Communication Skills Tip: Non-Verbal Communication and all its virtues

In Lanartco's tip of the week Febrary 4th, 2009, I mentioned how non-verbal communication influences our messages more than the actual words we speak. I am sure many of you can understand how this could be true. So, what do I mean by non-verbal communication. Here are some simple concepts: posture, stance, hand gestures, facial expressions and appearance. Putting all of these elements together can take practice. I am a trained actor. I started performing when I was in camp at the young age of 6. I had many acting coaches and joined many performance groups where I developed my skills. I also attended a performing arts high school in New Haven, CT and I feel so fortunate for all the training I had because using non-verbal communication for me is second nature. The primary gift I have because of my background in theatre and performance is self awareness. So, when it comes to your non-verbal communication, you have to begin by being aware. The next time you are in a meeting check in with your posture: Are you sitting towards the front of your chair? Do you allow for the natural curvature of your spine by lifting your head and keeping two feet firmly on the floor? And the next time you are giving a formal presentation ask yourself about your stance and your appearance before you begin: Are your legs hip distance apart withyour shoulder blades gently pushed down your back? What about your dress? Are you neatly put together from head to toe including your accessories? How about the next time you are listening to one of your direct reports deliver bad news? Are your facial muscles relaxed to not give away your immediate emotions? Do you nod too much or too little? And finally, the next time you are participating in a meeting, think about your hand gestures: Are your hands on the table to allow them to contribute to your message? Pay close attention to your non-verbal communication because whether you are or you aren't, you can be sure that your audience is. And like Malcolm Gladwell writes in his book, Blink, we make impressions on others in the blink of an eye. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com