Non Verbal Communication Exercises

Non verbal communication is an important skill to master. No matter how good your verbal communication skills are, your body language and other non verbal communications can make or break the message you are trying to put across. Learning how to control your non verbal communications can help your life in every area.

Theory

According to a study performed by Dr Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA, as much of 93 percent of the information that you communicate is done through non verbal means. This means that the majority of what you communicate to each other is 38 percent through voice tone and 55 percent through body language and facial expression, leaving a mere seven percent communicated by the actual words you use.

Benefits

If most of your communication is done through something other than the words you are using, then logically the best way to improve your communication skills is not to work on the words you use but instead to work on the way you say them. This is where non verbal communication exercises come into play.

Evaluating Communication Skills

Working with a partner or a teacher, or using a video camera or an audio recorder, you can focus on your body language and other non verbal communication skills. Examples of things to look out for include your facial expression, body movement and posture, gestures, eye contact, physical contact with those you address, use of personal space and your voice. When it comes to your voice, you should listen for timing and pace, how loud you speak, the tone of your voice and words you use to convey understanding or hesitation.

Communication Skills Exercises

There are many ways to improve your non verbal communication skills. One of the best methods is to build up your confidence and your skills gradually. Begin by rehearsing the way you talk in front of a mirror, paying attention to your tonality, as well as your body language and your eye contact as you address yourself. The more relaxed you are, the better you will communicate. When you are confident in front of a mirror, practice communicating with other people. Start with one person, before working your way up to bigger groups. You can add other skills to your repertoire at this point, such a technique used in Neuro Linguistic Programming known as mirroring, copying their body language, the words they use and their manner of speaking to convey a sense of unity.