Getting your message across

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Getting message across

Regardless of whether you are networking in real life or on Zoom, interviewing for your dream job, presenting your message to a room full of people or just in a one-to-one with a direct report or your line manager, it’s important to remember that what you are saying is just one part of a much bigger story.

Everything from how you hold yourself, to your facial expression and level of eye contact all have an impact on the message that your audience hears. In fact, it might surprise you to know that findings from some studies show that up to 93% of communication takes place via nonverbal cues. The validity of this percentage has been questioned over the years, but the fact remains that whatever the actual figure is, nonverbal communication forms a significant part of understanding what is being said and the meaning behind it.

What does verbal communication cover?

Even verbal communication is not just the words that you use. It also includes your tone – serious or informal, its pitch – high or low, how fast you talk and how loudly or quietly, also the clarity of the way the words are spoken and the overall tempo. Each element provides clues to the listener about the content of the communication.

Nonverbal clues

However, the nonverbal cues – or body language – that you share consciously or subconsciously helps provide the rest of the story. These cues can include many things from facial expressions, eye contact and posture, through to gestures, body movements and the physical cues such as space and touch – handshakes and hugs for example.

Remember to smile

One of the most powerful and positive nonverbal cues is your smile. Indeed, it is often stated that people can usually hear a smile in your voice even if they can’t see your face. When they can, a natural smile and good eye contact can have a huge impact. But don’t feel like to you have to maintain eye contact continuously though, it might start to become unnerving for both of you!

It is also important that your verbal and nonverbal communications are aligned, as if the words being spoken are not supported by the way you present yourself, you are providing your audience with a mixed message, which will ultimately hinder their understanding. So next time you are preparing to engage with someone or a group of people, think about the message you are trying to convey and ensure you give yourself the best chance of being understood.

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