What is the key to success in both personal and professional relationships? Of course, the secret to this lies in your ability to communicate well, it’s not the words that you use verbally that are louder but it’s your nonverbal cues or “body language” that speak the loudest. Body language like your voice tones, facial expression, eye contact, hand movements, gesture, and posture you make – send a strong message and reveals your true feelings because it is often done subconsciously rather than consciously.
In some cases what we communicate verbally and what we communicate through our body language can give two opposite messages to listeners and that can create confusion or can put a question mark on the authenticity of your statement. For Ex you say “I am fine ” with a red face, tight-lipped, throwing your hands in the air. When faced with such mixed signals, the listener has to choose whether to believe your verbal or nonverbal message. Since body language is a natural, unconscious language that reveals your true feelings and intentions, they’ll likely choose to believe the nonverbal signals.
Why Body Language is Important:
According to studies, non-verbal cues like body language makes up around 75-93% of communication. Yes, your body language can tell people more about your thoughts, feelings and opinions more than your words can. Interesting isi’n it ?
That’s why body language is so important. If you want to become a good communicator, it’s important to become more sensitive not only to the body language and nonverbal cues of others, but also to your own. It helps create relationships, bond with others by showing them that you are listening them attentively.
It Helps others Understand What You’re Saying:
Non verbal cues can be used to help people have a better understanding of the message you’re trying to communicate. For example, if you are saying something important and you are using facial expressions and direct hand gestures, it can help them to understand the importance of what you’re communicating Or doing things like avoiding eye contact and nodding your head not approvingly can help communicate that you donot agree with what someone is saying.
Convey Confidence:
Even if you’re not feeling confident at the particular moment like job interview, you can communicate confidence to others by your body language. By keeping your shoulders straight, your head up and making eye contact with others, you can potray that you are a confident person. It always help leaving a good impression on others.
First Impression is the Last Impression:
It is said that when you meet with someone for the first time you do not communicate anything verbally for the first seven seconds. This means that they are making their judgment of you by your body language and nonverbal cues. If we leave a bad first impression on others, it is difficult to overcome. This is another reason why it’s important to pay attention to what you’re communicating non-verbally to others.
Types of Body Language:
Aggressive
- An overly firm handshake.
- Invading personal space.
- Hands on hips or legs too wide.
- Eye contact to the point of staring.
- Aggressive physical movements like finger-pointing.
Defensive
- Crossed arms or legs.
- A lack of eye contact.
- Leaning away.
- Hunched shoulders.
- Eye rolls.
Nervous
- Biting nails.
- Fidgeting.
- Coughing.
- Weak handshake.
- Putting hands on head.
Bored
- No eye contact.
- Excessive fidgeting.
- Yawning.
- Shifting weight and sitting uncomfortably.
- Rubbing face.
Engaged
- Good eye contact.
- Confident stance.
- Positive gestures.
- Nodding in agreement.
- Smiling.
So, why is body language very important in communication? Because when you speak, it is not just the words that people hear but also your body language that is even louder. Body language is a integral part of your personal social, and work-life success. Thus, your non-verbal cues will impact how the audience interprets and receives your message. If you are the best speaker in the world, then make sure your body language agrees to this.
