Communication

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication describes the signals that you send out through your body language. They are often produced and interpreted by a subconscious process. Our body language can convey things that our words don’t and will reveal our true emotions. When an individual sends mismatched body language and verbal communication, the majority of recipients will believe the non-verbal communication over the verbal message. Disparity between signals can generate tension, mistrust and confusion. This article serves as an introduction to non-verbal communication and will discuss the interpretation of body language, the seven universal human emotions and how you can use non-verbal communication to your advantage.

Introduction to Non-Verbal Communication

The Five Roles of Non-Verbal Communication

Repetition

Repeats and strengthens the verbal message.

Contradiction

Contradicts the verbal message. Conveys you may be lying.

Substitution

Can substitute for a verbal message. Can convey something far more vivid than words can describe.

Complementing

May add to or complement the verbal message.

Accenting

May accent or underline the importance of a verbal message. For example, pounding on the table.

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Reading Body Language

We can use non-verbal communication to our advantage by ensuring we are sending out the messages we wish to be heard as well as interpreting the messages that others send to us. Below are some examples of how body language can be interpreted. Take the following signs with a pinch of salt because different cultural backgrounds will affect the way body language is interpreted.

These behaviours suggest that the individual is likely to be disengaged, disinterested or unhappy:

• Arms folded in front of body or hands placed in pockets.
• Minimal or tense facial expression.
• Body turned away from you.
• Eyes downcast and maintaining little contact.

These behaviours suggest that the individual is likely to be bored by what you are saying:

• Sitting slumped, with heads downcast.
• Gazing at something else, or into space.
• Distracting mannerisms such as finger-pointing, fidgeting, tapping, playing with hair, picking at clothes or wringing of hands.
• Writing or doodling.

These behaviours can be adopted to project self-confidence and openness:

• Take up space with an open posture. Be relaxed and stand upright with your hands by your sides.
• Good eye contact. Hold their gaze for a few seconds at a time but don’t stare. This shows your involvement and interest.
• Avoid touching your face. If you do this while answering questions it can be seen as a sign of dishonesty.
• Confident handshake.

These behaviours can be used to help you engage people when presenting:

• Have a positive posture. Stand upright with your shoulders back and hands by your side or in front of you. Point your toes and shoulders towards them.
• Keep your head up.
• Stand with your weight evenly distributed with one foot slightly in front of the other.
• Use open hand gestures. Keep your hands apart with palms facing slightly toward the audience. Keep your upper arms close to the body.

Other thoughts on behaviour:

• Hands on hips can communicate aggression or desire to dominate.
• Learning too far forward can make you look aggressive.
• Learning too far back can make you look arrogant.
• Darting eyes (looking for less than a second) conveys insecurity, anxiety or evasion.
• Poor posture sends signals of low self-esteem, low energy and lack of confidence.

The Seven Universal Human Emotions

Paul Ekman has identified seven basic human emotions during his research on human behaviour and each of these is associated with a unique set of facial and vocal expressions. In this section we discuss how to identify each type. For more information visit his website on universal emotions. It’s really worth checking out!

Increasing Power through Non-Verbal Communication

The ultimate aim of communication is to ensure your message gets across in a way that helps you achieve your objectives while ensuring you hear the views of others. Interestingly the majority of communication is conveyed non-verbally and is processed by our subconscious mind. It is possible to increase our impact on others by altering the way we appear to their subconscious self. This is relatively simple to achieve by asking yourself five short questions posed in the book Power Cues by Nick Morgan. These questions help move non-verbal communication into the forefront of our consciousness and allow us to form new habits with a little patience and practice.

References

• Mindtools: Body Language
• Forbes: Non-verbal Cues
• Help Guide: Non-verbal Communication
• CBC: The Seven Universal Emotions
• Paul Ekman: Universal Emotions
• Power Cues: The Subtle Science of Leading Groups, Persuading Others, and Maximizing Your Personal Impact