Try: Successful caregiving is built on the foundation of communication just speaking the words is only the first and least significant part of any communication process non-verbal messages sometimes have more bearing on what a speaker caregiver (cg) "says" and what a listener Care recipient (cr) "hears" than the actual verbal words that are used non-verbal messaging is both intentional and unintentional and can often be confusing when total communication is broken down into its components verbal communication – or the actual words spoken – account for only 10 of the overall message the non-verbal component accounts for over 50 of the total message the remaining 40 comes from the tone and inflection of the voice some of the things that non-verbal cues reveal is whether the speaker the caregiver or the listener the care recipient are nervous insecure bored thinking about something else happy craving attention a nuisance trying to deceive sincerely interested in what you are saying or straightforward non-verbalization can have the effect of being either an asset or a liability depending on how the messages are sent and received non-verbal cues can either enhance or detract from simple verbal communication learning how to "read" these non-verbal signals can make communication more effective meaningful and provide more substance to the messages non-verbal reactions to non-verbal messages convey to the speaker how the message is coming through if listeners have to choose whether to believe the verbal words or the non-verbal message usually the non-verbal message will win out because it is perceived to be a more honest signal non-verbal communication cues can play multiple roles repetition repeating the message the person is making verbally contradiction contradicting a message the person is trying to convey substitution providing a substitute for a verbal message by portraying a much more vivid message than words complementing adding to the actual verbal message such as patting someone on the back while giving praise accenting underlining a verbal message by giving a high impact non-verbal cue such as illustrating how to do a certain task by showing how the task is done at the same time that it is being explained when it comes to communication actions may speak louder than words non-verbal signals that are given both by the speaker and the listener can be either open or closed open signals such a direct eye contact leaning forward to engage the listener comfortable and relaxed posture open hands uncrossed legs and uncrossed arms make the message more accepted and believable; and as a result make the messenger more approachable closed signals such as crossed arms and legs lack of eye contact and a stiff body posture have the opposite effect these usually trigger a defense mechanism on the part of the listener facial expressions are also a good indicator of how messages may be transmitted and received wrinkled foreheads raised eyebrows and fingers tapping on tabletops convey concern and disinterest or agitation and frustration suggestions for making the "meaning" match the message when standing stand with the head slightly tilted hands clasped with a smile and a direct gaze if sitting lean forward with arms and legs uncrossed stay focused on non-verbal actions as you are speaking and don’t get distracted remember stress sometimes affects our non-verbal gestures unintentionally so try to de-stress before meetings or a presentation try to "mirror" your listener and read their signals if he or she is relaxed you could relax a little more if he or she is more serious both your verbal and non-verbal communication should reflect that you may need to make adjustments based on who you are communicating with and his or her individual circumstances interject a little silence into your message it provides a time for reflection and digestion of the message for both parties however don’t make it so long that it results in a lack of interest information references adapted from secrets of nonverbal communication forbes com 11 11 09; improving your nonverbal skills and reading body language helpguide org; non-verbal communication modes www2 andrews edu; nonverbal communication information conveyed through the use of body language l dunn department of psychology missouri western state university; non-verbal communication in business life a vintean
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Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Social, Good Hearing, So-So Hearing, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware
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Keywords: Non-verbal communication body language mixed signals misunderstanding
*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed