If you look at any of the regular job postings, it will be clearly visible that ‘good communication skills’ is almost a common requirement in all of them. That’s due to the importance communication plays in building successful personal and professional relationships.
There are two types of communication:
- Verbal or spoken communication
- Non-verbal communication (excluding written communication)
While verbal communication has been well known to us, it is the art of non-verbal communication that is often overlooked, but that doesn’t mean it is any less important than spoken communication.
Non-verbal communication is the process through which information, emotional expressions or instructions are conveyed by using body language, eye contact, facial expressions or gestures etc. We all use non-verbal communication at all times, even when speaking to others, and often without even realising it. Frown, laugh, smile, eye gestures, hand movements, the way we sit, and various other aspects play a part in the non-verbal communication process.
There are various advantages that effective use of non-verbal communication can offer, especially in the workplace. For instance:
It substantiates the message conveyed: In any conversation or meeting, nonverbal gestures can add emphasis to the message. Hand gestures, eye-contact, body posture etc are indicators of the importance of the words being said.
It conveys messages: Non-verbal communication can also convey your feelings, thoughts and opinion. For instance, nodding your head can convey agreement when someone shares a thought or belief or looking in another direction or shrugging your shoulders can imply disinterest.
It conveys intent: A person’s body language can be a good indicator of his/her intent. Whether you are engaged, interested, excited, disinterested, serious or dishonest, there are non-verbal cues to guess all this and more.
It can highlight your nature: A warm handshake, a steady eye-contact, the way you speak, sit and even eat can make you look friendly, hostile, optimistic, energetic, honest or vice versa.
It can indicate action suggested: Pointing towards the door, eye gestures or getting up during a conversation, are all non-verbal hints that indicate what someone is going to do.
Inability to comprehend or effectively use non-verbal communication is one of the major barriers of communication. However, there are various skills that can make you a good exponent of this practice. Here are some of the things you must do:
Being attentive – It might seem easy, but to remain attentive is a skill that takes some doing. However, once you are able to focus, you will gain knowledge faster and communicate better.
Understanding the nonverbal cues: When you are able to decipher people’s posture, body language, facial expressions, and eye contact etc, you would be able to understand them better.
Being able to read body language and adopt the right physical gestures helps in overcoming the barriers of communication in a consistent and successful manner. Here are some of the things you must pay attention to:
Posture – a person with shoulders back and spine straight indicates that the other person is listening attentively and receptive to your words or ideas. Slouched shoulders, bent spine conveys the opposite.
Arm movements – Arms down on the side, on the table or in some other open manner, it indicates positivity and attentiveness. However, crossed arms are usually reflective of disinterest, negative thoughts or lack of acceptance.
Leg movements – Feet placed flat on the ground indicate readiness and willingness to listen. Crossed legs or another posture indicates irritation, stress or disinterest.
Facial expressions – Furrowed eyebrows, tight lips, scrunched up face are indicators of stress, anger or negative emotions. Gentle smile, relaxed face or slightly raised eyebrows indicate interest and a positive vibe.
By decoding the non-verbal communication forms such as body language correctly, you can overcome the barriers of communication and succeed better at work and in personal relationships as well!
