We often mean ‘what we say’ when we talk about ‘communication.’ Interpersonal communication, however, is far more than the clear and specific spoken words, and the information that they impart. It also includes signals which are expressed through nonverbal communication, whether intentional or not.

Nonverbal communication involves the whole body language that you use as a means of communication. It includes your appearance, posture, facial expressions, eye contact, and all other nonverbal gestures. A voice tone of an individual may also pass on a nonverbal message to others.

How we say something is more impactful than what we say. In some studies, nonverbal communication has been shown to carry between 65% and 93% more impact than the actual words spoken, especially when the message involves emotional meaning and attitudes.” Let’s understand this with an example.

Imagine Adediwura had a bad start to her day, and she reached the office with a furious look. She hardly talked to anyone and continued doing her job with a grim-face. Seeing her behavior, Irene asks her if she is alright, to which she replies, “I am fine!” but angrily. Now, which message will you believe here- her verbal communication (her words) or her nonverbal message (her behavior and voice tone?) “Most likely, you will believe the nonverbal message.

However, nonverbal communication in the workplace can convey different messages and meanings. Let’s say, while a hug or pat on the back with one colleague could be acceptable behavior, it could create great offense to another. Daniel Post Senning, the author of The Etiquette Advantage in Business, once said, “Generally speaking, unless you’re sure it’s going to be OK to hug someone, stick with a handshake. It’s a universally accepted and globally understood gesture of goodwill and friendship.”

The best thing here is that you can train yourself to send the right ones when you can’t stop sending non-verbal cues. Here are five nonverbal communication signs that can send positive messages, confidence, and credibility in the workplace.

1. APPROPRIATE FACIAL EXPRESSION: Each of the seven basic human emotions (Anger, Contempt, Disgust, Fear, Happiness, Sadness, and Surprise) has been scientifically proven to have a certain facial expression associated with it. Because your facial expressions are closely tied to emotion, they are often involuntary and unconscious. It is essential that you become aware of what your face is revealing to observers, and choose the expression that matches your intended message. For example, to show you’re paying attention while listening, hold a very slight smile, nod occasionally, and maintain good eye contact.

2. MAINTAIN GOOD EYE CONTACT: People who talk face to face while maintaining eye contact gain trust immediately and vice versa. It expresses involvement and emotional states and helps to relate the message with the receiver. It is also used to assume real and fake interests. While having a difficult conversation or group discussion, preferably, look straight in their eyes at least two to three seconds before looking away or moving to the next person. “Merely glancing at someone for one second or less is known as “eye dart” and conveys insecurity, anxiety, or evasion.”

3. PROPER HAND GESTURE: A gesture is any physical action helping to convey an idea, an opinion, or a feeling. Unintentional movements like rubbing your nose, caressing your hair, fixing your clothes, putting your hands on your waist, and even waving can unconsciously communicate messages. You can easily avoid these typical distractive mannerisms by being natural, lively, purposeful, and spontaneous.

4. THE SUITABLE TONE OF VOICE; We all would agree to the quote, “It’s not what you said; it’s how you said it”. Apart from the actual words used, there are certain factors such as Voice Tone, Pitch, Pacing, Pauses, Volume, Inflection, and Articulation. All of these are critically important in both in-person and telephone conversations because it conveys the emotional sense, attitude, and effect. You can consider recording your conversations and listen to them to identify what the tone of voice expresses.

5. CORRECT BODY LANGUAGE: How a person sits or stands or how he moves around, and such other bodily dynamism can convey many symbolic meanings. If you are leaning back comfortably, sitting rigidly on the edge of your seat, or leaning back with your legs crossed, your posture or how you hold yourself will display your emotions and self-confidence.

Reference: Darlene Price, Author: Well Said!

Vantage Circle HR Blog