Believe it or not, we speak to the world without saying a word through non-verbal communication. Almost every facet (aspect) of our personality is revealed (atskleisti) through our appearance, body language, gestures, facials expressions, demeanor (maniera), posture and movements.In our professional and personal lives, we’d like to think we could make friends and influence people if we verbally articulate our message with optimism, enthusiasm, charisma, poise (ramybe) and charm (zavumas). However did you know that the verbal (zodinis) impact (poveikis) of communication only accounts for 7% of your overall message? The bulk (turis) of our communication comes across in our appearance and body language, comprising (apimti) 55%. Tone, speed and inflection (intonacija) of our voice make up the remaining 38%.Since non-verbal communication encompasses (apimti) 93% of our overall message, let’s take a closer look at what that entails. It can include your attire (drabuziai), tone of voice, clearing your throat, rubbing your eyes, crossing your arms, tapping your toes, scratching your nose. Eye contact, or lack (stoka) thereof, gestures, crossed legs, open arms, and the scent (kvapas) we transmit are all forms of non-verbal communication. Through your choice of clothing, hairstyle, glasses, accessories, and makeup if applicable, your appearance also communicates a strong message. The way you dress plays a vital part in how listeners receive you and how others respond to you. According to John T. Molloy, author of Dress for Success, clothes are used as a tool to control how others react to you and treat you.In an interview situation or during a business meeting, it is very important that you send out the right signals. Always look attentive and interested in the opportunity or conversation – do not slouch in your chair. If you fib (sumeluoti), your body language, tone of voice or choice of words will probably give you away. Classic body language giveaways include looking everywhere other than the person you are speaking to and concealing (slepti) your mouth behind your hands while speaking.
Not only is it important for us to be aware (zinojimas) of our own body language, but it is as important to understand what body language means so we can effectively assess (ivertinti) and react to others. For example, we may pass negative judgment (nuspresti) on someone because they slouch (nerangi eisena), fidget (nenustigti), or pout (raukytis). If we are aware of why we made the judgment, we can filter out our biases (polinkius) and understand what their body language means and what it is telling us about that individual.For example If either girl walks up to you, looks into your eyes for 10 seconds, then asks: “Could you tell me the time?” I don’t REALLY think she wants to know what time it is… The most significant (reiksmingiausias) fact you should remember is that non-verbal signals have five times the impact of verbal signals. When the verbal and the non-verbal parts of the message are congruent, the listener believes your message. If they are incongruent, usually your words are saying yes, but your body language is saying no.Remember, actions speak louder than words.