Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication
It is important to ensure that our body language matches what we are saying. Others respond to our non-verbal communication more than our verbal, because non-verbal messages are stronger and more accurately reflect our feelings than our words do. Non-verbal messages are picked up unconsciously by others before our words are heard. For example, our crossed arms and the scowl on our face broadcast our anger even before we say anything.
We can hear what we say, but not always see what we do. Our self-talk comes through in our non-verbal cues even when we are not verbally saying anything. Looking at the floor and wringing our hands tells everyone how nervous we are feeling. That glazed look in our eyes lets people know that we are bored and
not listening and those heavy sighs let everyone know that we wish we were somewhere else.
Listed below are examples of what non-verbal communication can consist of:
Face
Facial expressions, eye contact, movement of eyes, the direction we are looking,
smiles, head nods, tears, rolling your eyes, furrowed brows, frowns, pouting,
clenched teeth, pouting…
Hands
Tightly clenched fists, wringing our hands, picking at fingers, drumming
fingers, touching, slapping, gesturing with hands…
Arms and Legs
Open posture, legs and arms crossed, legs stuck out in front of you, use of arm
gestures, arms crossed with elbows pointing out, tapping foot, jiggling leg…
Posture
Sitting, walking, leaning forward, slumped in chair, rigid posture, standing over
the other person, leaning against the wall, casual, fidgeting, shoulders slumped,
stiff or relaxed posture…
Voice qualities
Loud, soft, angry, scared, hesitant, nervous, quiet, angry, shaky, confident,
calm…
We can hear what we say, but not always see what we do. Our self-talk comes through in our non-verbal cues even when we are not verbally saying anything. Looking at the floor and wringing our hands tells everyone how nervous we are feeling. That glazed look in our eyes lets people know that we are bored and
not listening and those heavy sighs let everyone know that we wish we were somewhere else.
Listed below are examples of what non-verbal communication can consist of:
Face
Facial expressions, eye contact, movement of eyes, the direction we are looking,
smiles, head nods, tears, rolling your eyes, furrowed brows, frowns, pouting,
clenched teeth, pouting…
Hands
Tightly clenched fists, wringing our hands, picking at fingers, drumming
fingers, touching, slapping, gesturing with hands…
Arms and Legs
Open posture, legs and arms crossed, legs stuck out in front of you, use of arm
gestures, arms crossed with elbows pointing out, tapping foot, jiggling leg…
Posture
Sitting, walking, leaning forward, slumped in chair, rigid posture, standing over
the other person, leaning against the wall, casual, fidgeting, shoulders slumped,
stiff or relaxed posture…
Voice qualities
Loud, soft, angry, scared, hesitant, nervous, quiet, angry, shaky, confident,
calm…
Posted by Barb Small at 4/6/2010 1:32 AM 
Categories: Effective Communication, body language, Non-verbal communication, Communication Skills
Tags: communication skills clear communication Effective Communication body language non-verbal communication
Categories: Effective Communication, body language, Non-verbal communication, Communication Skills
Tags: communication skills clear communication Effective Communication body language non-verbal communication
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