When talking to the other person, it is not just our words which relay our message, but non-verbal communication also plays an important part in sending messages.
Nonverbal behavior means sending a message with our body language without talking, like being surprised about what they are saying, or upset, tired, happy … We might even communicate a message in words, but show something different in behavior, like frowning, while saying that we are happy to hear something! This will confuse our audience as to what we really mean. Therefore, our nonverbal behavior must match our verbal communication and be polite.
We can relay our message more effectively in nonverbal behavior; or we can behave in a manner while listening which will reassure the other party that we are listening attentively. The following are examples of nonverbal behavior:
- Facial expressions: When the person is talking about something sad, our facial expression can show our sadness. For example, we can stare at the floor.
- Tone of voice: When we speak in a low voice, it might mean that we are trying to say something privately, or show our sadness. When we speak in a louder tone than usual, we are often showing that we are sure of what we are saying or are decisive on the subject.
- Looking at the other person (eye contact): It is polite to make eye contact with the person we are talking to. Naturally, we do not usually stare at people or look around when we are talking. We must look at the person most of the time. Otherwise, they will think that we are not paying attention to them and are thinking about something else.
- Head gestures: For instance, we can approve what the other person is saying by shaking our head up and down, or disagree by moving our head side to side.
- Hand gestures: For instance, we can ask them to be silent with our hands.
- Body language: An example of body language is when the other person is talking about a sensitive subject and we lean slightly towards them or turn our ear to them to show that what they are talking about is also very important to us.