Effective communication is the foundation for successful interaction with other people. Communication, however, is done with more than just words. Body language speaks volumes about a person without that person ever having said a word.
According to an article, “Nonverbal Communication” posted on HelpGuide.org (last accessed 1/2011), research suggests that the vast majority of communication takes place through nonverbal or body language signals. Such signals can affect the impressions made on other people. Those who are effective at interpreting body language can easily assess what is being communicated from another without even hearing a spoken word.
Understanding Body Language
Body language consists of gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and even the tone of voice when speaking. By using nonverbal communication or body language, people give and receive numerous wordless signals. The article, “Nonverbal Communication”, explains, “All of our nonverbal behaviors – the gestures we make, the way we sit, how fast or how loud we talk, how close we stand, how much eye contact we make – send strong messages.”
The way one listens, moves, and reacts sends signals to others that indicate interest, trust, and desire for connection. Body language can also send signals of disinterest, distrust, confusion or just plain boredom.
The article, “Nonverbal Communication” suggests that body language can play five roles that enhance a verbal message – repetition, contradiction, substitution, complementing and accenting.
Recognizing Types of Body Language
The types of body language or nonverbal communication are varied. Facial expressions are a universal type of body language. The face expresses countless emotions. The facial expressions for surprise, happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disapproval, and anger are similar across all cultures.
Body movements and posture, such as sitting, standing up, walking, and carriage of the body and head make nonverbal statements and impressions about a person to others.
Gestures, such as waving, pointing, beckoning, and using hands when speaking, arguing, or expressing any emotion or thought is an animated form of body language that makes an impression on others. However, the meaning of gestures can vary from culture to culture and region to region. Caution is advised in using gestures to avoid being misinterpreted.
Eye contact is an especially powerful type of body language or nonverbal communication. The manner in which a person looks at another can communicate such things as interest, affection, anger, or attraction. Eye contact is extremely important in conversation to keep the listener engaged in what is being said and for interpreting the other person’s response.
Touch, such as a handshake, a reassuring pat on the back, a warm embrace, a slight tap on the shoulder, a patronizing pat on the head, or an aggressive grip of one’s arm are also powerful nonverbal communicators. Touch can convey a variety of emotional responses and impressions.
Body space is an important nonverbal communicator. Judging the correct amount of space to allow in conversing with another is important. Invading one’s body space can be discomforting. Physical space communicates varied nonverbal messages. It can send signals of intimacy, affection, or dominance and aggression.
Even voice is a type of body language. It’s possible to communicate with the voice without even using words. Volume, tone, pitch, rhythm, and inflection are powerful methods of communicating. In addition to words, voice sends signals as to true feelings and intentions. Voice can convey confidence, affection, anger, and sarcasm, and many other emotions.
In conclusion, it is known that words are the most powerful means of communication. Non verbal communication or body language can help words have even more impact. The use of body language, with or without words, speaks volumes to others. Effective use can make a positive impression on others and ineffective use can send negative signals.
Resources:
Related information can be found in the article "Improve Business & Social Interaction with Body Language." A free online quiz for determining what signals one is sending with body language can be found in the article “Do You Speak Body Language” posted on the website LifeScript.com.
References:
Flirting Body Language. "How to Tell is Someone is Lying to Your Face" (accessed March 4. 2011).
HelpGuide.org. "Nonverbal Communication" (accessed March 4. 2011).
LuvCube. "Reading Body Language" (accessed March 4. 2011).
The Side Road. "Business Body Language, Handshakes, Eye Contact, Posture and Smiles (accessed March 4. 2011).
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