The secrets of non-verbal language

Non-verbal language plays a key role in communication, since it represents a very high percentage of the message that is broadcast, and it is crucial to transmit your own ideas and interpret what others tell us.

The list of tools that we have to use in non-verbal language is very broad: from gestures and postures to a specific facial expression or eye contact, as well as communication through objects, be it clothing or hairstyle.

Depending on the type of non-verbal language used, the same sentence can acquire completely different meanings and can even describe the type of relationship with the other person.

Aspects of non-verbal language

There are three aspects to take into account within non-verbal language that operate at the same time to convey a global impression that provides meaning to what we verbally express, as well as to ourselves.

Paralinguistics or paraverbal language

Refers to the sound codes that accompany the emission of verbal language, such as tone, volume, voice timbre, intonation, speed of speech, pauses or clearing of the throat, among many others. These sounds convey additional information, qualify, reaffirm, or may even contradict verbal speech.

The kinesics or gestures and movements of the body

They are made throughout the speech. By this, we mean facial expressions, grimaces, smile, gaze direction, eye contact, gaze duration, arm movements, and postures.

Proxemics

It is the management of personal space and distance with the interlocutors. The space between the two interlocutors varies from one culture to another and from one context to another.

It is important not to analyze a gesture or a reaction in isolation. The set of various behaviors will be those that can lead us to draw a conclusion about the message that the issuer wishes to transmit.

Successful communication depends on the correct and proper functioning of all components of the communication system. Non-verbal communication needs to be consistent with verbal communication and vice versa so that in its entirety it is understandable and sincere.

• Gestures, looks, even clothing or hairstyle are part of the so-called non-verbal language.
• It is crucial to convey what we think and to be able to interpret what others tell us.
• To be understandable and sincere, it needs to be consistent with verbal communication.