The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

286 / COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR TEAM

Understanding nonverbal

communication

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.

Reading nonverbal signals (^) Using nonverbal signals
The movement, positioning, and
use of the human body in various
communication settings serves
a number of functions:

• To highlight or emphasize some^
  part of a verbal message


• To regulate the flow, pace,^
  and back-and-forth nature
  of verbal messages
  -^ To reinforce the general tone^
  or attitude of a message
  -^ To repeat what the verbal
  messages convey (holding up
  three fingers to indicate the
  number three, for example)
  -^ To substitute for, or take the place
  of, verbal messages (such as
  giving a “thumbs up” gesture)
  Nonverbal cues are often difficult
  to read, especially because there
  are few body movements or gestures
  that have universally agreed-upon
  meanings. A colleague who looks
  tired or overworked to one person
  may appear disinterested or

Body language can

contradict the verbal

messages being sent

US_286-287_Und_Nonverbal_Comm.indd 286 31/05/16 5:29 pm