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5 Ways To Use Non-Verbal Communication To Power Up Your Message
Your non-verbal communication is more powerful than your words when the two are not aligned. If you want your words to be more influential, to carry more weight and authority then you must make certain your non-verbal message is congruent with your verbal message.
By: Allie Casey
Your non-verbal communication is more powerful than your words when the two are not aligned. If you want your words to be more influential, to carry more weight and authority then you must make certain your non-verbal message is congruent with your verbal message.
By: Allie Casey
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Here are 5 ways to use your non-verbal communication more effectively:
1. In low-risk conversations your non-verbal message i.e., your body language and the sound of your voice, naturally support your words. You smile and stand straighter when you're elated and slump and frown when you are not. Your voice is either animated or flat depending on how you feel. But, there are times when you want to appear confident when you are not feeling confident. If you ignore your body and voice relying only on your words your body will betray you every time. To match the two, breath from your belly, straighten your back and relax your jaw, this prevents your voice from sounding pinched and your body from appearing timid. This posture will send a positive message to your mind and you'll begin to feel as confident as your words.
2. Consider the non-verbal message you send when you are listening to others. Is your face betraying your smile? You can fake a smile but your eyes and muscles in the face will tell on you. If you want others to be interested in you then you need to sincerely be interested in others. Consciously decide to be fully aware and present and your non-verbal message will follow suit.
3. Beware of nervous and distracting habits that dilute your intention. Finger picking, face touching or jangling coins in your pockets will divert attention away from your message. Some habits are so ingrained you won't notice them unless they are pointed out. Ask for feedback or coaching to catch these communication killers.
4. Practice using gestures to enhance the important points you are trying to make. Watch yourself in a mirror to avoid unnatural movements such as moving your arms as though they were attached to your waist or conversely, flailing or distracting hand movements. You are aiming for balance and natural not overly rehearsed gestures to support your words.
5. Emotions are tricky to manage and can often get the best of us in difficult conversations. Use your breath, count to ten or release your emotions before your encounter. If you must take a break to regain composure during a challenging or emotionally charged conversation, request it before you completely break down. If you have a few moments beforehand practice this exercise: place your arms out from your body in an aiming position, hands clasped and pointing. Now trace a lazy eight figure in a sweeping motion side to side with your arms. This will help balance and connect the emotional and logical sides of your brain. In emotional situations the right brain (emotional) is firing rapidly and this movement will slow it down. This exercise works well before giving a presentation, asking for a raise, or confronting a workplace bully.
Use these tips to become more influential, credible and confident. Managing your non-verbal communication requires self-awareness, perhaps the key component of a good communicator.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
1. In low-risk conversations your non-verbal message i.e., your body language and the sound of your voice, naturally support your words. You smile and stand straighter when you're elated and slump and frown when you are not. Your voice is either animated or flat depending on how you feel. But, there are times when you want to appear confident when you are not feeling confident. If you ignore your body and voice relying only on your words your body will betray you every time. To match the two, breath from your belly, straighten your back and relax your jaw, this prevents your voice from sounding pinched and your body from appearing timid. This posture will send a positive message to your mind and you'll begin to feel as confident as your words.
2. Consider the non-verbal message you send when you are listening to others. Is your face betraying your smile? You can fake a smile but your eyes and muscles in the face will tell on you. If you want others to be interested in you then you need to sincerely be interested in others. Consciously decide to be fully aware and present and your non-verbal message will follow suit.
3. Beware of nervous and distracting habits that dilute your intention. Finger picking, face touching or jangling coins in your pockets will divert attention away from your message. Some habits are so ingrained you won't notice them unless they are pointed out. Ask for feedback or coaching to catch these communication killers.
4. Practice using gestures to enhance the important points you are trying to make. Watch yourself in a mirror to avoid unnatural movements such as moving your arms as though they were attached to your waist or conversely, flailing or distracting hand movements. You are aiming for balance and natural not overly rehearsed gestures to support your words.
5. Emotions are tricky to manage and can often get the best of us in difficult conversations. Use your breath, count to ten or release your emotions before your encounter. If you must take a break to regain composure during a challenging or emotionally charged conversation, request it before you completely break down. If you have a few moments beforehand practice this exercise: place your arms out from your body in an aiming position, hands clasped and pointing. Now trace a lazy eight figure in a sweeping motion side to side with your arms. This will help balance and connect the emotional and logical sides of your brain. In emotional situations the right brain (emotional) is firing rapidly and this movement will slow it down. This exercise works well before giving a presentation, asking for a raise, or confronting a workplace bully.
Use these tips to become more influential, credible and confident. Managing your non-verbal communication requires self-awareness, perhaps the key component of a good communicator.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
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