Non-Verbal Communication is pivotal for our Personality.

                                   

Once, Watzlawick rightly said- “You cannot not communicate.” Communication is that essential trait of our personality. With this, what matters is how we present ourselves. This speaks volumes about our character. In this world, each and every person uses two modes of communication: Verbal and Non-verbal. Out of this, Verbal carries less than 35% social significance, whereas Non-Verbal communication holds 65% importance in a person’s personality. You communicate just by being. Nodding your head, linking your eyes, shrugging shoulders waving the hands, etc. come under non-verbal communication. Understanding non-verbal cues and re-evaluating our personality, develops confidence in us, good impression and influence on others.  

     

Why do we use words? It is because they are primary, symbolic forms that convey our thoughts. On paper,

words remain static; punctuation marks are used to convey expressions and emotions. In face-to-face communication, the message is conveyed more profoundly. For example, when you utter the word “congratulations” with a big smile on your face and a hand shake, it will have more impact on receiver than just the word in isolation. Non- verbal communication is subtle and instinctive. There are several aspects of non-verbal communication which will surely help you all to present yourself in a better way, wherever you go.

Body Language- includes every aspect of your appearance, from what you wear, how you stand, look and more, to your facial expressions, and physical habits such as nodding your head, jingling change in your pocket. When a speaker presents himself, we see him before we start hearing him. Hence, check your body language.

Personal Appearance- As you adapt your language to an audience, you should also dress appositely. Appearance includes clothes, hair, accessories, conforming to the need of the occasion. Clothes accent the body’s movements. Hence, you should be clean and well-groomed, and not heavily dressed, as an appearance communicates how we feel about ourselves and how we want to be viewed.

Posture- generally refers to the way we hold ourselves when we stand, sit, or walk. Novice speakers out of nervousness can’t maintain a good posture- pacing constantly, bobbing the shoulders, fidgeting with notes. Remember that being comfortably upright, squarely facing are good postures that communicates professionalism, confidence. Seeing is believing. The way you sit, or walk reveals a lot about you-

Slumped posture- low spirits

Erect posture- high spirits, energy and confidence

Lean forward- defensive or disinterested

Crossed arms- defensive and not ready to listen

Uncrossed arms- willingness to listen

Gesture- Believe it or not, there are as many as 700,000 varied hand gestures alone. Gesture is the movement made by hands, arms, shoulders, head, and torso. They clarify your ideas, reinforce them, and hence they should be well suited to the audience and occasion. It should be natural and spontaneous. Be aware of and avoid irritating gestures like playing with a ring, twisting a chair, clapping the hands tightly or cracking your knuckles.

Eye Contact- 

Eyes are considered to be the windows of the soul. It is direct and powerful form of non-verbal communication. You use your eyes to cull information. Hence, looking directly at listeners builds rapport. Prolonging eye contact for 3 to 5 seconds (not staring) tells the audience that you are sincere in what you say. As a speaker, do not look outside windows towards the roof or floor, at one particular section; instead try to establish eye contact with one and all. A direct look conveys candor and openness. Eye contact helps you establish a bond and get good response and feedback.

Hence, non-verbal communication occurs without the use of words, either spoken or written. Yet they are so important for your over-all personality. With a hope that these knowledgeable tips would enhance your personality and presentation, I sign-off with these lines by Socrates-

“Nobility and dignity; self-abasement and servility, insolence and vulgarity, are reflected in the face and in the attitudes of the body whether still or in motion.”

-  By Vishakha Sen