A key skill for the workplace is communication. People don’t only listen to what you’re saying in boardroom meetings or sales pitches. They also take note of nonverbal indicators like your posture, gestures, and nonverbal cues like your smile, facial expressions, and eye contact. In other words, people pay attention to the messages your body language conveys. It’s been said that more than 50% of communication is done through body language.
WHAT DOES BODY LANGUAGE MEAN?
What does body language actually mean? Numerous nonverbal cues or indications, including body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures, are used in communication.
Understanding these signals is crucial for effective communication. Body language is significant because it helps us interpret and decode what someone is saying. Body language also aids in deciphering the emotions and moods of others.
In addition to this, it improves our awareness of how people respond to what we say and how we say it.
BODY LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION IN RELATION
To put it another way, we humans pay more than 90% of our attention to body language and voice tone than to the actual words. This study explains the significance of body language in communication as well as how deeply ingrained nonverbal communication is in the brain.
It’s crucial to properly use gestures, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues because verbal communication receives only 7% of our attention.
BODY LANGUAGE’S IMPORTANCE IN COMMUNICATION
After talking about what body language means, let’s examine how crucial body language is for effective communication. Think of a group of chimpanzees living in a forest. Despite the fact that they are mute, they communicate mostly through body language and nonverbal cues.
Similar to how animals communicate verbally and nonverbally, humans do the same. Your body language communicates more about your confidence and dedication in the professional world than you may imagine.
Body language is significant because of how it affects your personal brand. How one comes across is crucial, whether it’s during a job interview, a first date, or even just a typical workday. Positive body language communicates that a person is personable, attentive, and receptive to fresh perspectives.
Body language is frequently used in communicating in an unconscious manner. It’s likely that someone will come across as uninterested and stressed if they are yawning in the meeting space or tapping their fingers on the desk as the supervisor discusses the monthly sales targets. Having a better posture will make you appear more engaged and concentrated.
Body language is significant in all communication, not just formal speech. Your self-confidence and self-esteem will rise if you alter any unfavorable nonverbal signs. Your internal drive will rise if you witness people responding favorably to you as a friend, coworker, employee, or leader.
Public speaking is when the value of body language in communication is most obvious. The speaker is under pressure to be aware of what they are saying and how they are expressing it because everyone is focused on them.
The handshake is a crucial nonverbal commercial transaction. Leaders in business and politics shake hands to sign contracts. A firm handshake communicates confidence, while a weak handshake conveys apathy. While shaking hands, it’s crucial to smile and make eye contact. This demonstrates your courage and self-assurance.
Be aware of your body language when communicating, but don’t worry about it. If you habitually crack your knuckles or wipe your eyes, becoming aware of it will help you replace it with a healthy activity.
