Body language is the use of physical behavior, expressions, and mannerisms to
communicate nonverbally, often done instinctively rather than consciously. Whether you’re
aware of it or not, when you interact with others, you’re continuously giving and receiving
wordless signals. All of your nonverbal behaviors—the gestures you make, your posture,
your tone of voice, how much eye contact you make—send strong messages.
Body language can play five roles:
Repetition: It repeats and often strengthens the message you’re making
verbally.
Contradiction: It can contradict the message you’re trying to convey, thus
indicating to your listener that you may not be telling the truth.
Substitution: It can substitute for a verbal message. For example, your facial
expression often conveys a far more vivid message than words ever can.
Complementing: It may add to or complement your verbal message. As a
boss, if you pat an employee on the back in addition to giving praise, it can
increase the impact of your message.
Accenting: It may accent or underline a verbal message. Pounding the table,
for example, can underline the importance of your message.
Types of body language and nonverbal
communication
The many different types of nonverbal communication or body language include:
Facial expressions. The human face is extremely expressive, able to convey
countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal
communication, facial expressions are universal. The facial expressions for
happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.
Body movement and posture. Consider how your perceptions of people are affected
by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. The way you move and carry
yourself communicates a wealth of information to the world. This type of nonverbal
communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the subtle movements
you make.
Gestures. Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point,
beckon, or use your hands when arguing or speaking animatedly, often expressing
yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures can
be very different across cultures. While the “OK” sign made with the hand, for
example, usually conveys a positive message in English-speaking countries, it’s
considered offensive in countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil. So, it’s
important to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.
Eye contact. Since the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an
especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at
someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or
attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and
for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
Touch. We communicate a great deal through touch. Think about the very different
messages given by a weak handshake, a warm bear hug, a patronizing pat on the
head, or a controlling grip on the arm, for example.
Space. Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other
person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for
physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, the situation,
and the closeness of the relationship. You can use physical space to communicate
many different nonverbal messages, including signals of intimacy and affection,
aggression or dominance.
Voice. It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. When you speak, other people
“read” your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things they pay attention to
include your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and
sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.” Think about how
your tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, anger, affection, or confidence.
7 effective strategies in communication
Building your communication skills takes practice, but it is entirely possible and
worth it. Find your weaknesses and consider focusing on one or two strategies at
a time. To improve communication skills, notice your current communication
style. With time and effort, you’ll convey better ideas, thoughts, actions, and
opinions in your personal and professional life. Use the following strategies to get
started.
1. Convey important points clearly and concisely.
It may be tempting to insert additional information, include popular phrases to
relate to the listener, or fall back on filler words that lack true meaning. However,
this could be perceived as clutter when you want others to understand your
message fully. Many people read or listen to tons of communications all day, so
it's important to choose your words wisely and organize your thoughts in a way
that's easy to follow.
Use these tips to improve the clarity and conciseness of your communication:
Use action verbs when possible.
Offer tangible and concrete terms instead of ambiguous ones. For
example, instead of, “Let’s touch base sometime later in the week,” say,
“Would Thursday at 3 p.m. work to check in on this project?"
Leave out filler words and clichés that lack meaning.
End with a clear call to action if the communication requires the listener to
do something.
In written communication, use bullet points and avoid long streams of text.
Consider using visual aids to support your points.
2. Use multiple modes of communication.
We often communicate to others using a wide range of different communication
styles without even noticing it. In an email to a coworker, you may include a
screenshot of a document—a visual and written method of communication.
When you speak to someone face-to-face, meanwhile, you likely use nonverbal
communication with your body language and verbal communication as you’re
speaking.
Intentionally using multiple modes of communication can add clarity to what
you’re trying to convey. Match the modes of communication you choose to the
type of communication and listener. Consider the best way to communicate
based on the end goal and needs of the listener, and prepare to use multiple
modes of communication if sharing with a group.
3. Be mindful of your tone.
The way in which you say something – and the medium through which you do it –
affects how your communication is received by others. As a result, the tone of
your voice or your written communication should appropriately match what
you’re trying to convey.
Think about how the interaction would be received if you were on the receiving
end. If you’re communicating a policy change to a group of employees, think
about their pain points, any questions they may have, and their needs. In your
communication, build in that information with a tone of understanding and
openness so that employees who may be anxious about such changes are
calmed.
4. Maintain awareness of your body language and
nonverbal cues.
Similar to tone, it’s vital that you are aware of what your body language and
gestures convey to listeners. It may be challenging to control certain nonverbal
cues, especially if you struggle with emotions tied to the conversation. Practice
being aware of your body and facial expressions in your daily communication to
start understanding where you can improve. Ask for feedback if appropriate.
Practice these ways to use body language to improve your communication skills:
Uncross your arms to maintain a more “open” position.
Speak at a steady pace and avoid talking and moving quickly or erratically.
Match your eye level with the listener—if they are sitting down, sit with
them.
Maintain eye contact.
Shift your posture and gestures to match that of the listener if needed.
Stand facing the person you’re speaking with.
5. Know your audience.
To know your audience is to understand their thoughts and feelings—it involves
perspective and will take time and thoughtfulness. Modulate your tone, gestures,
and body language to help your audience perceive your motives and intentions.
Before you send an email, approach a coworker, or walk into a meeting, take the
time to understand the audience and consider how they may feel or react to what
you’re about to communicate to them.
6. Focus on what others say and acknowledge it.
When you can focus on what you are saying and what others say in response, you
can tailor your communication style and content appropriately. Referred to
as active listening, this technique shows you are listening through nonverbal
communication.
You may be more effective in your communication when you can acknowledge
the perception of others and respond appropriately to their feedback, questions,
or suggestions. Be open and listen, avoiding defensiveness and interrupting. If
you don’t know how to respond, simply tell the other person that you'll get back
to them once you've given it greater consideration. There is no harm in asking for
time to provide a thoughtful response.
7. Request and provide feedback.
Asking for feedback can be helpful if you’re struggling with effective
communication. It can also help you build useful communication strategies in a
leadership role.
Ask a boss or coworker to provide constructive feedback, or record yourself and
watch for any nonverbal communication that could negatively affect your ability
to transmit your message successfully. Manage your emotions and pride to
accept and implement constructive criticism. When you ask for feedback, invite
the listener to point out things you might be struggling with, thank them, and be
mindful of their time.
