Good communication is the basis of any successful relationship, whether personal or professional, it is important to recognize, however, that communication depends not only on what is said, but also on facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture and tone of voice. whether physical or nonverbal language.
The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication or body language is a powerful tool for connecting with others, expressing what we really want, and building better relationships.
- When we interact with others.
- We continually give and receive wordless signals.
- All our nonverbal behaviors and gestures.
- Such as how we sit.
- The speed or strength with which we talk.
- The proximity of the other.
- The eye contact.
- Also transmit intensity.
- And constant messages.
- These messages don’t stop when you stop talking.
- Because even when you’re silent.
- You always communicate nonverbally.
Often, what comes out of our mouth and what we communicate through our body language are two different things, in the face of these mixed signals, the listener must choose to believe in the verbal or nonverbal message, and in most cases will choose the message. nonverbal, because it is a natural and unconscious language that conveys our feelings, true feelings and intentions.
Like listening, looking, moving, reacting and telling the other person whether you care or not, whether you’re telling the truth, they’re listening. When your nonverbal cues match the words you say, your confidence, your clarity. and sympathy increases, but when they don’t match, tensions, mistrust and confusion are created.
To become a better communicator, it is important not only to be more sensitive to other people’s body language and nonverbal cues, but also to their own way of communicating at the nonverbal level.
Nonverbal communication is fast and requires all your concentration and attention. If you think about what you’re going to say next, or if you think of something else while the person is talking, you’ll probably miss the nonverbal cues and other subtleties in the conversation. You must remain focused on the experience from one moment to the next to fully understand what is happening.
To improve nonverbal communication, you must learn to deal with stress.
Learning to deal with stress in times of nervousness is one of the most important things you can do to improve your nonverbal communication, as stress compromises your ability to communicate. When stressed, you are more likely to misunderstand others, send confusing or unpleasant nonverbal cues, and fall into undesirable behavior.
In addition, emotions are contagious and, if you’re upset, it can cause more discomfort and, as a result, an already bad situation can get worse.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, you’d better take a ‘break’. Take a moment to calm down before continuing the conversation. Once you have improved your emotional balance, you will be better prepared to handle the situation in a positive way.
Emotional intelligence strengthens nonverbal communication
To send accurate nonverbal cues, you need to be aware of your emotions and how they can influence your behavior; In addition, you will be able to recognize the emotions of others and the true feelings behind the signals they send. emotional intelligence comes in.
Emotional intelligence allows you to:
? Read to others accurately, including the emotions they feel and the nonverbal messages they send.
? Build trust in relationships by sending nonverbal cues that match your words.
? Respond in a way that demonstrates understanding and usefulness for others.
? If the relationship doesn’t meet your emotional needs, it gives you the opportunity to correct the relationship or move on.
Once you’ve developed your stress management and emotional recognition skills, you’ll be able to better read the nonverbal cues sent by others.
? Beware of inconsistencies. Nonverbal communication must reinforce what is said.
? Notice the signs of nonverbal communication as a whole
? Trust your instincts.