The Role/Importance of Non-Verbal Communications.
The Role/Importance of Non-Verbal Communications.
It is not what you say it is how you say it.
Absolutely true, in any face-to-face interaction we have the actual message that you utter accounts for only approx. 7% of the communication process that is taking place. The other 93% comes from what is now known as Non-Verbal Communication Factors.
Although the experts will vary on the actual percentages what emerges is a consensus that there are many factors that can either hinder or maximize the message delivery.
We have all heard/read about the term “body language” and the role it plays, but what I have found is that many people can be quite dismissive of this subject as a gimmick- but it can be, if understood and appreciated a powerful tool in effective communication.
As someone who spent decades in the communications industry it became of interest to me during my Stroke Rehabilitation during my 16 weeks stay in hospital – the importance of effective communication between the clinicians and other stakeholders \{particularly Stroke Survivors and their families] during the rehabilitation process.
As the Pie Chart above clearly illustrates, there are many factors, which would like to expend on and” add my 2 bobs worth” and hope that you find this of assistance to you.
In my opinion there are the following non - verbal communication factors that you should consider –
- Facial expressions. Your face is extremely expressive, able to convey a wide range of emotions without saying a word and unlike other forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions are universal.
The facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust are the same across cultures.
- Body movement and posture. Consider how your perceptions of people are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand, or hold their head. This type of nonverbal communication includes your posture, bearing, stance, and the subtle movements you make. For example, sitting beside the Stroke Survivor as opposed to standing at the bottom of the bed in what we call the” Zeuss Position”.
- Gestures are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. You may wave, point, beckon, or use your hands when speaking animatedly, often expressing yourself with gestures without thinking. However, the meaning of some gestures can be quite different across cultures. So, it is important when communicating to Survivors to be careful of how you use gestures to avoid misinterpretation.
- Eye contact. Since the visual sense is for most of us the most dominant, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication.The way you look at someone can communicate many things, including interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
- Touch-We communicate a great deal through touch. How powerful and soothing is a hand gently touching the arm or hand of a Stroke Survivor when you are talking to them at their bedside.
- Space. Have you ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was standing too close and invading your space? We all have a need for physical space so respect their need for space.
- It is not just what you say, it is how you say it. When you speak, other people “read” your voice in addition to listening to your words. Things they tend to notice includes your timing and pace, how loud you speak, your tone and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding, such as “ahh” and “uh-huh.”.
Happy Trails, Boys and Girls