Do You Know how to Communicate?

Communication is not just words coming out of our mouth; it is everything about us that relays a message, our whole presentation. Here are three types of communication to enable clarity and further help you and the importance of body language.

Three Types of Communication

There are three types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, and informal. Verbal communication is one way for people to communicate face-to-face through sound, words, speaking, and language. Non-verbal communication includes body language such as facial expressions, gestures, posture and eye gaze. Informal communication includes online chatting, texting, emails and letters.

Research Findings

One study at UCLA indicated that up to 93 percent of communication effectiveness is determined by non-verbal cues (38 percent by voice quality, 55 percent body movements). This means that what we do with our body language has more significance to the message then what we actually say. If you are trying to mask your reaction to something or hide your feelings, pay close attention to the non-verbal signals you are portraying. Even the tiniest facial expression can give your true thoughts and feelings away. We usually believe what we see and not what we hear when there is a contradiction between what is being said verbally and what is being observed in one’s body language. You can become more proficient in reading and displaying body language by following some tips by Robert Phipps, author of “The Official Guide to Body Language”.

Tone of Voice

This is part of what is called paraverbal communication– referring to the messages we convey using our tone, pitch, stress on words and speed of talking. Experts say this account for 38 percent of what is verbally communicated to others. A statement can convey different meanings depending on which words are emphasized and the tone of voice used. Think of someone saying in a high pitched rapid voice that he/she is not angry or saying she/he is doing good using a slow monotone pitch; clearly a contradiction.

(Credit: Resha Erheim, counselor at LifeWorks Foundation) http://www.lifeworksfoundation.com/