More Than Words - Tips for Communicating Nonverbally

Does crossing your arms indicate that you're feeling defensive? Are shifty eyes the mark of a liar? The things we communicate without words can carry as much meaning as any verbal expression, but it is important to have the skills to both understand and express such signals.

Learn how your can improve your nonverbal communication skills.
Image courtesy sanja gjenero

There has been a significant amount of research on nonverbal communication and behavior, which has revealed a myriad of ways to communicate meaning without words. From the way we dress to the way we move, our nonverbal signals can reveal a great deal about our emotions, perceptions and intentions, although many of these behaviors are so subtle that we rarely notice them consciously.

The ability to communicate and understand nonverbal signals are essential social skills, which is some many child development programs incorporate elements of nonverbal communication training. Such skills training is focus on helping children identify and interpret signals from other people, as well as express their own feelings without utilizing worlds. Children may learn how to identify facial expressions, tone of voice and posture and then practice using these signals to convey their feelings to others.

Some simple ways to improve your nonverbal communication skills include:

• Carefully observing other people
• Using your tone of voice to convey meaning
• Making eye contact when speaking
• Practicing your nonverbal signals

Learning how to better interpret and communicate without words is a great way to improve understanding of others and get your message across more effectively. In addition to understanding the different types of nonverbal communication, spend some time reviewing and practicing some nonverbal communication tips. About.com's Guide to Human Resources, Susan M. Heathfield, also offers some excellent advice for understanding nonverbal signals.