One of the more popular statistics championed by psychology students and lovers of pop-science is the Idea that over 90% of interpersonal communication is nonverbal. According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian38% of this non-verbal communication is attributed to vocal cues (also referred to as “paralanguage”), as opposed to verbal content that only amounts to 7%. This leaves 55% of all interpersonal communication to strictly nonverbal cues. In spite of the fact that this is a well known breakdown of the way we communicate, most have not learned to recognize the cues that make up our “body language”. Many people have mental blocks, disabilities, or simply unsavory habits that detract from our ability to understand what other people are saying to us nonverbally. Worse still, many of these same people are unable to understand what they themselves are saying with their facial expressions, gestures, and postures. This guide will serve as a primer to these three basic components of nonverbal interactions for use in the workplace and beyond.
Facial Expressions
This component seems like a no-brainer to most. For purposes of this article it is assumed that we do understand that a person’s mood, comfort level, and attitude is often displayed through facial expressions. The finer nuances of which are all observable through the eyes, solidifying their title as “the windows to the soul.” Eyebrow movements, excessive blinking and even pupil dilation can indicate intrigue, dishonesty, and interest respectively. In high stress or professional environments, eye contact is often the most important metric of your communication skills. Holding eye contact shows interest, involvement, and confidence. In addition, eye contact can also be perceived as a power play. If you’re the type of person who isn’t uncomfortable staring down their problems then you should be aware of this utility. However, if you favor the more passive approach then you should be aware of this in order to avoid “overdoing it” and to be able to identify when someone is trying to test you.
Gestures
This may be the most comprehensive component. Almost anything can be perceived as a gesture. Some might describe all body language as a collection of gestures. Gestures may even, arguably, extend to the world of verbal communication through mediums such as politeness, defiance, or even love. Physical gestures, however, are somehow not any more objective, there is a good degree of variance in how physical gestures may be interpreted. Something as simple as pointing with your index finger can be considered rude depending on which state you’re in. As far as non-verbal communication goes, physical gestures are the most stark and at times obsequious of your potential methods. This can make gestures a liability depending on what company you’re keeping. To avoid potential pitfalls, save gestures for casual situations among people that you already know. Since gestures are still such a comprehensive mode of communication, sometimes using them cannot be avoided, but think carefully and consider your audience beforehand. When in doubt, just sit on your hands.
Posturing
This final component is often times the most overlooked and yet also the most important for cluing us in to how people tend to think of us. Allan and Barbara Pease outline these behaviors in their book The Definitive Book of Body Language (which I, personally, would very seriously recommend to anyone looking to improve their communicative skills). For example, crossed or folded arms can often times indicate guardedness or an unwillingness to listen. Often times the act of folding one’s arms goes completely unnoticed by the person posturing in this way and yet they still tend to take in less information; even if they claim that it is simply a comfortable position for them. Surprisingly though, according to Allan and Barbara, looking at a person’s feet will often tell you the most about where people’s attention is directed and what they might be trying to tell you. For example, if your boss approaches you and his feet are spread even slightly wider than his shoulders, often called a power stance, then this could indicate he is claiming dominance over the situation. Similarly, feet being too close together may be interpreted as submissiveness…the more you know.
It is simply impossible to go over all the components of body language in just one blog post. Even if it were possible, volumes could be devoted to the various interpretations and theories across cultures throughout the world. Take this post for what it is; a primer. There is much more to be said about everything that’s been outlined here. With any luck, however, your interests have been piqued and perhaps you are beginning to actively view peoples’ (as well as your own) non-verbal mannerisms in a more analytic light. With just a little more luck and a bit of further reading you might just become the office’s resident mentalist in no time.