How can you use nonverbal communication to manage change?

1 Use your body language

When managing change, your body language can be a powerful tool to convey confidence, openness, and empathy. To use your body language effectively, maintain eye contact and smile when appropriate to show interest and engagement. Additionally, use gestures and movements that are natural, relaxed, and aligned with your words to emphasize your points. On the other hand, crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking away can indicate nervousness, defensiveness, or distraction. Moreover, mirroring the body language of your audience can help build rapport and trust.

2 Use your voice

When managing change, your voice should be used to express clarity, enthusiasm, and sincerity. To do this effectively, adjust your volume, pitch, and pace to suit the context and the audience. Speak louder and faster to convey urgency and excitement, or softer and slower to convey calmness and reassurance. Additionally, use pauses, emphasis, and inflection to highlight key points, create interest, and avoid monotony. Make sure to avoid filler words, jargon, and slang that can weaken your message or confuse your audience. Lastly, use positive and affirmative language that can inspire and motivate your audience, or empathetic and respectful language that can address and resolve their issues.

3 Use your facial expressions

Your facial expressions can communicate feelings, attitudes, and reactions, or they can contradict, undermine, or conceal them. When managing change, it is important to use your facial expressions to reinforce your verbal message and demonstrate authenticity, honesty, and attentiveness. To do this effectively, match your facial expressions with your words and tone. For example, smile when you are positive and optimistic, frown when serious and concerned, or nod when agreeing and approving. Additionally, make sure to avoid masking, hiding, or exaggerating your facial expressions as these can make you seem insincere, dishonest, or indifferent. Furthermore, pay attention to the facial expressions of your audience and respond accordingly; show empathy, curiosity, or appreciation when they are expressing their emotions, opinions, or feedback.

5 Use your space

When managing change, you want to use your space to create a positive and productive environment for your audience. To do this, consider the physical distance and arrangement of your space. A comfortable and appropriate distance that matches the context and culture of your audience is key. You may choose a circular or U-shaped arrangement for interaction and participation, or a linear or front-facing arrangement for presentation and demonstration. Additionally, take into account the visual and auditory aspects of your space such as lighting, ventilation, and noise levels. Finally, consider the symbolic and emotional aspects of the space. Using a familiar and neutral space can reduce anxiety and resistance, while a new and creative space can stimulate curiosity and innovation.

6 Use your feedback

When managing change, it is important to use your feedback to acknowledge, encourage, and guide your audience. To do this effectively, use verbal and nonverbal feedback. Express gratitude, praise, and suggestions with words and phrases, as well as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact that convey agreement or disagreement. It is also important to give timely and specific feedback with concrete examples and evidence to support it. Additionally, focus on the strengths and achievements of your audience when providing constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement; avoid negative and personal feedback that can hurt their feelings or damage their self-esteem.