We all know the saying, ‘actions speak louder than words’. But have you ever really stopped to think about what it means? Numerous studies have proven just how powerful nonverbal communication is, especially when compared to the spoken word. So we’re here to discover how it works and what our nonverbal cues might be saying about us.
How Nonverbal Communication Speaks Louder Than Words
The thought of trying to communicate without speaking might seem like a challenging feat. But if you really think about those social encounters in life that stick with you, you might realize how words sometimes have no purpose when conveying thoughts and feelings to others.
Uneasy Situations
Perhaps somebody winked at you from across the bar, gave you the finger if you cut them off during peak hour traffic, or smiled at you when you were in an uneasy situation. There’s no doubt any of these scenarios could have a lot of impact on you. And the fact that there were no needs to speak any words makes them even more fascinating.
It’s estimated that around 98% of our communication is nonverbal, with words and speech being just 7%. That may surprise you to learn as a species who seems to talk quite a bit. But once you learn more about what constitutes nonverbal communication and why it’s so powerful, you’ll begin to understand.
Here’s a Video on Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Different Types of Nonverbal Communication
When people think of nonverbal communication they often look at the more obvious examples like smiling or nodding your head in agreement. These are certainly powerful ways to get a message across, but they’re not the final say. Research has found different types of nonverbal communication and ways that we might be sending a message to others, without even realizing it.
Here’s a Video on 8 Types of Nonverbal Communication YouTube
-
Facial Expressions
This is probably the most common type of nonverbal communication and the one that is impossible to control. When you’re speaking to someone, it’s easy to gauge their reaction simply by looking at their facial expressions which shows how powerful it can be. Frowns, smiles, furrowing of the brow, or a wide and open mouth all display obvious emotional reactions.
-
Gestures
A gesture is usually done with the hands and can include things like waving. Making numeric signs with your fingers or revealing a rude middle finger in anger. These gestures can be quite powerful and have even been known to be used by lawyers in the courtroom to try and influence jurors. A roll of the eyes during someone’s testimony or looking at their watch in boredom can both have huge impacts.
-
Paralinguistics
This is closely related to verbal communication. But it doesn’t focus on what we say, rather how we say it. Paralinguistics can include tone of voice, tempo, pitch, inflection, and volume. Think about a common phrase like, ‘What are you doing?’ and how it could be taken differently when all of these factors are adjusted. Said with the right tone, it could be a friendly and inquisitive question or an insulting and undermining remark.
-
Proxemics
Just as the name suggests, proxemics has to do with the proximity in which we communicate with others. And if you want to know how important it is, then all you have to do is look at the concept of personal space. Getting right into someone’s face could be seen as aggressive whereas speaking from far away and distant could be perceived as coldness.
Here’s a Video on Nonverbal Code: Proxemics (Space)
-
Body Language
Our body language has always been a fascination for researchers. We know ourselves how powerful it can be to speak to someone with crossed arms. Or how good we feel to see someone’s arms outstretched for an embrace. However, there are other subtle forms of body language, including our posture, which can say a lot more than these obvious types.
-
Eye Gaze
The eyes play a huge role in how others perceive us. Think about when you’re talking to someone and how much of your time is spent looking into their eyes while you’re speaking and listening. Studies show this can prove dominance or submission between the parties talking, and also deception and honesty. Your pupils dilating or the rate of blinking increasing are also indicators that you like someone or something they’re discussing.
-
Appearance
How we present ourselves to the world gives a clear message about who we are. People have different cultural attire, fashion sense, logos and messages on their clothing. And these can all communicate things about you. Studies have repeatedly shown that our appearance is a major factor in how we’re perceived, and can even impact how much money we earn.
-
Haptics
Touch is another form of nonverbal communication that can say a lot. And studies have proven that a lack of touch and contact can even impede development in children. In terms of communication, the way someone touches us can show sympathy, aggression, and familiarity. Researchers have even found women usually touch to show care and concern, where men often use it to show dominance.
-
Artifacts
When discussing communication, artifacts are objects or items that we use to represent ourselves. The image that we hold is portrayed with a collection of things that we have amassed. Such as our cars, jewelry, uniforms, tattoos, and even online avatars that we use on discussion boards.
Why Is It So Impactful?
The way that we communicate with others leaves a perception with us of the other person. And even if we don’t realize it on the surface your subconscious will be at play trying to decipher what things mean. On the flipside, your unconscious mind will be controlling your own nonverbal cues. Even if you don’t realize it. So you think that you’re saying one thing but your body could be saying another.
Here’s a Video on Nonverbal Communication Speaks Volumes in the Workplace
Nonverbal Communication Is Impossible To Fake
When speaking to others, it’s quite easy to be dishonest with your words and say things we don’t mean. If they’re carefully chosen and delivered in the right way, you can say things you don’t really mean, if you were so inclined. With nonverbal communication, it’s almost impossible to fake. So it will give a better indication of someone’s true thoughts and feelings if you’re able to pay attention.
Those who study nonverbal communication have found that through many cultures and countries around the world, there is a slight difference between them. However, when it comes to facial expressions, the faces that we know of sadness, happiness, anger, and more are exactly the same all around the world. This further proves just how revealing a simple facial expression can be. Even when we don’t want it to be.
Being Mindful of Your Body Language
The way that we communicate with others is important for so many parts of life. There are relationships with friends and family, getting things done at work, and everyday tasks like ordering food or speaking to people from businesses we use. However, what we don’t say verbally usually reveals more about our inner thoughts and emotions than our words can, which is why we need to be aware of it.
Impossible To Control Our Nonverbal Communication
As we’ve learned, it’s near impossible to control our nonverbal communication, as most of it occurs without us even realizing. As long as we are not being hurtful to others or using these forms of communication to inflict pain harm others, it’s best not to try and control how you’re perceived by others.
The right way to communicate with others is being an effective listener, and these are parts of our communication that we can control. Give people your full attention when they’re talking to you and show with your nonverbal and verbal cues how you’re interested in what they’re saying. Be mindful of things like crossed arms, looking away, and responding with a dull tone, as these can all portray poor communication skills.
Here’s a Video on Secrets Of Body Language
The Most Powerful Form of Communication We Have
As humans, the most important ability we have is communication, as we need to use it for every aspect of life. With around 97% of our communication coming from these nonverbal methods, just learning a little bit more about how others might perceive our actions can make us a better communicator.
Here’s a Video on Tips: The Most Powerful Communication Is Non-Verbal
Pay Attention
To learn more about how people communicate both verbally and nonverbally pay attention next time you’re in a group setting. You may see how tones change, posture and gestures are displayed, and the proximity everyone has with each other is different, proving just how powerful these methods of communication are.
There’s no need to edit yourself completely as we are all individuals and that’s what makes the world so great. However, if the way you’re communicating with others is making them feel intimidated, uninterested or dominated, then you might need to give some more thought to your nonverbal signs.
