Communication strategies sample
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The document discusses non-verbal communication and its importance. Some key points: 1) Non-verbal cues like body language and tone of voice account for a large portion of communication and can reinforce or contradict the spoken message. 2) Common body language cues like crossed arms, facial expressions, and posture can indicate feelings like openness, stress, or confidence. 3) Gestures also convey meaning differently across cultures so interpretations require context.
Communication strategies sample
- 1. The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said. Peter Drucker Module Five: Non-Verbal Communication When you are communicating, your body is sending a message that is as powerful as your words. Think about these scenarios for a moment. What non-verbal messages might you receive in each scenario? How might these non-verbal messages affect the verbal message? Your boss asks you to come into his office to discuss a new project. He looks stern and his arms are crossed. A team member tells you they have bad news, but they are smiling as they say it. You tell a co-worker that you cannot help them with a project. They say that it’s OK, but they slam your office door on their way out. Communication Strategies - Sample
- 2. In our following discussions, remember that our interpretations are just that – common interpretations. (For example, the person sitting with his or her legs crossed may simply be more comfortable that way, and not feeling closed-minded towards the discussion. Body language can also mean different things across different genders and cultures.) However, it is good to understand how various behaviors are often seen, so that we can make sure our body is sending the same message as our mouth. This is the first goal of this module: to help you understand how to use body language to become a more effective communicator. Another goal, one which you will achieve with time and practice, is to be able to interpret body language, add it to the message you are receiving, and understand the message being sent appropriately. With this in mind, let’s look at the components of non-verbal communication. Communication Strategies - Sample
- 3. Understanding the Mehrabian Study In 1971, psychologist Albert Mehrabian published a famous study called Silent Messages. In it, he made several conclusions about the way the spoken word is received. Although this study has been mis-quoted often throughout the years, its basic conclusion is that 7% of our message is verbal, 38% is paraverbal, and 55% is from body language. Now, we know this is not true in all situations. If someone is speaking to you in a foreign language, you cannot understand 93% of what they are saying. Or, if you are reading a written letter, you are likely getting more than 7% of the sender’s message. What this study does tell us is that body language is a vital part of our communication with others. With this in mind, let’s look at the messages that our body can send. Communication Strategies - Sample
- 4. All About Body Language Body language is a very broad term that simply means the way in which our body speaks to others. We have included an overview of three major categories below; we will discuss a fourth category, gestures, in a moment. THE WAY THAT WE ARE STANDING OR SITTING Think for a moment about different types of posture and the message that they relay. Sitting hunched over typically indicates stress or discomfort. Leaning back when standing or sitting indicates a casual and relaxed demeanor. Standing ramrod straight typically indicates stiffness and anxiety. THE POSITION OF OUR ARMS, LEGS, FEET, AND HANDS Crossed arms and legs often indicate a closed mind. Fidgeting is usually a sign of boredom or nervousness. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS Smiles and frowns speak a million words. A raised eyebrow can mean inquisitiveness, curiosity, or disbelief. Chewing one’s lips can indicate thinking, or it can be a sign of boredom, anxiety, or nervousness. Communication Strategies - Sample
- 5. Interpreting Gestures A gesture is a non-verbal message that is made with a specific part of the body. Gestures differ greatly from region to region, and from culture to culture. Below we have included a brief list of gestures and their common interpretation in North America. GESTURE INTERPRETATION Nodding head Yes Shaking head No Moving head from side to side Maybe Shrugging shoulders Not sure; I don’t know Crossed arms Defensive Tapping hands or fingers Bored, anxious, nervous Shaking index finger Angry Thumbs up Agreement, OK Thumbs down Disagreement, not OK Pointing index finger at someone/something Indicating, blaming Pointing middle finger (vertically) Vulgar expression Handshake Welcome, introduction Flap of the hand Doesn’t matter, go ahead Waving hand Hello Waving both hands over head Help, attention Crossed legs or ankles Defensive Tapping toes or feet Bored, anxious, nervous What other gestures can you add to the list? Communication Strategies - Sample