Reading Nonverbal Cues

As much as 93 percent of the meaning...can come from nonverbal channels,

Nonverbal communication is made up of visual, vocal, and tactile signals and the use of time, space, and image. As much as 93 percent of the meaning that is transmitted in face-to-face communication can come from nonverbal channels, so you should be aware of these cues.

• Nervousness. Clearing ones throat, covering the mouth while speaking, fidgeting, shifting weight from one foot to the other, tapping fingers, pacing.
• Boredom or impatience. Drumming fingers, foot swinging, brushing or picking at lint, doodling, or looking at one's watch.
• Confidence, superiority, and authority. Using relaxed and expansive gestures, such as leaning back with fingers laced behind the head and hands together at the back with chin thrust upward.
• Openness. Holding hands in an open position, having an unbuttoned coat or collar, removing one's coat, moving closer, leaning slightly forward, and uncrossing arms and legs.
• Defensiveness. Holding body rigid, with arms or legs tightly crossed, eyes glancing sideways, minimal eye contact, lips pursed, fists clenched, and downcast head.

ACTION POINT: Study nonverbal cues to help understand what is being communicated by body language.