Non-verbal communication comes into play and takes place both at the sender’s and receiver’s end.  Involuntary responses or signals to what is being said, or what is being heard, are as vital in the effectiveness of communication at individual and group level, as the other methods of communication.  As a communicator you have to develop your own skills in correct ‘body language’, and the understanding of the subtle body signals of your audience.

We communicate with people throughout the day.  When we speak it is a direct communication.  Non-verbal communication is indirect.  It includes our posture, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and last but most important, eye contact.  Non-verbal communication constitutes 45 pre cent of the impact of a message in our communication.  If you have the right choice of words and the right tone of voice, but if your body language conflicts with your words and intonation, you will face an uphill task in getting your point through.  For casual conversation, or communication, it is not really important, but there are times when it is necessary to put one’s argument across – whether with a friend, a boss or a client.  Few people know that a scientific study has been developed on this method of communication called KINESIC – a science of body language.

In brief, you must see yourself as you appear to others.  You must confront yourself to bring about the desired change.  Once you’re aware of your body language, you can find out whether you are dominant or subservient in your kinesics relationship with others.  Actually, we have been playing the game of the body language all our life unconsciously.  W simply needs to try and become more conscious of our movements and actions.

We learn non-verbal communication from our home, peers and work environment.  Sensitivity to non-verbal signals will help you to understand others better and also improve your ability to respond to them.