Why Zoom When You Can Phone?

We Social Psychologists generally agree with Professor Albert Mehrabian’s theory that “93% of interpersonal communication is non-verbal, and only 7 % is based on verbal content.”

Our personality, as well as our meaning, intentions, and passion, is revealed through our appearance, our body language, our gestures, our facials expressions, our overall demeanor, and our posture.   

Although one might question the exact percentages, I think we could all agree that many important messages are sent by nonverbal cues like eye contact, smiling, attentive listening, body posture and motions, and laughing at jokes. Non-verbal communication can include your voice tone and volume, clearing your throat, rubbing your eyes, crossing your arms, tapping your toes or your fingers, scratching your nose. 

A Presidential candidate famously lost points by looking at his watch during a debate. Another one generated lots of press by reaching for a bottle of water. "Eye contact," or lack thereof, gestures, crossed legs, and open arms are all elements of non-verbal communication. Your appearance, including your choice of clothing, hairstyle, glasses, accessories, and makeup also communicate strong messages.

Interpersonal “Chemistry”

People buy your “music” more than your words. Body language speaks volumes! We unconsciously form a persistent “first impression” during the first few minutes of meeting a new person. Interpersonal perception and “chemistry” are mostly unconscious and based on subtle natural cues.

These nonverbal factors present a big challenge for those of us who want to use social media to communicate. Not to mention the phenomenon of computers “talking” to each other with automated social media robots! The $64,000. question is, “How can we send and receive nonverbal messages in a verbal environment?”

Fortunately, social networks have added LIVE video streaming apps and “Stories” as well as video conferencing tools. These are the next best thing to being there. In my opinion, Zoom beats a phone call ten-to-one, o should we say “93 to 7.”

* P.S., This article is based on one of my previous blog posts on the RelatingOnline.com blog.