Most of us think about corporate communication as a formal process that happens in meetings, in discussions, via email, via app, or over the phone. We often think about words, whether it's in a formal letter or delivering a presentation.
But one key aspect of corporate communication is commonly overlooked. Though its meaning is hard to pin down, it happens from the moment you set foot in the workplace.
Nonverbal communication is the way you interact with people in ways other than using words. This process changes affects how your coworkers perceive you.
Nonverbal communication, according to a wide variety of experts over the years, is responsible for about 60-90% of overall communication.
The importance of nonverbal communication as a professional tool is significantly overlooked given how much it actually matters. It's the quieter side of communication in general — and corporate communication specifically.
How can you use nonverbal communication to your advantage in the workplace? Below is a list of some nonverbal communication elements to consider while on the job. Whether it's how you keep your desk, what you wear, or how you move around the office, it's good to be aware of the nonverbal cues and messages that you're sending to those around you.
Now that you have a list of nonverbal techniques, know that it is just as important to be able to read the nonverbal cues around you as it is to be aware of your own. The way another person interacts with you can show you their preferences in conducting professional relationships.
You can use this unspoken communication to adapt the way you interact with people.
For instance, you might be an extroverted person who gives firm handshakes and pats people on the back. If someone flinches when you pat them on your back or frowns slightly after you shake their hand, you can read these nonverbal cues to deduce that your work colleague does not like excessive physical contact.
Showing sensitivity and adapting to your coworkers is an example of nonverbal behavior that others will appreciate.
Every occasion requires a different intention directing your nonverbal communication techniques. To employ good nonverbal communication skills, these are some of the different professional contexts you will encounter and how you will need to approach them.
In addition to the importance of location, your position at work also dictates the nature of your nonverbal communication. It goes without saying that executives need to demonstrate that their position of authority.
However, it is equally as important that executives use nonverbal communication techniques to demonstrate a willingness to listen to others.
Negative nonverbal communication, like turning in the opposite direction while someone faces you or twiddling your thumbs, can show arrogance and boredom.
For lower-level employees, it is important to maintain good posture and give firm handshakes. Nevertheless, exaggerating these nonverbal communication techniques as well as other nonverbal cues to show confidence can backfire, causing an employee to seem cocky.
All in all, it is a good idea to maintain a balance of nonverbal communication cues that demonstrate confidence without arrogance, humility without timidity, and of course, without losing your personality.
Both verbal and nonverbal communication skills are important in portraying yourself as a successful employee and professional.
Nonverbal communication techniques are a great way to boost your verbal communication skills and draw attention to the positive aspects of your personality. Always maintain consciousness of your nonverbal behavior to maximize your success.
At MeetingPulse, we believe in healthy communication and cooperation in the workplace. We provide easy-to-use interactive live feedback tools that support healthy corporate culture for employees and administration alike.
If you want to know more about your employees' thoughts, ideas, and preferences, try out our browser-based audience response system.
We provide real-time survey and polling software for any device, so your audience will never need to download an app.
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