How to Read Nonverbal Signals of Other People
Interesting tips to read the nonverbal signals of other
people
The Top 10 Communication Skills
The following top ten tips for nonverbal communication can
help you learn to read the nonverbal signals of other people and enhance your
own ability to communicate effectively.
1A. Pay
Attention to Nonverbal Signals
People can communicate information in numerous ways; so pay
attention to things like eye contact, gestures, posture, body movements, and
tone of voice. All of these signals can convey important information that isn’t
put into words. By paying closer attention to other people’s unspoken
behaviors, you will improve your own ability to communicate nonverbally.
2A.
Look for Incongruent Behaviors
If someone’s words do not match their nonverbal behaviors,
you should pay careful attention. For example, someone might tell you they are
happy while frowning and staring at the ground. Research has shown that when
words fail to match up with nonverbal signals, people tend to ignore what has
been said and focus instead on unspoken expressions of moods, thoughts, and
emotions.
3A.
Concentrate on Your Tone of Voice When Speaking
Your tone of voice can convey a wealth of information,
ranging from enthusiasm to disinterest to anger. Start noticing how your tone
of voice affects how others respond to you and try using tone of voice to
emphasize ideas that you want to communicate. For example, if you want to show
genuine interest in something, express your enthusiasm by using an animated
tone of voice.
4A. Use
Good Eye Contact
When people fail to look others in the eye, it can seem as
if they are evading or trying to hide something. On the other hand, too much
eye contact can seem confrontational or intimidating. While eye contact is an
important part of communication, it’s important to remember that good eye
contact does not mean staring fixedly into someone’s eyes. How can you tell how
much eye contact is correct? Some communication experts recommend intervals of
eye contact lasting four to five seconds.
5A. Ask
Questions About Nonverbal Signals
If you are confused about another person’s nonverbal
signals, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good idea is to repeat back your
interpretation of what has been said and ask for clarification. An example of
this might be, “So what you are saying is that…”
6A. Use
Signals to Make Communication More Effective and Meaningful
Remember that verbal and nonverbal communication work
together to convey a message. You can improve your spoken communication by
using body language that reinforces and supports what you are saying. This can
be especially useful when making presentations or when speaking to a large
group of people.
7A.
Look at Signals as a Group
A single gesture can mean any number of things, or maybe
even nothing at all. The key to accurately reading nonverbal behavior is to
look for groups of signals that reinforce a common point. If you place too much
emphasis on just one signal out of many, you might come to an inaccurate
conclusion about what a person is trying to communicate.
8A.
Consider Context
When you are communicating with others, always consider the
situation and the context in which the communication occurs. Some situations
require more formal behaviors that might be interpreted very differently in any
other setting. Consider whether or not nonverbal behaviors are appropriate for
the context. If you are trying to improve your own nonverbal communication,
concentrate on ways to make your signals match the level of formality
necessitated by the situation.
9A. Be
Aware That Signals Can be Misread
According to some, a firm handshake indicates a strong
personality while a weak handshake is taken as a lack of fortitude. This
example illustrates an important point about the possibility of misreading
nonverbal signals. A limp handshake might actually indicate something else
entirely, such as arthritis. Always remember to look for groups of behavior. A
person’s overall demeanor is far more telling than a single gesture viewed in
isolation.
10A.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal
communication effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These
people are often described as being able to “read people.” In reality, you can
build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal behavior and
practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others. By noticing
nonverbal behavior and practicing your own skills, you can dramatically improve
your communication abilities.
Source:
http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/tp/nonverbaltips.ht
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