with their hands and eyes while speaking and evaluate the mood or message that it can convey. Your boss may be excellent at making eye contact while speaking to show that she is interested in what you have to say. A man at a bar may show an open stance to make himself seem more approachable. Watch others and evaluate their nonverbal communication and consider what it says about them to inspire you to improve.
Focus
An acute awareness of your body can help you remember to improve your nonverbal communication. Put special effort into understanding what your body is saying and the impression that you convey without speaking. Before you enter into a situation where you'll be responsible for delivering a message, focus on what you want to say and how your body language can help you make the point more clear. Practice can even help you perfect the delivery and body language.
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