Nonverbal communication is a way of conveying information without using words, for example through gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, or tone of voice. It is an important part of everyday communication and significantly influences how we come across to others and how we interpret their messages.
Nonverbal signals are an essential part of communication. Although more and more interactions in the business world take place virtually, it is not possible to rely solely on that. Presentations, meetings with potential clients, meetings with employees – these are all situations where it is necessary to give not only verbal instructions but also nonverbal ones.
Gestures and nonverbal communication fall under so-called soft skills. However, they are definitely worth addressing separately. Often, what a person expresses and conveys through their body is more important than what comes out of their mouth. Anyone who wants to coach, provide feedback, resolve conflicts, motivate others, and lead teams must be aware of every signal they send to people around them.
Mixed signals are the biggest problem
When your body communicates something different from what you are saying, listeners become confused. A classic example is when, at the end of a presentation, you invite the audience to ask any questions, while at the same time crossing your arms. Should they listen to your words and ask questions, or pay attention to your gestures and remain silent because your body language signals a defensive posture? You may be surprised, but in such cases people primarily follow gestures, and only afterward what you are saying.
Avoiding nonverbal communication is impossible. In every interaction, you convey thousands of nonverbal messages through movements, body language, facial expressions, and gestures. Many of these signals are unconscious, yet they have a significant impact on how the listener understands your message. The best leaders therefore master nonverbal communication.
What should you pay attention to?
The easiest situation is when you genuinely feel what you are saying. Then you subconsciously send signals that align with your words. However, this is not always possible. What should a person consciously focus on in order not to confuse conversation participants with their gestures?
Nonverbal communication includes:
- facial expressions,
- head and hand movements (gestures),
- body posture,
- movements of the hands, legs, and torso,
- distance and spatial positioning,
- touch and physical contact,
- tone of voice,
- eye contact.
We cannot summarize everything quickly, but let’s look at the most important aspects.
Eye contact
The foundation is establishing eye contact with the people you are communicating with. It increases interest and maintains attention. Be careful, however – quick or fleeting glances can indicate nervousness, discomfort, or uncertainty. Your gaze should be calm and confident.
Handshake
In Western cultures, physical contact is not very common, but a handshake is an exception. It allows you to greet or say goodbye to someone in a dignified manner. Again, focus on how you do it. A limp, “dead fish” handshake is inappropriate – the grip should be firm.
Gestures
Try to observe what gestures you make during a presentation or a conversation with a client. Scratching yourself, touching your nose, or – for women, playing with your hair can reveal nervousness or distraction.
Facial expressions
The meaning of gestures varies from culture to culture. For example, a handshake is appropriate in Europe and America, but in Japan it might be considered impolite. Similarly, nodding the head means “yes” in most of the world, but in Bulgaria it means “no.”
Facial expressions, on the other hand, are universal, regardless of the market in which you operate. Even people who are blind – who have never had the opportunity to observe others – use the same facial expressions. Your listeners can therefore reliably recognize what your face is expressing. Be careful not to display disgust or contempt on your face.
How to improve nonverbal communication?
First, you need to study what individual gestures, expressions, and movements mean. People often do not realize what signals they are sending – and more importantly, they are often unaware that they are making these gestures at all. The second, more difficult task is to analyze yourself and pay attention to your own nonverbal signals.
This cannot be mastered in a week; it is a long-term process. If you do not want to go through it alone, an MBA program can help you. For example, within the study module Cross-Cultural Leadership, you will also learn about social customs in different cultures, so that you avoid making mistakes during business negotiations.
