Communication: Understand Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues

<p>Communication takes many forms and is both Verbal AND Non-Verbal.  Studies suggest that approximately 65% of communication occurs nonverbally and most only remember or retain between 25% and 50% of what they hear.<br/><br/>Many are oblivious to understanding nonverbal cues, therefore miss out on critical information.  Most don&apos;t realize what information they are giving with body movements.  Some are more profound than others,<br/><br/>Non-Verbal areas of focus include:</p><ul><li>Eyes - Are they directed at you?  Where do they look when answering a question?</li><li>Head movement.  Are they nodding in agreement?</li><li>Lips.  Do they smile?  Is it a sincere smile or forced?</li><li>Feet.  Where are they pointed?  When seated, what is happening?</li><li>Legs.  Which way are they crossed?  Are the knees closed or open?</li><li>Arms.  Are they crossed in a defensive posture?</li><li>Hands.  What are they doing?</li></ul><p>Too many people focus only on what is happening verbally and are only focused on themselves, rather than having a true conversation.  They often more focused on what they want to say rather than the messages in the conversation.<br/><br/>Verbally, folks could be so much better if they practiced some basic skills:</p><ul><li>Listen - Listen - Listen.</li><li>Shut up and wait until the other person finishes speaking.  Don&apos;t talk over them.</li><li>Ask open ended questions and ask follow up questions.</li><li>Paraphrase what you think you heard and get agreement.</li><li>Don&apos;t try to One-Up the speaker.  It&apos;s not a competition.</li><li>Don&apos;t turn it around and try to make it about yourself.</li><li>Don&apos;t dismiss or minimize the other person&apos;s concerns as a way to sooth them.</li><li>Don&apos;t lecture, Insult or give advice unless it&apos;s requested.</li><li>Follow up if they are hurting and don&apos;t commit to an action you can&apos;t do.</li></ul>