Using Non-Verbal Communication Effectively

Using Non-Verbal Communication Effectively

Good communication is the foundation of all successful relationships be it
professional or personal, and our non-verbal communication – eye contact, facial expression,
tone of voice and posture speaks it the loudest. The ability to use body language or non-
verbal communication helps to connect with others, build better relations and express what
one really means. Sometimes people differ from what they speak with their mouths and their
body language and many are times listeners follow the body language which is unconscious,
natural and it broadcasts true feelings(O’Toole, 2012). Interpreting gestures may differ from
one person to another. There are different types of non-verbal cues that are used daily.
For effective communication it is good to use eye contact and does not imply fixing
the eyes in to another’s eyes as it may be intimidating. Evading eye contacts reflects the
individual way of hiding something, an interval of 5 seconds is good. To effectively
communicate with signal and understand them, it is advisable to ask question of any
confusing non-verbal signal. It can be done by repeating back the interpretation of one
understands. When words fail to match what an individual says verbally, ignoring what has
been said and focusing on the thoughts, moods and emotions.
It is always good to consider the context and the situation in which the
communication is occurring as some situations require formal behaviours. Facial expressions
are universal and convey the same message thus it’s good to offer a smile as it shows good
moods. Avoiding slouching as it portrays disinterest while leg swinging in meeting shows
impatience. It is good to avoid sighing, grunting or high pitched voice but speaking calmly
and softly. Physical space during communication may cause different reactions as different
cultures view proximity differently.

Running Head: Using Non-Verbal Communication Effectively

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References

O’Toole, G. (2012). Communication. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.