Look how people communicate non-verbally and find out who they are

Non-verbal communication is a language as any other. It is a form of communicating with other people and it is used to carry your message to those around you. Sometimes we send the message intentionally, but sometimes the message is from the unconscious mind and automatic. Non-verbal communication is based mostly on visual cues and it is the oldest form of communication known to man.

Non-verbal communication can be divided into four categories:

1..Aesthetic occurs through creative expression and include all the arts: music, dance, theatre, crafts, art, painting, and sculpture.

2..Physical communication covers the personal kind of communication and includes a smile or frown, wink, touch, smell, salute, gesture and other bodily movements.

3..Signs are a more mechanical kind of nonverbal communication, which includes signal flags or lights, a display of airplanes in formation, horns, and sirens.  

4..Symbols are used for religious or personal status reasons, as well as to build self esteem.  This includes all things which represent social status, financial means, influence, or religion (jewellery, cars, clothing etc).   

Today, non-verbal communication plays an important role in the workplace, particularly when you are dealing with the public. Nonverbal cues tell a speaker whether you are listening to him and are you interested in what they have to say. In modern world it is essential using non-verbal communication skills in the workplace, because it can help finding a proper way to interact with either employees or clients.

Physical communication is the most used form of non-verbal communication.  A person that is aware of another’s nonverbal cues will understand that person better. For example, the way you are standing and your position in a group of people can communicate. The amount of distance between you and another person will be interpreted a certain way, and the meaning will change according to the culture and it can mean either an attraction, or can signal intensity. Also, any actual touching can convey attraction or a level of intimacy. Examples of non-verbal communication of this type include shaking hands, patting the back, hugging, pushing, or other kinds of touch.

Other forms of non verbal communication are facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact.  When someone is talking, they notice changes in facial expressions, including raising eyebrows, yawning, sneering, rolling your eyes, gaping, and nodding. The meaning of these movements is pretty much the same in all cultures.

Covering mouth with hand indicates that even though the person is talking, there is something they wish to not say. If the person suddenly open eyes widely, this may indicate the individual has perceived a sudden threat and is looking for an escape route. If a listener is rolling her eyes, has a bored expression or seems glazed over, these are blatant cues that the listener is not actually listening or does not care about the speaker has to say. Make eye contact during conversations and take care that your facial expression is one of alertness and caring.

If it is about body language, if the person crosses their arms over the chest, it signifies disagreement. Fidgeting while listening also imparts cues that you are not interested in what is going on. Keeping still while listening may not be easy, but it lets the speaker know that you care about what they are saying. If person turns feet away or toward the door, this indicates the person would like to leave. In the other hand, moving away or leaning back usually indicates the person feels threatened and is putting distance between him or her and the perceived threat.

But, body positioning is subtly different from actual body movements. For example, even if you are sitting perfectly still but are leaning backwards, this gives the impression of disinterest or even downright disagreement. Inclining towards your listeners or the person who is speaking to you gives them the impression that you are engaged in the conversation. When people don't get along, they may give off subtle cues in their body positioning by turning slightly away, giving the impression that they want to leave the conversation. Open and engaged body positioning is important in a conversation.

Today is very important to recognize subtle signs in someone’s behavior, especially if it is about an important client or associates at work. It is essential to establish eye contact when speaking to others. When you make direct eye contact, it shows the others that you are interested in what they are saying and in the same time you tell them that you are confident in what you are presenting. Making direct eye contact provides others with the comfort needed to communicate with you in return. If you are smiling when talking to someone, there will be created an atmosphere with warmth and friendliness, allowing others to feel comfortable.

Also, pay attention to your proximity to others. The amount of physical space given can convey many emotions. For example, a person who is behaving aggressively is probably standing very close to the other person.

And the end, tone of voice and the sounds people make can communicate their thoughts to others without they even speaking. If someone receives directions from a manager and immediately grunt, they are showing to manager disagreement with what he said. Tone or sounds can inform people of anger, frustration or sarcasm.

In contemporary society, non-verbal communication is gaining an increasing importance as it can discover what a person does not want to say. And often it can be important key in making deals or making a difference between successful and unsuccessful business cooperation.