How to Incorporate Non-Verbal Communication in the Workplace

If you look in someone’s eye, you are able to get a more accurate predictor of that person’s true feelings are.  Eyes have commonly been referred to as the “windows to the soul.”  That is why eye contact is such an important form of communication.  Making eye contact is important in order to portray honestly and sincerity to the person in which you are speaking to.  Maintaining eye contact suggests trust and respect where as brief eye contact can signify stress or fear.  However, it is important to find a balance between these two as you don’t want to have prolonged eye contact as that can cause the other person to feel intimidated or uncomfortable.  So why should you even want to have good eye contact skills?  For a variety of reasons!  Good eye contact lets the message sender know if the receiver is paying attention, responding favourably or feeling distress.  It also reveals the speakers confidence and truthfulness.

Additionally, facial expressions can have a variety of effects when you are speaking as well.  Researchers estimate that the human face can display over 250,000 expressions!  That means at any given moment you are sending messages to anyone you are speaking to without even realizing it!  In the workplace you will want to try and maintain a pleasant expression to promote harmony.  So feel free to throw in some smiles in order to encourage a positive atmosphere in your work environment

Similarly, your posture can speak louder than your words so it is important to control your posture in the workplace.  When you speak, make sure your torso is aligned with the person, to whom you are speaking to, in order to exude confidence, competence, diligence and strength.  Ladies, be sure not to tilt your head when you are making a point otherwise you will diminish the main point of your message.

The notion of time and space is not something to dismiss easily.  Being on time for meetings and appointments sends a positive nonverbal message in the workplace.  The way you organize the space you are given can also provide a sense of openness to your coworkers.  Try and create an open office space to encourage unrestricted flow of communication.  However it’s important to be aware of you co-workers territorial space and be sure not to invade it.

 

As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover.  However, in a professional setting appearance can make or break your professional image.  Your personal appearance, as well as the appearance of your documents, convey nonverbal messages.  Based on what your receiver sees, they judge your status, credibility, personality and potential.  Therefore, as a professional, it is important to invest in appropriate professional-looking clothing.  Even on casual dress workdays it is important to maintain a professional image.  Your written work should always convey professionalism, so try to avoid sloppy, hurried documents as they can convey negative nonverbal messages.  This can result in the receiver dismissing or doubting the credibility of what you are saying. 

Do you think casual dress workdays in the work place are productive or should be eliminated?

• SOURCE:
  
  Guffey, Mary Ellen, Kathleen Rhodes, and Patricia Rogin. "Developing Team. Listening and Etiquette Skills." Business communication: process & product. 6th ed. Mason, Ohio: Thomson/South-Western, 2006. Page 63-71. Print.
  
  Picture Source: http://www.rightattitudes.com/2007/04/03/personal-spaces-interaction/