Positive non verbal communication: Nonverbal communication with children | Raising Children Network

Nonverbal Communication: Definition, Examples & Types

The quality of your communication depends on the words you speak and your nonverbal aspect of communication.

We send and receive nonverbal cues and common gestures daily to present and express ourselves.

Nonverbal expression influences how we react, listen, move and look when interacting with others.

Individuals with greater awareness of nonverbal aspects of communication can form deeper connections with others.

In this article, you will learn what nonverbal communication is and how important it is in our everyday lives.

You will also learn how to read body language and improve your nonverbal communication skills.

What is Nonverbal Communication?

Nonverbal communication is about your ability to observe and interpret others’ physical gestures. It is the flow of information from one person to another using nonverbal cues.

For example, stuttering, lack of eye contact, and fidgeting may show that this person could be lying. Whether we realize it or not, we all use nonverbal communication constantly.

Your behavior and gesture, such as tone of voice, amount of eye contact, and facial expressions, send information to others. These cues can be subtle or evident and, at times, conflicting.

An individual may say one thing, but their nonverbal cues may imply a different meaning. Such contradictory signals may give you a sign that this person is not speaking the truth.

As nonverbal behaviors are spontaneous and difficult to fake, you can see a person’s genuine feelings from their nonverbal behaviors.

Why is Nonverbal Communication Important?

Nonverbal communication is essential as it provides us with meaningful and sometimes unobvious insight into a social situation.

This information includes how a person feels, how to engage others and how to convey information.

Nonverbal communication common skills allow you to engage and have a basic understanding of people around you. It helps you express your verbal message clearly to avoid any possible misunderstandings.

Nonverbal interpersonal communication is vital in developing meaningful relationships with others. You can show your support and attention to what others are saying.

It also means you are expressing your empathy while others are speaking.

Improving your ability to convey and read nonverbal cues is a vital skill that you take advantage of in any situation. It is an essential skill to help you get what you want and succeed in your career.

Benefits of Effective Nonverbal Communication

List of 8 Benefits

1. It reinforces the message you want to convey to others – Nonverbal cues can highlight the critical content of your basic message to others. Using hand gestures to emphasize the significance of your main points may direct others to focus and remember the information.
2. It conveys your message effectively to others – You may interact with others by using your nonverbal gestures or behaviors. For example, you may play with your hair with your palm out to show your confidence and comfort to your dating partner.
3. It demonstrates your intention – Your nonverbal cues may communicate your present state to others. For example, people may sense that you are nervous through your nonverbal signals. You may have sweaty palms, your voice is trembling, or your leg is shaking while standing up.
4. It expresses your emotions – You can use your nonverbal gestures as emotional expressions of frustration, happiness, and more to others.
5. It is an excellent way to show your support to others – Small gestures like smiling or leaning forward when someone is talking go a long way in showing that you are interested in them.
6. It reflects your personality – Nonverbal communication is an excellent method to express yourself. A friendly and easygoing person, for example, may show an open posture and make steady eye contact with others while smiling.
7. It decreases the likelihood of conflicts or misunderstandings occurring – A calm voice, an uncrossed arm, and an open hand gesture might help you diffuse a difficult situation.
8. It shows your confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism – For example, dressing appropriately, standing tall with your shoulders back, and giving a firm handshake can help you appear more confident.

9 Types of Nonverbal Communication

1. Body language

2. Movement

Consider how you see others based on how they sit, move or stand. The way you walk and conduct yourself conveys a great deal of information to others.

Body movements, such as the speed of you walking, standing, or sitting, may send different meanings to others.

3. Posture

4. Gestures

Gestures are intertwined with our daily lives. Waving or pointing with our hands are gestures we commonly use.

However, the meaning of some gestures is subjective and can vary between cultures.

For example, the “thumb up” sign may mean good or okay in most countries, but it’s regarded as insulting in France.

Hence, it’s critical to be mindful of your gestures in different cultures to prevent misunderstandings.

5. Space

The demand for “personal space” is also a type of nonverbal communication behavior. It is used to convey a range of nonverbal messages.

How close you stand or sit with someone can represent signs of intimacy and love, hostility, or authority.

When having a casual chat with another individual, the personal space distance typically ranges from 18 inches to four feet.

When speaking to a group of individuals, the personal distance tends to be around 10 to 12 feet.

6. Paralanguage

Paralinguistic communication is the science of vocal communication distinct from actual language.

It includes non-language aspects such as pitch, talking speed, intonation, loudness, and inflection. When you talk, people “read” your voice and listen to your words.

Think about the impact that person’s tone of voice might have on the interpretation of a statement. A strong tone of voice may tell the listeners that you have a firm conviction in what you’re saying.

But when you use a hesitant tone of voice, it may imply that you lack confidence and conviction in your message.

7. Facial expressions

Facial expression account for a large amount of our daily nonverbal communication. The expression on someone’s face is usually the first thing we notice before hearing what they say.

You can transmit your feelings to others by using your eyebrows, lips, nose, eyes, and facial muscles.

While some nonverbal communication like gestures may vary across countries, the facial expression of joy, sorrow, anger, and fear are universal.

8. Eye contact

Most of us have a greater inclination to vision; eye contact plays an essential role in communication in humans.

Eye contact may involve eye movements such as gazing, staring, and blinking.

When people meet someone, they are interested in, their blinking rate increases, and their pupils dilate.

People also use eye gaze to judge whether someone is telling the truth. Eye contact is also vital for keeping the discussion flowing and assessing the other person’s attention and reaction.

9. Touch

A lot of our nonverbal communication is also conducted through touch. Touching is sometimes used as a method to express support or comfort.

If you use friendly touches as a form of communication, you should use them selectively and only when the receiver is comfortable. Do not use anger, irritation, or other negative feelings.

How To Read Body Language

Reading body language is not easy to master. It requires great dedication and practice to develop.

While everyone has their personal preferences in utilizing nonverbal communication, a few common signs will tell you about someone’s emotions and intentions.

You can start learning to read someone’s body language using the techniques below.

1. Posture

When a person’s shoulders are back and sitting upright, that means they are focused and paying attention to you.

You can observe if someone is uncomfortable, restless, or agitated by looking at their body posture. These individuals will usually have their shoulders hunched, and spines bent.

2. Use of arms

Crossing one’s arms when communicating with you can be interpreted as a defensive, protecting posture. It can also mean that the person is nervous or narrow-minded.

However, it may imply the person is confident and comfortable if their arms are crossed but has a relaxed posture.

If a person’s arms are down by their side or showing an open posture, it may indicate that they are optimistic and open to what you are saying.

3. Use of legs

If a person puts both feet firmly on the floor, it indicates that they are prepared and willing to hear you out.

On the contrary, they may feel uncomfortable or disturbed if their legs are crossed or positioned in a closed manner.

Additionally, a person will often point their feet in the direction they desire to go.

4. Use of hands

If you notice someone puts their hands in their pockets or on their head while speaking, it might suggest that they are nervous or deceitful.

Supporting the head with one hand while resting one elbow on the table might imply that they are listening intently to you.

It might indicate that the person is bored if they support their head with both elbows on the table.

5. Pay attention to proximity

Observing how near someone stands or sits to you can ascertain whether they like or dislike you.

Being close to someone can show that you have an intimate relationship with the person.

But if someone moves away as you approach them, it could be a sign that they want to keep a distance from you.

6. Use of facial expressions

If you notice someone with furrowed brows or tight lips, it means that the person might be confused, upset, or experiencing other negative emotions.

You should consider pausing your presentation and checking in with them.

If the person is smiling and has slightly raised eyebrows or relaxed facial muscles, it indicates that they are pleased with what you are sharing.

How To Respond To Body Language

Seek clarification

When appropriate, find out the reason behind the nonverbal cues you are observing.

If you see someone with a furrowed brow and are unsure what to make of it, ask the person directly to have a deeper understanding of the comprehension of situations.

If the situation doesn’t allow for that, then you may discuss the meaning of the nonverbal cues.

In short, if you see nonverbal cues that you are not sure of, you can consider modifying your approach and observe if it results in a shift in the person’s behavior.

Communicate clearly and straightforwardly

Make sure the verbal message you communicate is consistent with your nonverbal cues.

Most of the time, when your verbal and nonverbal communication is inconsistent, others will interpret it negatively 90% of the time.

Keep an eye out for misleading nonverbal communications

Unnecessary gestures, phrases, and sounds may divert attention away from you and reduce your communication effectiveness.

You can think about your presentation style. Identify your bad habits and try to eliminate them to improve your communication process.

You can use a video camera to record yourself presenting and identify where you can improve. Or you can get your friend or colleague to observe and provide feedback.

How to Improve Nonverbal Communication

There are a few methods you could follow to improve your nonverbal communication:

1. Do a body language evaluation

Over the course of time, pay attention to how you use body language while interacting with others. Observe your nonverbal cues during meetings, informal conversations, and presentations.

Take note of how others react to your spontaneous nonverbal behaviors.

2. Be intentional about your nonverbal communication

When you are alert and feel confident in your environment, you can try to show positive and open body language.

If you are surprised or concerned, you can use your nonverbal cues to complement your words to deliver your message.

3. Practice makes perfect

Practicing nonverbal communication skills lets you get more acquainted with how you portray yourself. Practice communicating with friends and family.

Then get feedback from them on your body language.

You can also rehearse delivering a presentation to observe how you use body language and other nonverbal cues to complement your message.

This method also allows you to notice any areas that require improvement.

4. Observe others

Observing how others use nonverbal cues can help you figure out what is effective and what to avoid. You can start by observing someone you admire or believe is a great communicator.

Watch how they use their body, emotional tone, and facial expressions when talking. Then, consider adding these nonverbal cues into your communication style.

5. When in doubt, mirror the other person

If in doubt, mirror the other person. Mirroring the person’s body language you are speaking to is a simple technique for practicing appropriate communication skills.

If you notice the other person sitting with a crossed leg, you should try to copy and do the same. Mirroring someone’s nonverbal cues can help to build mutual trust and confidence.

Verbal Vs. Nonverbal Communication Skills

Verbal Communication

• Verbal communication uses language, words, statements, and voice
• Verbal communication is a sequential and intentional kind of communication. First, you decide what you want to say. Then you organize your thoughts, construct them into sentences and then convey your message. It is a carefully structured process where the speaker delivers their information clearly
• Verbal communication is a conscious procedure. It requires you to think, digest, and put your thinking into words
• Verbal communication is simple and easy to understand if you know the language and the speaker’s message. You can grasp what the speaker is saying if you listen attentively

Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication uses nonverbal cues such as gestures, body language, facial expressions, postures, etc
• Nonverbal communication is usually spontaneous and not pre-planned. It relies more on how you use your nonverbal behaviors to respond to external events. However, you can improve your nonverbal communication to use it more intentionally
• Nonverbal communication is an unconscious process. You don’t need to think deliberately to show verbal cues. It’s spontaneous and dependent on the emotion you are feeling at the moment
• Nonverbal communication is more difficult to decipher than verbal communication. To understand what the other person is attempting to explain or communicate, you need to observe their nonverbal cues. This includes their tone, body language, facial expressions, and posture

Bonus: Nonverbal Communication Skills and Examples

Perhaps the most crucial life skill you need to master is communication skills. It is a skill that allows us to communicate with others and understand what is spoken to us.

Communication skills also allow us to develop meaningful and strong relationships with others.

Communication is the process of conveying information from one point to another. It can be delivered verbally, nonverbally, visually, or written.

However, we generally use verbal and nonverbal cues (body language, facial expressions, gestures, etc.) for most of our day-to-day communication.

How can I figure out if I possess communication strengths?

Various exams or language comprehension tasks might help you determine your communication abilities.

The free HIGH5 strengths test is one of the tests you consider taking. The HIGH5 strengths report will help you identify your top five strengths and how to leverage them to reach your full potential.

You will also acquire practical insights to help you further grow yourself.

Not only that, but by identifying your strengths, you can learn how to enhance your communication skills, build relationships, and advance your career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonverbal Communication

What are five positive nonverbal characteristics?

Five positive nonverbal features are:

1. Smiling
2. Paying attention to body language
3. The upbeat tone of voice
4. Open body posture
5. Maintaining proper eye contact

Which is the best example of nonverbal communication?

Some examples of good nonverbal communication are:

• Dressing appropriately for the situation
• Standing or sitting with good posture
• Using touch properly to display kindness or professionalism
• Respecting other people’s personal space

What are the four main types of non-verbal communication?

The four main types of nonverbal communication are:

• Body language
• Facial expression
• Paralanguage
• Eye contact

Examples of Positive and Negative Body Language

Feb 22, 2022 – Dom Barnard

Communication consists of far more than just the words we say. During our conversations, and even when we’re not speaking at all, our postures, gestures, and facial expressions offer others an additional insight into what we are thinking.

These non-verbal cues continually happen when people interact. They can be both positive and negative and can be knowingly or unconsciously given.

Body language in the workplace

To work effectively with people, it’s important to be able to look past what you hear and to recognize cues in your colleagues’ body language. It’s also helpful for you to know which examples of body language you display to others, and how these might affect your professional relationships.

• Body Language: Online Course with Examples and Practice

Positive body language

Displaying positive body language can help to strengthen relationships with others, lead them to more willingly trust what you are saying, and allow them to feel respected and heard by you.

Here are some examples of positive body language and what their use can mean.

1. Open hands with palms facing up

If someone makes a gesture of open hands it can indicate that they are open and honest as a person. This gesture can be used to emphasize the importance of what is being said, or simply to show that the person making the gesture is approachable and welcomes other people to speak to them.

Turning the palms to face upwards with the hands open in this way can also indicate submission. Historically, a gesture of open hands showing the palms was intended to demonstrate that no weapons were being carried or concealed. Therefore opening your hands can show that you are not a threat and that you are ready to have a conversation.

2. Standing up straight

Standing up straight shows confidence and self-belief. If you stand up straight people will believe that you are capable in your role and that you know what you’re doing. They will feel more comfortable coming to you for help and may see you as being approachable in general.

When a straight stance is relaxed and is combined with facing openly towards the people you are in conversation with, it demonstrates that you are self-assured and that you are listening to them with respect.

3. Eye contact

Eye contact can be used positively to show confidence, trust and to promote open conversation. If you regularly look someone in the eye during a conversation it shows that you mean what you are saying. It can also be used as a turn-taking cue to show that you are ready to hear what the other person has to say.

It’s important during conversation to break eye contact at intervals to show that you are respectful and that you do not present a threat.

It is usual to look away more while you are talking and to make more regular direct eye contact when listening to the other person to show that you are being attentive to their thoughts.

4. Nodding or tilting the head to the side

Nodding while someone speaks shows that you are focused on what they are saying and are listening respectfully to them. It can show that you agree with what they are saying or just that you are acknowledging that their thoughts or opinions are valid.

Tilting the head to the side shows again that you are listening attentively and that you are considering what they say with respect, whether you agree or disagree with them. Nodding and tilting the head during conversations are positive and respectful gestures that indicate approachability and openness.

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5. Smiling

Smiling at someone shows that you are friendly, open, approachable, and likable. It also shows that you like and respect the person you’re smiling at and will help to strengthen both personal and professional relationships.

When you smile at someone it can indicate that you are attentively listening and this can encourage friends or colleagues to be more confident about sharing their opinions or suggestions with you. Of course, the smile should be natural and not come across as nervous or forced.

People who smile genuinely and who come across as being approachable are likely to be more successful working within a team, as they will be regarded as likable and respectful.

People will be more likely to be willing to discuss problems with someone approachable, which will lead to more productive discussions and better resolution of issues.

Negative body language

Negative body language can be damaging for professional and personal relationships as its use can indicate defensive feelings, lack of interest in the other person, or dishonesty.

Negative body language can be used unintentionally and can betray what you think about what you are saying or about the person you’re speaking to. Here are some examples of negative body language to look out for or to try and avoid using with others.

1. Arms crossed

Crossing the arms over the chest is considered a defensive posture. It shows that you are closed off and unwilling to enter into a discussion with someone, almost as if you are drawing a firm line under a conversation or cutting it off before it begins.

This might be because of a lack of confidence in your thoughts or abilities, or it could show that you are unwilling to listen to others.

Someone with crossed arms gives the impression that they disagree with the person they are in conversation with. It shows an unwillingness to have their opinions changed and can make them seem quite unapproachable.

2. Finger or foot-tapping

Tapping the fingers or feet can indicate impatience, boredom, or anxiety on the part of the tapper. If you tap your fingers while having a conversation with someone, they might get the impression that you don’t have time for them, or that you want the discussion to be over.

It can seem that you’re not listening at all. Tapping the feet can give the same impression to others, and it can also lead them to see you as being nervous, jumpy, or lacking in confidence.

Learn how to use body language to improve your professional relationships. Practice what you learn in virtual reality exercises. Learn more about the body language course.

3.

Legs crossed

Crossing the legs, much like crossing the arms, can be perceived as a defensive posture. If someone crosses their legs at the ankles during a conversation, it can indicate dishonesty or insecurity and may lead the person they are speaking with to have difficulty trusting them or having confidence in what they are saying.

Crossing the legs at the knees can also give the impression of a lack of confidence or of being closed off from the conversation.

If the crossed legs are also then pointed away from the other person it can indicate quite a strong discomfort either with the topic of the conversation or with them personally.

4. Avoiding eye contact

While it can appear threatening to maintain continuous eye contact or stare at someone, avoiding eye contact altogether is certainly not a positive gesture. If you avoid eye contact when talking with or working alongside someone, it can indicate that you lack confidence or that you have something to hide.

Avoiding eye contact sends a clear message that you are not open to conversation and that you don’t have respect for or interest in what others might have to say.

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5. Frowning

It might seem obvious that frowning is an example of negative body language and should be avoided. However, people often frown without realizing they are doing it, if they are lost in thought or concentrating on what is being said, for example.

It doesn’t necessarily mean they are angry or upset, even though it might look like it. For many people, frowning occurs when they are listening intently, and so is not intended to be negative at all.

It’s therefore important to be aware of your facial expressions and to check in with yourself when you’re listening to others to see if this is something you do.

Bear in mind too that if someone is frowning at you while you are speaking they might not mean to give the impression that they are cross or dislike what you’re saying. They might be very interested in your point of view and be considering it thoughtfully.

Using body language to your advantage

Being aware of body language and facial expressions and what they can mean when interacting with other people is important, both personally and professionally. It’s also worth bearing in mind that somebody language cues differ in their meaning in different cultures and that sometimes it is possible to misread the meaning behind some gestures.

Understanding the body language cues of others, however, can help you to understand and work with them more effectively, as you’ll be able to see when they might be feeling uncomfortable, for example, or when they are confident in their setting or their relationships.

Being self-aware is also helpful, as you can monitor and adapt your gestures and expressions to make yourself more approachable to others, show them that you respect them, and mark yourself as a good listener and team player. Being knowledgeable about both positive and negative body language cues can certainly work to your advantage.

About the means of non-verbal communication

• 03/01/2013
• Tatiana Krikunkova

About the means of non-verbal communication

On February 28, Tula State University hosted the first lesson of the new astronomical and already the third lesson of the PR School in the academic year. The theme was non-verbal communication. “Scholars” were expected by a fascinating mini-lecture and an interesting training.

Olga Evgenievna Bocharova began her lecture with the question: “Dear “schoolers”, when you first meet a person, what do you immediately pay attention to?” Answers poured in: “On the facial expressions!”, “On the appearance!”, “On the posture and position of the hands!” Thus, with the help of interpretations, students gave a clear definition of non-verbal communication, which in its essence is communication without words.

As Olga Evgenievna emphasized, up to 80% of information is transmitted using non-verbal means. Moreover, non-verbal communication is an invaluable source of precisely reliable information, because even if a person can try to hide his true feelings behind words, then the posture, gestures, look and facial expression will most eloquently tell about what is happening in his soul. and what he thinks.

A PR specialist should know that non-verbal communication allows a person to make a positive impression, “read” his interlocutor, supplements and enhances speech, replaces and refutes it, and also helps to check speech for truth. To confirm her words, Olga Evgenievna suggested that the children take a test containing twenty questions with several answers to each. The test results showed that our “schoolchildren” are observant people with good intuition.

The sense organs, Olga Evgenievna noted, are channels of non-verbal communication. As for gestures, they are natural and artificial. The second, in particular, includes the movements of the hands of the conductor and deaf-mute people. Natural gestures are striking in their diversity. So, for example, an open palm indicates devotion, but if the hands are hidden in pockets, then this indicates a person’s uncertainty. Hands clenched into a fist show that the interlocutor is gathering his thoughts. Crossing arms or legs refers to closed gestures, but if a person rubs his nose during a conversation, then this is a sure sign that he does not trust you. If a person rubs his eye, he tries to block the lie, by the way, this gesture comes from childhood. Well, if he strokes his chin, then this means that a decision-making process is going on in his head.

Hand barriers are vivid symbols of non-verbal communication. They talk about the closeness of a person, unwillingness to let anyone into his inner world. Half-barriers from the hands, on the one hand, testify to openness, on the other hand, to the desire to maintain one’s inner comfort.

Handshakes represent a separate class. If a person gives his hand palm down, then this shows that he wants to dominate the relationship. By giving such a person a hand, too, palm down, the interlocutor will demonstrate that he does not intend to obey. A handshake with a “glove” speaks of friendliness, and a “patty” (by the fingertips) indicates the indecision and weak character of the partners.

As for the gait, it’s just that it’s hard to control. However, there are certain “signs”. A wide, rhythmic step is a sign of a good mood, a sweeping step (especially with a small person) indicates a person’s purposefulness.

As Olga Evgenievna explained, facial expressions are movements of the facial muscles provoked by emotions. Facial blanching and redness have a special, somatic character, since most often a person cannot do anything with himself to stop the paint flooding his face or prevent the “attachment” of a pale mask. Expressions of surprise, fright, disgust, joy, sadness (sadness), anger and anger are innate and equally characteristic of all cultures.

The eyes are known to be the window to the soul. Eye contact, Olga Evgenievna emphasized, accounts for two-thirds of the communication time. One hundred percent eye contact, that is, when the interlocutors devour each other with their eyes, indicates the aggressiveness of both. There are three types of glances: business, sliding between the eyes of the interlocutor, social, moving from the eyes to the chin, and intimate, aimed at the eyes and the area below the neck.

By voice, even without seeing a person, you can determine his gender, age and mood. Paralinguistics refers to the tempo, timbre and intonation of the voice, extralinguistics refers to laughter, crying, pauses and sighs, and prosody refers to the accent.

Laughter, as one of the means of non-verbal communication, also allows us to characterize a person. If a person laughs with an open mouth, then he is a temperamental person, but if, while laughing, he holds his chin, then this indicates that the features of youth are still preserved in him.

For non-verbal communication, space or proxemics is also of great importance. There are four intersubjective zones: intimate, personal, social and public.

Strengthened the lecture material training. Olga Evgenievna suggested that the “schoolchildren” play “Crocodile”. With the help of gestures, facial expressions and looks, they first had to depict any actions or concepts, and then emotions: enthusiasm, sadness, thoughtfulness, uncertainty, and others. As Olga Evgenievna explained, such exercises contribute to the development of emotional hearing.

The lesson ended with a conversation about color. The children learned a lot of new and interesting things about what they thought were already well-known flowers. Red symbolizes celebration, victory, joy, but at the same time both activity and aggression. Hue plays a huge role in green, on which the meaning of color also depends. Therefore, one shade of green means reliability and strength, another – calmness, and the third – already . .. melancholy. The color purple is also controversial: it can mean mystery, mourning, and indifference. No wonder they say: “And it’s purely purple for me.”

Olga Evgenievna started talking about color not by chance. The fact is that color, to a certain extent, also refers to the means of non-verbal communication. First of all, a person reacts to the color spot created by the clothes of his interlocutor, and only secondly – to the style of his toilet. And since they still meet by clothes, Olga Evgenievna offered the “schoolchildren” a very interesting homework – to develop a uniform for teachers and students of Tula State University on a gender basis. So in the next lesson, the “schoolchildren” will have to act as fashion designers.

Signals and context: five secrets of effective non-verbal communication

Non-verbal communication is interaction without the use of words. It is no less important than verbal communication. These five tips will help you be more productive

Pay attention to non-verbal cues

People can convey information in many ways, so pay attention to different body cues:

• movement;
• eye contact;
• intonation;
• gestures;
• pose.

All of these signals can convey important information that cannot be expressed in words. For example, eye contact can help determine how attentive a person is. The tone of voice can hint at the emotional state of the interlocutor. Even the posture can show how interested and involved the person is in the conversation.

Look for inconsistencies

Pay attention to whether the person’s words match the non-verbal signals they are sending. For example, a person may talk about how happy they are in a relationship, but at the same time frown and look down at their feet. Therapists use these inconsistencies to find out how the client really feels during the session. But you need to remember that the discrepancy can be caused by other factors. For example, physical problems can affect a person’s ability to communicate non-verbal cues.

Use eye contact

Good eye contact is another important nonverbal communication skill. When people do not look others in the eye, they may appear to be evasive or trying to hide something. On the other hand, too much eye contact can seem aggressive and intimidating.

Some communication experts recommend making eye contact for no more than three or four seconds. Effective eye contact should be natural and comfortable for you and the other person.

Use signals to reinforce words

Remember that verbal and non-verbal communication work together. Accordingly, you can use body language to create the right image and reinforce what you are saying. This can be especially useful when giving presentations or speaking in front of a large group.

For example, you can look more confident if you:

• stand firmly in one place,
• keep shoulders back,
• keep balance on both feet – do not swing on the feet.

Consider context

When communicating with others, always consider the situation in which the conversation is taking place. The context may require more formal behavior that could be interpreted quite differently in any other setting.