Non-verbal communication can be defined as a kind of communication that does not involve words. It includes dressing, spatial distance, tone of speaking and body language.
What Is Body Language In Communication?
Facial expressions, postures and eyes are a part of body language itself. It is believed that body language is learnt during the childhood itself but with the development of verbal skills, body language gets entwined in our communication process. Humans use body language in communication for the following reasons:
Words Are Not Enough: There are instances in which body language is found to be more effective as compared to verbal communication, such as in the cases of directions, shapes, inclination towards someone and personalities.
Increased Authenticity: As body language cannot be easily controlled when compared to spoken words, they can be considered to be more genuine. Body language is infact extremely powerful in expressing a person’s inner feelings.
It has been found that when people communicate with each other, 55% of the message is transmitted as body language, 38% by the manner of speaking which includes accent, voice quality, emphasis, voice projection, pace, expression, pitch and volume, and the remaining 7% is conveyed through the spoken words.
Understanding Body Language in Communication
The manner of shaking hands conveys a lot of things about someone’s personality. A palm-to-palm handshake suggests the honesty and confidence of the person.
Maintaining eye contact while speaking to someone conveys confidence, interest and honesty. But, it is to be understood that there is a difference between eye contact and staring.
Depending on the society that a person lives in, people’s personal space of comfort and interpretation of gestures tend to vary. Hence, one should always consider the society factor before drawing conclusions about others through their body language.
Leaning forward while listening to someone, standing erect and avoiding the slouching posture are indicators of your confidence, honesty and interest.
Avoid crossing your arms while conversing with someone as it creates a conversation barrier between two people and conveys negativity, close mindedness and defensiveness. Crossing the legs while conversing should also be avoided for the same reasons.
Nodding your head while listening to someone, tilting your head and displaying open palms are considered to be cues for interest and honesty while listening.
Avoid continuous shaking of your ankles or legs, rubbing your palms or drumming the table with your fingers while talking or listening to someone as it displays your nervousness and frustration about something.
Body language plays a fascinating role in courtship. Stroking of hair, pointing of the foot towards the other sex and playing with body accessories like ring, watches and so on are signs of interest towards the other person.
Reading the body language of other people is an extremely interesting and fun-filled activity if one is able to understand all the factors involved in it. It helps a great deal in knowing the other person’s unspoken characteristics which is equally important in personal as well as professional affairs. It should also be understood that men and women use body language differently with women using it more as compared to men.