Use Signals to Make Communication More Effective and Meaningful
Remember that verbal and nonverbal communication work together to convey a message. You can improve your spoken communication by using body language that reinforces and supports what you are saying. This can be especially useful when making presentations or when speaking to a large group of people.
For example, if your goal is to appear confident and prepared during a presentation, you will want to focus on sending nonverbal signals that ensure that others see you as self-assured and capable. Standing firmly in one place, shoulder back, and you weight balanced on both feet is a great way to strike a confident pose.
Look at Signals as a Group
A single gesture can mean any number of things, or maybe even nothing at all. The key to accurately reading nonverbal behaviour is to look for groups of signals that reinforce a common point. If you place too much emphasis on just one signal out of many, you might come to an inaccurate conclusion about what a person is trying to communicate.
Consider Context
When you are communicating with others, always consider the situation and the context in which the communication occurs. Some situations require more formal behaviours that might be interpreted very differently in any other setting.
Consider whether or not nonverbal behaviours are appropriate for the context. If you are trying to improve your own nonverbal communication, concentrate on ways to make your signals match the level of formality necessitated by the situation.
For example, the body language and nonverbal communication you utilize at work is probably very different from the sort of signals you would send on a casual Friday night out with friends. Strive to match your nonverbal signals to the situation to ensure that you are conveying the message you really want to send.
Be Aware That Signals Can be Misread
According to some, a firm handshake indicates a strong personality while a weak handshake is taken as a lack of fortitude. This example illustrates an important point about the possibility of misreading nonverbal signals. A limp handshake might actually indicate something else entirely, such as arthritis.
Always remember to look for groups of behaviour. A person’s overall demeanour is far more telling than a single gesture viewed in isolation.
Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often described as being able to “read people.”
In reality, you can build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal behaviour and practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others. By noticing nonverbal behaviour and practicing your own skills, you can.