Non-Verbal Communication

Are you aware of your non-verbal communication?  Have you ever noticed how in some circumstances that you act differently than you do in normal circumstances?

This is due to the environment you are in. Whether it’s with different people, in different surroundings, or when the outcome could dramatically change your life.  In either situation, we all tend to act slightly differently, without intending to.  For some, this change can be dramatic and for others, it can be only slightly.  Regardless, most of us are effected in some way.

Examples of how most people change are played out in our body language.  We might avoid proper eye contact, because our brain is going 10 to the dozen trying to maintain our thought focus.  It might be an involuntary twitch in the leg that won’t stop.  It might be the way we speak (eg become monotone while we recall our preparation, or lack confidence which shows in the tone of our voice).  It might be an awkward silence while you try and remember what you wanted to say for a particular question.  It may be similar to your first date and wanted to impress, or maybe even propose.  It might be the way you sit in a chair that sends a particular message to the other person.  In most cases, we do these things subconsciously and are aware of the messages we send.

Studies show an entire message sent to another person is broken up as:

We take in information though:

• 82% of what we see is retained
• 11% of what we hear is retained
• 7% is through other sensors

We remember:

• 10% oral
• 20% visual
• 80% when its both oral and visual

Communication effectiveness:

• 55% body language
• 38% tone of voice
• 7% words

The only way to determine how you change is to find someone who knows your mannerisms under normal circumstances and then observe you under pressure.  Then feed this information to someone who can give you feedback on what an employer will read into this non-verbal communication.

It may mean that you don’t need to fix or change things, but rather be aware that you do them, so they don’t develop into something that may leave doubt in the Hirer’s mind about you. To find out your non-verbal communication when under pressure or nervous, call us on 1300 366 104 or email info@transciv.com.au to make an appointment.