How to Improve Your Nonverbal Communication Skills

Nonverbal communication is a way of communicating that doesn’t involve verbal or written words. For example, eye contact and hand gestures are both forms of nonverbal communication. Nearly everyone uses nonverbal communication. In fact, this type of communication can be as strong if not stronger than written and verbal methods of transmitting information. Nonverbal communication happens in a variety of settings, including in job interviews, one-on-one conversations, and presentations or meetings.

Nonverbal communication is important because it can help you better interact with and understand your colleagues, managers, and employers. Your nonverbal communication methods can help support your oral and written communication efforts and can ensure what you’re trying to say is getting across effectively. This type of communication is also important because it helps to build solid relationships with others in the workplace. They can allow you to demonstrate your interest and concern in what others are saying as well as convey empathy and understanding when listening to someone else speak. Strong nonverbal communication skills are important in nearly any position and can ultimately help you succeed in your job. Learn more: You’re Sabotaging Your Success: Unknown Communication Mistakes & How to Fix Them

The following are nonverbal communication examples that are commonly used in the workplace:

Eye contact

Maintaining eye contact while communicating is a good way to show others that you’re engaged and attentive while they’re speaking. Not making eye contact could give off the impression that you are uninterested in what’s being said or even that you don’t like the person, even if the opposite is true. To practice good eye contact, keep your eyes on the individual’s face while they speak and continue to look at them when you reply.

Facial expressions

We naturally make all sorts of facial expressions when we interact with others. Nodding when another person is speaking, smiling at regular intervals, and expressing your reactions or emotions with your eyebrows are all examples of facial expressions that promote good communication in the workplace. For example, if the coworker who sits next to you at work is filling you in on their weekend plans, smile and nod to display that you’re listening and interested in what they are saying.

Vocal tone

Your vocal tone, or tone of voice, is another important form of nonverbal communication. You may be verbally expressing one thing, but if your tone suggests another thing, the audience may feel confused or that they can’t trust what’s being said. Try to maintain a positive and clear tone of voice when speaking to others in the workplace, especially when you’re exciting or passionate about what you’re speaking about. This will encourage others to stay engaged with what you’re saying and will ensure they are not receiving mixed signals when you’re talking.

Good posture

How you stand or sit at work also plays a role in how you communicate with others. People who sit and stand up straight give off a more confident and positive impression than people who slouch or droop their shoulders when sitting or standing. Practice keeping an upright posture when communicating with others when you’re sitting at your desk. Not only will you come off as more self-assured, but your back will also thank you in the long run.

Appropriate attire

Your clothes can speak for you long before you open your mouth to say anything. If you want to present yourself in a professional and confident manner, you’ll have to also dress professionally. Avoid wearing clothes that are too large or too tight or that have rips or are overly wrinkly. Take pride in your appearance and wear appropriate clothing that meets the requirements of your workplace’s dress code.

Respecting personal space

There is a fine line between getting closer to someone to fully engage with them and encroaching on someone’s personal space. While the first instance is a positive form of nonverbal communication, the second instance can leave someone feeling uncomfortable. When communicating with someone face-to-face, look at their nonverbal cues as to whether you’re standing too close or if you’re at a comfortable distance that encourages open communication. For example, if you’re standing so close to someone that you can feel their breath on your face when they speak, consider taking a step back. And, if you’re far enough away that the person has the raise their voice to speak to you, consider moving closer to them to continue speaking in comfort.

Here are a few tips you can try to improve your ability to communicate nonverbally both in and outside of the workplace:

1. Practice makes perfect. Practicing your nonverbal communication skills allows you to become more familiar with how you personally express yourself. Consider interacting with friends and family and asking them for feedback on your nonverbal communication. You could also practice giving a presentation to see how you use your hands, eyes, posture, and facial features to support your verbal communication and improve any areas you feel are necessary.
2. Watch others. Watching how other people communicate nonverbally is a good way to learn what works and what doesn’t. Watch someone who you respect and feel is a strong communicator and consider what they do with their body, voice, and eyes when speaking. Then, try to incorporate these nonverbal cues into your own communications with others.
3. When in doubt, mirror the other person. An easy way to ensure you’re practicing good communication skills is to mirror what the other person is doing. If the other individual is maintaining eye contact, you should do the same. If they are slightly bent forward to promote easier speech, you could also bend forward a little bit. Mirroring someone’s cues can encourage trust and show confidence.