The Power of Non-Verbal Cues

The Power of Non-Verbal Cues

When it comes to communicating and interpreting communication, multiple sources such as Forbes, Psychology Today and several university studies all agree that 90-93% is conveyed through non-verbal, gestures and body language.

Furthermore, first impressions are formed in average of only 30 seconds and our long-term opinion of someone is typically established in the first 3-5 minutes.

Bearing all of this in mind, it is critical that we become aware of what we are truly communicating to others by our body language, facial expressions and vocal tones. Furthermore, reading the non-verbal cues of our team gives us a tremendous advantage in effective communication skills.

Communication can be broken down into 3 major parts:

1 – 7% are the words we speak (language only)

2 – 38% are our facial expressions and vocal tones used when speaking

3 – 55% are our body language

TOP Non-Verbal Cues to Master

Sitting or Standing Posture

A study by researchers from Columbia and Harvard Universities, correct posture in both standing and seated individuals experienced a decrease in cortisol and an increase in testosterone. The affects from this study caused participants to feel happier, more confident, and bolder in taking important risks in their work. Some important facts to help you understand the importance of posture:

·????????According to WebMD, good posture improves breathing and creates spine alignment. The health benefits are, less neck and back strain, fewer headaches and a stronger sense of well-being.

·????????A good posture can even help with voice projection making you sound more confident and speak with greater authority.

·????????The average weight of a human head is 10-12 pounds and the pressure it creates on the spine can be 30-60 pounds when tilted forward too long causing massive stress on the spine.

·??? Standing or sitting tall in your chair means head level, neck and back straight. Practice often when you are sitting walking or standing. The more you do, the better you will feel.

·????????Poor Posture, is often seen as an indication of ill-confidence and because of the above facts, can affect your credibility in how you are seen and/or heard.

Smile Often and Authentically

A simple smile has the ability to relieve stress both for you and for those you want to connect to. It also releases a dose of dopamine improving mood and relaxing stressed facial expressions. Even a fake smile can do this. However, beware, oftentimes a fake smile is picked up by others as insincere and even suspicious.

A genuine smile will lift the upper cheeks and slightly wrinkle or close the eyes. Understanding this will help you to avoid being misinterpreted but also aid in identifying if someone else is genuinely pleased or happy.

Smiling is a powerful tool in establishing trust and openness, especially in building new relationships.

Eyes

How much eye contact is appropriate?

Have you ever met someone who seems to avoid eye contact? What impressions does it give you about that person?

For a leader, eye contact is crucial in establishing connection, influence and demonstrating genuine interest. However, this practice can be over-used or under-used, damaging the message you may be trying to send.?

Appropriate eye contact should be approximately 70% of the time. 100% can be misconstrued as invasive, controlling or even flirtatious. This means you should look away casually 30% of the time. But avoid looking away in a distractive manner. For example, looking at your watch or the clock on the wall or perhaps continually looking over at others in the room could come across as disinterested or distracted.?

Also, if you are in conflict with someone, 70% may need to drop back a little to avoid a perception of intimidation or aggression.?

If the person you are speaking to is poor at eye contact, it may indicate they are uncomfortable, insecure or they are embarrassed in some way. Paying attention to this indicator is key to managing and steering your conversation in the most effective manner so that both parties feel validated or at the very least, they feel you are interested in what they have to say.

Hands

The actions and positions of hands can say a lot!

A few big mistakes and their interpretations:

?? Pointing – can be interpreted as accusing, condemning, or belittling

?? Fidgeting with hands or with an object – often synonymous with nervousness or upset

?? Touching face, hair, or neck too much – subconscious reaction to fear or threat?

A few good habits to practice:

?? Instead of pointing with one finger, use your whole hand to point

?? Fold or steeple hands with elbows on table or arms of chair

?? When gesturing, keep palms up and open instead of down.

Arms

The message sent can vary based on the interaction occurring and facial expressions - Examples:?

?? Arms crossed with a scowl or frown can be considered closed off or uncooperative

?? Arms with hands on hips and a smile could represent confidence, but with an angry look may appear obstinate.

There are many other movements and facial expressions to consider that have meaning and value when we choose to become more aware of them such as:

?? Position of feet – turned toward or away during an interaction.

?? Position of legs – creating an appearance of confidence, avoidance, or insecurity.

?? Position of head – a determining factor for influence and credibility or shame and insecurity.

?? Vocal tones and pitch – for both male and female, lower tones and pitches can command the room.

?? Handshake – A firm handshake exhibits authority and confidence but weak exhibits ill-confident or uncertain.

?? Facial expressions are also key piece to all the above since your face indicates so much of what?you are actually thinking.?

Finally, Self-Mastery and Personal Care:

Self-Mastery is at the top! In body language, personal care, and emotional intelligence.?

Personal hygiene and hair or clothing styles also play a role. Even in today’s trend of more casual dressing, there will always be a good impression left when someone takes great care in their appearance. A lack of care can even indicate emotional stress or even depression.

An in-depth study in executive presence, emotional intelligence, and body language will serve as a powerful investment for you to make as a leader, an influencer, and an effective communicator.

If you are interested in a live or virtual interactive presentation on this topic, please reach out to us at https://ipvconsulting.com

Please share your experience with powerful body language!