The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

UNDERSTANDING NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION / 287

Most of the meaning transferred from one person to another in a

personal conversation comes not from the words that are spoken, but

from nonverbal signals. Learning to read, understand, and use these

wordless messages isn’t easy, but is essential for effective communication.

of a message may be conveyed

by facial expression, according

to some psychological studies

55 %

WATCH YOUR APPEARANCE

Make sure that your clothing and grooming are appropriate to your

audience, your reasons for communicating, and the occasion.

RESTRAIN YOUR MOVEMENTS

Small gestures, close to your body, will convey an image of

confidence and authority. Keep your voice low but audible and

your posture relaxed.

TAKE CARE WITH TOUCH

The rules on touching others in a business context vary from

culture to culture. Make sure you know and respect local customs.

WATCH YOUR EYE CONTACT

Eye contact usually reinforces trust; however, in some Asian

cultures, looking a superior in the eye as you speak can be

considered disrespectful.

USE VOCAL DYNAMICS

Tone, volume, rate, pitch, forcefulness, and enunciation all

convey meaning about a subject, and how you feel about the

people in the room.

Using nonverbal signals

indifferent to another. While

looking for meaning in a particular

movement, position, or gesture, be

careful not to miss more important

signals that reveal the true feelings

of a speaker. Body language can

sometimes contradict the verbal

messages being sent. Tears in a

person’s eyes, for example, might

involuntarily contradict a message

telling you that the speaker is fine.

US_286-287_Und_Nonverbal_Comm.indd 287 30/05/16 3:05 pm