High-powered Communication 2.1

(Wednesday)

Context:

In this second part of our lesson, we’ll be considering nonverbal communication. Being able to notice and understand non-verbal communication is the trait of a true high-powered communicator. No one can read minds. But an individual who can pick up even the most subtle non-verbal clues comes really close.

In the workplace, a teammate, manager, or salesperson has a tremendous advantage if they can read non-verbal clues, because those clues, or cues, can help them understand what they should say next, and how they should say it, in order to move towards a specific goal or outcome.

What it is: Nonverbal communication (NVC) is when we communicate with others without using words. This can happen through things like eye contact, facial expressions, hand movements, body position, use of objects, and other body language cues.

Why it’s important: As discussed in Monday's lesson, you may not have the chance to regularly communicate with your classmates in a manner that facilitates idea-sharing, collaboration, or problem-solving towards a shared objective or common goal.

If we want to become great communicators, it's crucial to realize that people often use nonverbal cues unconsciously to express themselves. By being able to interpret these signals and understand what someone might be thinking or feeling, we gain a significant advantage in our communication skills.

Being able to notice and decipher non-verbal cues will give you an edge in the workplace. It's essential to start practicing these skills now, or else you risk falling behind and not being able to contribute effectively as an employee.

Vibe: The connection between emotions and effective communication.

In your daily conversations, you might not necessarily require durable skills. However, you may have noticed that certain people emanate a particular 'vibe' in general or specific situations. The vibe you’re getting comes from their nonverbal communication. Why is it important to be mindful of nonverbal cues?

• Nonverbal communication is vital to building strong relationships, as it helps us connect with others in a more meaningful way.

• Understanding facial expressions and other nonverbal cues is also important for developing empathy.

• By increasing your empathy, you can gain a deeper understanding of your co-worker, friend, or family’s experiences and view things from their perspective more effectively.

  • Arms Crossed (Power, confidence)

    In the business world, certain power poses can convey a sense of personal or professional assurance. Crossed arms is an example of such a power pose.

  • Crossed arms (defensive, irritated)

    Facial expressions can alter the connotation of crossing your arms. For instance, a stern or angry expression can indicate disagreement, irritation, or anger.

  • Crossed arms (doubtful, critical)

    By smirking or tilting your head slightly, you can use nonverbal cues to express doubt or criticism. Crossing your arms can also amplify these signals of uncertainty.

  • Your Turn

    Is this child angry or hurt?

  • Your Turn

    What about now? Is the child angry or hurt? Why? What gives you a different clue?

  • Your turn

    If you were talking to this person, what do you suppose she is thinking, or feeling? Does she believe what you are telling her?

  • Your turn

    What about now? Do you have her attention? How do you know? Could she be thinking about what you’re saying? There is no right or wrong answer. The point of this exercise is to help you become aware of the subtle cues of NVC.

  • Subtle Cues

    Is this individual feeling doubtful or angry about the information you're sharing with them? What are the possible reasons for their reaction? What does tilting his head slightly signify? What about narrowing his eyes?

  • Body Positioning/Posture

    If you wanted to talk to your boss about something important but saw this when you walked into her office, do you think it would be a good time to start a conversation with her? Why or why not? What kind of day could she be having, and how can you tell?

  • Not so subtle cues

    Sometimes cues can be very obvious. But the question is, will we be aware of them and adapt and change our communication accordingly? Can you tell if this person is convinced by what you are saying?

  • Reactions

    If a client responded this way after hearing how much your product costs, what steps would you take to address the situation? What kind of questions could you ask her in order to help shift her perception of the pricing?

  • Reacting to reactions

    This individual may not fully believe what you're saying. However, their body language and facial expression don't convey annoyance. They may simply require more convincing through factual information and addressing their concerns. Being able to respond appropriately to nonverbal cues is a key factor in becoming an effective communicator.

Types of nonverbal communication

1. Body language

Body language is the way someone positions their body depending on the situation, the environment, and how they are feeling.

Example: Someone might cross their arms if they are feeling angry or nervous.

2. Movement

The way you move your arms and legs such as walking quickly or slowly, standing, sitting or fidgeting, can all convey different messages to onlookers.

Example: Sitting still and paying attention in a meeting conveys respect and attention.

3. Posture

The way you sit or stand can also communicate your comfort level, professionalism, and general disposition towards a person or conversation.

Example: Someone might slouch their shoulders if they feel tired, frustrated, or disappointed.

4. Gestures

While gestures vary widely across communities, they are generally used both intentionally and unintentionally to convey information to others.

Example: Someone might display a “thumbs up” to communicate confirmation or that they feel positive about something.

5. Space

Creating or closing the distance between yourself and the people around you can also convey messages about your comfort level, the importance of the conversation, your desire to support or connect with others, and more.

Example: You might stand two to three feet away from a new contact to respect their boundaries.

6. Paralanguage

Paralanguage includes the non-language elements of speech, such as your talking speed, pitch, intonation, volume and more.

Example: You might speak quickly if you are excited about something.

7. Facial expressions

One of the most common forms of nonverbal communication is facial expressions. Using the eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to convey emotion or information can be very effective.

Example: Someone might raise their eyebrows and open their eyes widely if they feel surprised.

8. Eye contact

Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye contact) is an extremely effective way to communicate your attention and interest.

Example: Looking away from someone and at the ground or your phone may convey disinterest or disrespect.

9. Touch

Some people also use touch as a form of communication. Most commonly, it is used to communicate support or comfort. This form of communication should be used sparingly and only when you know the receiving party is okay with it. It should never be used to convey anger, frustration or any other negative emotions.

Example: Placing your hand on a friend’s shoulder may convey support or empathy.

Based on Indeed.com article.

Durable skills contribute to good communication

Empathy: By cultivating this long-lasting ability, you can better understand and gain insight into the other person's perspective in the conversation and make appropriate adjustments.

Curiosity: By developing this durable skill, you will be motivated to genuinely seek out the perspectives and thoughts of others. Genuine interest is notice and appreciated by others.

Emotional Intelligence: Developing these durable skills will allow you to be more in tune with what others may be feeling, and help you to adjust how and what you say.

Critical Thinking: Developing hour critical thinking allows you to think beyond the constraints of your own biases. It allows you to make room for other people’s viewpoints and opinions.

Are you developing these durable skills? They are all interconnected.

Metacognitive Goal

This week, your metacognitive goal is to notice your default state of communication with your friends, family, and classmates. Also, try to determine what their default state is with you. Finally, we wanted you to try to move someone in a positive direction on the scale of communication. Hopefully, you’re already doing this.

In addition, pay attention to how perceptive you are to non-verbal cues. Do you notice them? Do others notice your non-verbal cues?

Thought of the day.

“Few realize how loud their expressions really are. Be kind with what you wordlessly say.”
- Richelle E. Goodrich