SIGN: Communicate non-verbally

Non-verbal communication is primarily considered as the most influential form of communication. Irrespective of which theory or model one refers to, it is always without any doubt ascertained that what one communicates with one's body language almost always takes precedence over what one communicates with words.

In fact, most books and research articles tout the fact that when 100% effective communication takes place, though the words, voice and the body language are all important aspects of it, the maximum impact, i.e., approximately 55%, always comes from the body language with the voice being second most impacting with 38%.

However, research also shows that both the body language and voice are closely linked with each other and one reflects the other. For an individual to be aware of the kind of non-verbal communication they are projecting, they can look at the signs they emit while talking.

1. S � Synchronize: It is quite an open secret in most negotiations and sales situations that people usually buy from those whom they like. Be it a product or an idea or a concept, unconsciously we tend to listen more to those whom we like more and relate to more.

Also a well-known and accepted fact in the psychological domain is that usually people like those who are like themselves, who work and act more along similar lines to themselves. This means that for results, one needs to be able to synchronize oneself in a genuine way such that one can be as similar to the other person as possible.

Now as far as hobbies and interests go, it takes no time to understand and match up to each other. However, the easiest aspect to synchronize is the body language. As one learns to match and mirror the other person, to sit in similar postures and gesture as mildly or animatedly as the other person, etc, one can appear more like the other person and the two can relate more. This technique of using similar body language is called synchronizing.

2. I � Interpret: How should I sit? How should I not sit? Where should my hands be? In what posture should I sit? How should my facial expressions be and what should I avoid? These questions are not new to those who appear for interviews. Now, while attending an interview, more than the technical concepts, why should one be more concerned about one's body language? The answer is very simple. We are constantly observed and scrutinized and our body language of gestures, postures and facial expressions is continuously interpreted by others. There are many books and theories that help one in interpreting what specific body language signals can mean, and these are learnt and used by anyone from sales people to interrogators.

For example, folded hands can be interpreted as defensive, hand covering the mouth can be interpreted as hiding something, touching one's nose can be interpreted as not telling the truth, the postures of legs can also be interpreted in many ways. A While communicating, one has to be aware of the body language one is projecting and how the other person can interpret it and whether it is appropriate for the situation as well as the context.

However, research also shows that both the body language and voice are closely linked with each other and one reflects the other. For an individual to be aware of the kind of non-verbal communication they are projecting, they can look at the signs they emit while talking

3. G � Greet: when two individuals meet, the first signs of one's comfort level show in their body language when they greet each other. From just the way they stride forward, walk up to each other, the smiling face and the stability in their handshake, each moment the individual is creating and projecting certain aspects of body language.

These initial instances of non-verbal communication sometimes play such an important role that they can even define the path that the entire conversation may take. For example, just the fact that one either maintains or does not maintain eye contact with the other person can sometimes be instrumental in how the other individual proceeds with conversations.

Another example is how a limp handshake can sometimes be considered as a gesture for lack of confidence. All in all, one's body language in the first few moments of how an individual greets another can determine how the communication progresses.

4. N � Note/Notice: Just like it is important to be aware of one's body language during any conversation, it is also important to notice how other people's body language is and how they are gesturing towards us. Interpreting the non-verbal responses from the other side helps us to work with ours such that conversations can continue smoothly.

Thus, non-verbal communication, which can be understood as the combination of voice and body language, is usually about 93% relevant to how the receiver interprets the meaning of what is said. It is, therefore, vital for one to practice the skill of understanding and using the appropriate body language at all times. Non-verbal communication is also thus an excellent way to build rapport and comfort level between two individuals. So, sign and communicate non-verbally...

You have the power!

Revathi Turaga is an International Trainer & Inspirational Speaker. http://www.revathionline.com