Non-Verbal Communication

A certain percentage of communication is nonverbal…meaning that it’s communication outside of actual words.

How much is that percentage? No one knows for sure. Different researchers will give different percentages…70%...75%...90%. One thing that's agreed on, however, is that nonverbal communication is most communication. It includes body language, hand gestures, voice pitch, eye movements, etc.

A person who looks another in the eyes, smiles, and says “It’s so great to see you” is giving a different message than a person who stands still, arms crossed, and eyes rolling, then mumbles “It’s so great to see you.” Identical words, two completely different meanings. Sometimes, there aren’t even any words. Flipping off a lousy driver while laying on the horn usually needs no words. The message is quite clear.

Why does this matter? Well, if you're ever in the zone where you can query a CEO as to how well the business is doing, and you ask her point blank, "Hey Meg, how's the quarter looking?"...well, her nonverbal communication or countenance that moment will likely say...a lot.



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