Human communication goes beyond words. In our daily interactions, a large part of what we express and receive comes from non-verbal behavior. Gestures, postures, facial expressions and even tone of voice convey valuable information about our emotions, intentions and attitudes. Improving our non-verbal behavioral skills can have a significant impact on our interpersonal relationships, both personally and professionally. In this article, we will explore some strategies to strengthen our non-verbal communication and enhance our social interactions.
The Importance of Non-Verbal Behavior
It is estimated that more than 70% of our communication is non-verbal. This means that the way we express ourselves through our gestures, looks, body movements and facial expressions can have a deeper effect than our words.
Nonverbal behavior has the power to:
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Strengthen the Message: Our gestures and expressions can reinforce and complement what we say verbally, providing more clarity and emphasis to our message.
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Transmit Emotions: Facial expressions and tone of voice allow us to show our emotions and understand the emotions of others.
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Establish Empathic Connections: Eye contact, genuine smiling, and receptive body language create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding in our relationships.
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Reveal the Truth: Nonverbal behavior can reveal whether someone is being honest or hiding something.
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Influencing Perception: Our posture and personal presentation can affect how others perceive us.
Strategies to Improve Non-Verbal Behavior
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Make Listening a Priority: Non-verbal communication also involves being a good listener. Pay attention not only to the words that are said, but also to the gestures and expressions that accompany those words. This will help you better grasp the real meaning behind the words.
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Work on Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact with your interlocutor shows interest and trust. However, don’t overdo it, as too intense eye contact can be uncomfortable.
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Be Aware of Your Posture: An open, relaxed posture invites communication, while a closed posture can alienate others. Keep your arms relaxed and avoid crossing them or shrugging your shoulders.
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Smile sincerely: A genuine smile is a powerful connection tool. Show that you are comfortable and receptive to the interaction.
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Adapt your Body Language to the Situation: Adjust your non-verbal behavior according to the context. For example, in formal situations, it is important to maintain a more serious and professional body language.
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Use Appropriate Facial Expressions: Facial expressions can convey a great deal of information. Be aware of your emotions and make sure your expressions reflect your mood and what you want to communicate.
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Observe and Learn from Others: Pay attention to how other people communicate non-verbally and learn from them. Observe those who are good communicators and adopt some of their strategies.
Practice to Improve
Improving our non-verbal behavioral skills requires practice and awareness. By beginning to pay more attention to our own expressions and the non-verbal behavior of others, we can develop a greater understanding of how we communicate and how we can improve our social interactions. By investing time and effort in this area, we can strengthen our relationships and achieve more effective and meaningful communication in all aspects of our lives.