Nonverbal Communication: "So what really lies ins
Communication is, of course, verbal, and much can be learned by how and what we choose to speak, whether it be the tone of our voice, the words we choose, the grammar or lack thereof utilized, the sentence structure used, and the list goes on and on. The often overlooked aspect of communication is the non-verbal messages conveyed by body posture, facial expression, and other visual cues. My Achilles' heal is eye contact. If a person cannot maintain consistent eye contact during communication, then I am left to wonder if they are speaking honestly themselves or even mentally paying attention to what is being discussed, even when they are the focus of the interaction. This is present in all communication whether it be with a significant other, a co-worker, a friend, a family member or anyone at all. So what about non-verbal communication is important to you? Do you have an Achilles' heal that distracts your verbal interaction with others? Oh yes . . . . one initially can only communicate by written means on this site . . . . but taking a further step can result in greater insite into an individual's personality . . . . for better or worse. Ah, if only pictures could move!!!!
Comments (2)
Nonverbal communication is difficult to fake. That's how the verbal communication is often not in coherence with it. Mostly the nonverbal communication (gestures, postures, body movement, eye contact etc.) is subliminal, unless the person becomes concious of it and starts controlling it.
For me the communication starts with the nonverbal one first. The most important part is when the person is not aware of his/her nonverbal communicatoin. This is the shortest part available yet the most important one(First 5-10 seconds). Because, the moment verbal communcatiojn is about to start, the person tries to adjust his/her nonverbal communication accordingly.
For example, somebody coming to see me at my office, the moment he/she enters, walks down to the chair, sits, adjusts, and is about to begin the verbal communication, my job is half done. The rest I would know while having cofee and through the discussion that takes place. And I am not talking about how eloquent the person would be or how well the grammer is used. I'm more talking about how the flow of thought process is smoothly administered, and how it gels together in the verbal and non verbal communication. How well, the initiation and end is. While I'm in the process of deciphering the person, I make sure i am understood simultaneously.
I also use another tool which I call vibes, that we all emit. It does provide me with the comfort/discomfort zone. And yes, eyes are the windows of the soul
Important thing to note is the cultural differences across the globe vary. Many forms of nonverbal communication, as a silent code of conduct, are different in different parts of the world. I've seen great differences in Karachi, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, London, Paris, Tashkent and many others.
Any thoughts?