Non-verbal communications play a significant role in knowing the mindset of another person. This skill becomes all the more important in an office environment.
The best communicators are sensitive to the power of the emotions and thoughts communicated non-verbally. Non-verbal communication ranges from facial expression to body language.
If you want to mask your feelings or your immediate reaction to information, pay close attention to your non-verbal behavior. You may have your voice and words under control, but your bodylanguage including the tiniest facial expressions and movement can give your true thoughts and feelings away. Especially to a skilled reader of non-verbal cues, most of us are really open books.
No matter your position at work, improving your skill in interpreting non-verbal communication will add to your ability to share meaning with another person.
An article in thebalance.com reveals a few tips for understanding non-verbal communication.
* Know that every gesture is communicating something to you and you have to grab it. Become accustomed to watching non-verbal communication such as facial expressions, eye contact, posture, hand and feet movements, body movement and placement, and appearance.
* If you feel that there is a difference between verbal and non-verbal communication of a person, it is advisable to follow the non-verbal communication which will reveal you the truth.
* During an interview you can read volumes from how the applicant sits in the lobby. The non-verbal communication during an interview should also elucidate the candidate’s skills, strengths, weaknesses, and concerns for you.
* Non-verbal communication will reveal more than the person's spoken words and will come in handy during an investigation or other situation in which you need facts and believable statements.
* When leading a meeting or speaking to a group, recognize that non-verbal cues can tell you: When you’ve talked long enough, when someone else wants to speak, the mood of the crowd and their reaction to your remarks.
The first step in practice is to recognise the power of non-verbal communication. Listen to your gut feeling and the non-verbal communication improves with practice.
