Do actions speak louder than words? The numbers don’t lie. According to The Hearing Journal, experts estimate that 70% of all communication is nonverbal. Some studies even suggest that actions account for as high as 93%, highlighting the fractional value of words alone in daily interactions. These findings emphasise just how crucial nonverbal communication skills are in conveying feelings and intentions.
So, if you’re having difficulty finding the right words to express yourself, master communicating nonverbally to establish confidence and win over your peers.
The Importance of Nonverbal Communication Skills
Australia’s Better Health Channel stresses how behaviours, body posture, tone of voice, and expressions can effectively convey messages. And in situations where feelings don’t align with words, “it is often the nonverbal communication that gets ‘heard’ and believed.”
Imagine a scenario where someone claims to be confident and self-assured. But their body language is slouched, their voice cracks, and their face appears anxious. In this case, it is the nonverbal cues that others would believe.
Additionally, various nonverbal communication techniques help in:
- Gaining a person’s trust and respect
- Ensuring clarity, transparency, and reliability
- Promoting inclusivity
- Creating meaning in interactions
- Influencing ideas
- Breaking language barriers
- Achieving professional success
Types of Nonverbal Communication Skills
Looking to project an aura of power and authority when interacting with others? Turn to these effective nonverbal communication examples.
1. Using hand gestures
Hand gestures carry meaning and aid in expressing ideas, emotions, and opinions. Use purposeful yet controlled movements when you want to emphasise key points. And make sure these gestures feel natural and spontaneous to avoid altering the intended message.
Signify confidence by putting your hands on your hips, showing your open palms, or using the steeple gesture (fingertips touching). And if you want to show control, avoid distracting mannerisms like finger-pointing, hiding your hands, or playing with your hair.
2. Making eye contact
Eye contact is another powerful nonverbal communication cue that conveys concern, interest, warmth, and intimacy. A study in the Cognition journal revealed its impact on establishing perceptions, leading to improved conversations, memory, and cooperation. Conversely, avoiding one’s gaze can signal insecurity, untrustworthiness, and anxiety. In some instances, it may even suggest falsehood.
During conversations, maintain eye contact for two to three seconds before briefly shifting focus or moving to another person. But a word of caution: Don’t overdo it to avoid creating an air of awkwardness.
3. Smiling
A genuine and warm smile speaks volumes about your confidence, positivity, and self-awareness. A Journal of Social and Personal Relationships study highlighted how smiling can build social bonds, improve likability, and combat anxiety. And even in challenging situations, a smile can brighten the atmosphere, ease conflict, and uplift those around you.
Elevate your smile and exude sincerity by taking proactive measures for its improvement. Prioritise exemplary oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing and flossing. And don’t hesitate to explore treatments like teeth whitening or orthodontic aligners like ClearCorrect to bring your smile to its most radiant and optimal state.
4. Managing proximity
Understanding proximity is a nonverbal communication skill that also projects confidence. It involves awareness of individual preferences and comfort zones to avoid invading someone’s personal space or creating unnecessary distance. When you respect boundaries, it signifies trust and creates a comfortable environment for interaction.
Always consider cultural norms when adjusting your proximity. For example, the Textbook of Family Medicine noted that North Americans prefer a personal space of two feet when interacting with strangers. Violating this boundary can make individuals defensive. In contrast, many Asian cultures are more comfortable with closeness, breaking boundaries even in social situations.
5. Shaking hands firmly
Touch is another form of nonverbal communication that can accurately express emotions. Soft and gentle movements convey affection and create a sense of closeness, while sharp or firm touches can symbolise power and control.
Take a simple handshake, for example. When meeting someone, extend your palm and engage in eye contact to show respect and interest. Use a firm grip to demonstrate professionalism and confidence without being too forceful. Then, accompany your handshake with a genuine smile.
6. Standing tall
How you carry yourself paints a picture of power, authority, and readiness to take on the world. Maintaining an upright and straight posture, whether standing or sitting, conveys command and preparedness to face challenges. Conversely, slouching sends signals of an irritable attitude, low self-esteem, and depleted energy levels.
When facing others, imagine a string lightly pulling your head and spine upwards. Keep your feet flat on the ground, setting them apart by four to six inches for women and at least eight inches for men. Find your balance, relax your shoulders, and keep your chin up.
7. Choosing appropriate facial expressions
Your face is also an effective tool to communicate nonverbally. Each subtle expression – furrowed brow, moving eyes, flaring nostrils, pouting lips – can convey emotions, reactions, and intentions.
In social situations, avoid frowning or appearing tense, as these signal anxiety or discomfort. You want to display appropriate expressions that align with specific events and circumstances. For example, when meeting a client or customer, show enthusiasm and build rapport with relaxed facial muscles.
How to Improve Nonverbal Communication Skills
Here are some ways to improve your nonverbal cues to avoid giving off the wrong vibe.
Pay attention.
When a person responds, pay attention to their body language. If there are some discrepancies in their behaviour and what they’re saying, don’t be afraid to clarify. A heightened awareness will allow you to ace your nonverbal communication game.
Consider the context.
When communicating, learn how to wear different hats so you can run the show. For instance, some gestures are more appropriate for formal occasions. Conversely, you might resort to a more affectionate body language depending on how close you are to the other person. In any case, context is everything.
Be consistent.
Mastering different types of nonverbal communication won’t happen overnight. Some people may seem to have a knack for reading peers. Others may need more time to develop the sensitivity required to know what the other person is feeling or thinking. As with all skills, practice makes perfect.
Which nonverbal communication skill should you prioritise? It depends on your intention. Analyse your behaviours with peers to identify where you fall short. Then, practise these techniques regularly and seek feedback from those closest to you. Soon, you’ll be a picture of confidence in every interaction.
References:
Bahl, N., & Ouimet, A. J. (2022). Smiling won’t make you feel better, but it might make people like you more: Interpersonal and intrapersonal consequences of response-focused emotion regulation strategies. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(7), 2262–2284.
Baltazar, M., Hazem, N., Vilarem, E., Beaucousin, V., Picq, J., & Conty, L. (2014). Eye contact elicits bodily self-awareness in human adults. Cognition, 133(1), 120–127.
Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.-b). Relationships and communication. Better Health Channel.
Hull, R. H. (2016). The Art of Nonverbal Communication in Practice. The Hearing Journal, 69(5), 22.
Nonverbal Communication. (n.d.). Google Books.
Rakel, R. E. (2012). Establishing Rapport. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 146–159).
Successful Nonverbal Communication. (n.d.-b). Google Books.
Textbook of Family Medicine. (n.d.). ScienceDirect.
