Be Aware of Nonverbals: How Unspoken Messages Make or Break Communication Within Teams
Effective communication is essential in any relationship. Nonverbal communication consists of the way you look, listen, move and react. These cues let a person know whether you truly care, whether you’re listening, and whether you’re being truthful. When your nonverbals align with the words you’re saying, you can increase trust, rapport and clarity. If your nonverbals do not align with the words you’re saying, you can create confusion, cause tension and diminish trust.
Types of nonverbal communication
Facial expressions: The human face is very expressive, and you can convey many emotions without saying a word.
Body language/posture: The message you give with body language can detract from having an effective conversation.
Gestures: How you gesture while conversing often happens without thinking. Remember that in some countries, certain gestures are considered offensive.
Eye contact: The way you look at someone can communicate many things, such as interest, affection, hostility or boredom.
Vocal tone: How you say things can convey a different message than what you mean. Your tone can indicate sarcasm, anger, confidence or sadness.
Use active listening to strengthen communication with others
Active listening is a skill that can help ensure members of a team have the same understanding and can have meaningful, productive conversations.
Be present in the conversation by using your senses. For example, track a speaker’s nonverbal cues with your eyes. Hear what someone says to gain understanding. Ask clarifying and open-ended questions.
By listening effectively and being aware of nonverbals, you can become a more effective communicator while building trust and connection within your team.
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