How can you use nonverbal communication to enhance your message?

Nonverbal communication is crucial in enhancing your message and conveying meaning beyond words. Consistency between verbal and nonverbal communication is critical for effective communication. Being aware of your own nonverbal cues and understanding how others may interpret them can significantly enhance the impact of your message.

non-verbal communication is a subtle way to make your point clear and loud Effectively using your eyes to maneuver difficult communication is an art Perfect posture talks a lot and aligning it with your goal in mind is another example Apt hand gestures shows confidence in every action

I studied body language more than 25 years ago through a book by author Allan Pease (who happens to be an Australian, but I didn't know that back then!) I devoured that book and even taught from it in my early training career. Over the years, I have a much more nuanced understanding of body language. It's not just making sure you maintain a posture for listening, for example, but find a real reason to want to listen as a leader. That way, you aren't play acting and fighting your body, but using science to your advantage. People can always tell if you are forcing your body language to convey something when your words and tone that follow don't match that intention.

Maintain Eye Contact: Sustained and confident eye contact establishes trust, shows attentiveness, and enhances the sincerity of your message. It fosters a connection with your audience, making them more receptive to your communication.

Do some research on the audience or person to gain more knowledge on what is appropriate or not for gestures. Ask more questions to understand context and culture. Reach out to someone who may be familiar and have adapted to this context and culture before having a meeting or doing a presentation.

In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. We tend to assume that if someone looks away while we are talking to them, they’re disinterested and looking for someone else to talk to. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. In many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, however, this unbroken eye contact would be considered aggressive and confrontational. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. In these parts of the world, children won’t look at an adult who is speaking to them, and nor will employees to their bosses.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you can be as inclusive as possible in a diverse work environment. A good way to do so is to foster open communication. By encouraging dialogue that values diverse perspectives it creates an environment where everyone feels heard.

This practice of nonverbal communication becomes more challenging--and more important--when delivering virtually. The team I was a part of during the pandemic delivered hundreds of hours of ILT and had to rapidly figure out how to go virtual and stay effective. We practiced ways to change vocal inflection, use our faces to convey emotion and importance, effective use of silence, and peppering in humor to keep the audience engaged. The lessons we all learned in 2020 have helped that team and me to always be thinking about how to best connect with a virtual audience and keep them engaged.

If sitting across from someone and having to engage in close quarters for an hour makes you twitch a bit, take a walk around the block! When possible, do your best to help your non-verbal communication to sync with your leadership intentions. Not everyone is comfortable in intimate social situations. If you are better off moving your body, check if a coffee in a cafe followed by a short walk might work?

One of the best nonverbal communication to connect has to be active listening. By acknowledging others' perspectives, validating their experiences, and responding thoughtfully, you not only make them feel heard but show them their opinion matters

One of the most effective ways that I have used to improve my skills is to get feedback from those who are receiving my message. Before presenting I approached several people and asked them if they would be willing to provide me feedback, but I am very specific about what I am asking them to look for. I used to look at the floor when I was thinking or processing a question that was asked of me during the presentation. I became aware that I was doing this so I asked people to count how many times I did this, the duration, what impact it had on the audience etc. I also asked them to signal me (if appropriate) so I could be aware of this, and able to correct it, in real time.

Invest in yourself by working with a professional Image Consultant who will help you create a Leadership Presence that will reflect you and your aspirations. Consider the specific aspects of nonverbal communication you want to explore for maximum effect in your leadership presence for a bespoke experience. You will enhance your nonverbal communication by incorporating intentional gestures and maintaining a confident posture, ensuring congruence with "Your Signature Color" and "Your Leadership Color." This synergy, guided by the principles of authentic leadership from "The Art of Being & Showing You," forms a powerful foundation for a journey of satisfaction and impactful communication.

Non verbal communication contributes more than the verbal aspect. Starts with the breath, pace,tone, the soft gaze of the eyes with empathy or stern look of the eyes when assertive. The tonality, The body language..in terms of the facial muscles , shoulders drooping or stiff, body posture ..hand movements , opened or closed. ...smile or poker face , expressions., emotions. The how of what's said is more impactful than just the what or the content.

Whether in a culturally diverse company or visiting emerging markets, understanding what people mean through their body language can be a challenge. Western culture typically perceives a strong handshake as authoritative and confident, whereas many parts of the Far East perceive a strong handshake as aggressive, and usually bow instead. In parts of Northern Europe, a quick, firm handshake is the norm. In parts of Southern Europe, Central and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer, with the left hand usually touching the clasped hands or elbow. Beware that in Turkey, a firm handshake is considered rude and aggressive. In certain African countries, a limp handshake is the standard.