Non-verbal communication- mysterious background player
Most of the confusion doesn’t come from the fact that we do not hear speech, are not able to cut sentences into logical pieces, or do not understand the words. Their reason is that people simply don’t understand the intentions of speakers, especially when the social context fails.
When Demosthenes was asked what was the first part of oratory he answered, “‘action”; and which was the second, he replied, “action”; and which was third he still answered, “action.” People tend to believe actions more than words!
That’s why non-verbal communication is now on top!Of course, everything you say is very important, but listener can also read from your gestures and body language. Did you know, that studies show that more information is passed when using nonverbal communication, than while using words?
Non-verbal communication is our unconscious, uncontrolled language. What’s more,non verbal messages supply, modificate and support words, providing them greater clarity and readability. It’s very important to make those two messages coherent. If not, our interlocutor will surely notice discrepancy between them.
Body position
Movements to the front and rear mean a positive attitude, movement to the sides – uncertainty and doubt. Change of position may indicate impatience or desire to end conversation.
Face mimic art
“The face is the only system that illustrates the specific, experienced emotions” – says Paul Ekman.
Face is the most expressive part of the body. Some emotions can be correctly guessed by looking only at the eyes and mouth. You should therefore pay attention to the eyebrows, forehead, chin and skin color.
We can mark out “muscles of sincerity” on our face, which are involved in the authentic expression of mimic, but very few people are able to activate them consciously.
Therefore, sham emotions will not activate these muscles. For example, in a sincere smile, the tips of eyebrows slightly lowers down. Only 10% of people are able to intentionally leave the tips of mouth without moving their chin.
Therefore, this movement will occur while experiencing authentic anger and sadness. Reliable sign of anger is when we are narrowing lips, without retracting them toward each other, or pursing. Also, very few people can consciously act in this way using their lips.
Legs
Not crossed, opened in a relaxed position, generally demonstrates cooperation, trust and friendly attitude. Crossed and removed, shows reserve, lack of confidence, suggests that the agreement is not proceeding well.
Hands
Relaxed, open hands are a sign of a positive attitude, especially when the inside of the hand is turned upward. Touching own body points at tension. Involuntary movements of hands, for example, clenching fists, are a reliable indicator of true feelings.