When asking a group of people to give examples of communication, the first answers include speaking, telephone, email, letters and text messages. More often than not, it takes a bit of a push to get them to include body language, which is in fact one the most detailed and expressive types of communication. Body language is a form of non-verbal communication which implies that we are able to transfer a message from sender to receiver without using words. We do this by using hand gestures, body stance, facial expression and eye contact.
Hand gestures form an important part in most greetings, for example the handshake, wave and salute. These are welcoming signals that reveal that the other person is not holding a weapon. When speaking, our hands often flop about subconsciously in an effort to further clarify what we mean. Experts on the subject say that when a person’s hand movements start at the body and move out, that the person in question is being open and honest. Oppositely, if the hand movements start further away and go towards the person’s body, they are not being entirely truthful. Do you agree that we, as observers, can make such assumptions? Fidgeting is a clear sign of nervousness, while hands that don’t move at all indicate restraint and possibly lying. When traveling or doing international business, one must be cautious and aware of the different hand gestures around the world. For example, in Oman, to squeeze the tips of one’s fingers together means ‘wait’, ‘be patient’ or ‘slow down’. The same gesture in South Africa is very rude and offensive, and could even result in a fight.
The way we sit or stand is just as significant to our receiver. Shoulders back and head held high indicates that a person is confident and will not back down if challenged. However, when a person is hunched over, curling in to themselves, they are protecting themselves. They are insecure and will more than likely not stand up for themselves. Crossed arms clearly reveal that the person is closed off to what is being said and they will not be persuaded. Stand tall, you will be noticed.
Facial expression and eye contact are the most important non-verbal communicators. Our facial movements represent our emotional state the most vividly. We are often able to tell what is going to happen next in a situation just by looking at someone’s face. We can see when a person is concentrating, angry, mischevious, grouchy or happy. When one smiles and genuinely means it, their eyes and whole face will smile. And what a powerful tool a smile can be. The way you look at the person you are addressing, will let them understand you better. Do they look directly into your eyes, stare, keep looking away or looking from side to side? To find out what this all means and more, join Modern Gulf Institute in launching their new course…
