Perhaps you’ve heard that 93% of communication is nonverbal. This figure comes from a 1971 study that claims communication is 55% body language, 38% tone and 7% words. Others have discounted the findings, but not the importance of nonverbal communication.
In your interactions, pay attention to the following:
Facial expressions – Humans have 21 different facial expressions.
Body movement and posture – How you sit, stand, walk, etc.
Gestures – Meanings vary across cultures.
Eye contact – Conveys interest
Touch – Appropriate or inappropriate?
Space – Too close? Too far?
Voice – How you say words is extremely important.
With practice, you can improve your nonverbal communications.
– Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications