If words are the foundation of communication, nonverbal cues are the walls and roof that give the message its shape. Body language, facial expressions, gestures, and even the spaces between our words can either reinforce or completely contradict what we’re trying to say. For HR professionals, mastering nonverbal communication is essential for building trust, resolving conflicts, and cultivating a positive workplace culture.
In this article, we’ll explore how nonverbal communication works, identify common pitfalls and offer practical tips to help you use it effectively. And as we explore these concepts, we’ll also consider technology’s role in fostering better communication habits.
The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Research has consistently shown that nonverbal communication accounts for a significant portion of how messages are perceived. In fact, psychologist Albert Mehrabian’s studies found that when it comes to emotional communication, only 7% of the message comes from the words themselves. In comparison, 38% comes from tone and 55% from body language.
Examples of Nonverbal Cues at Work:
- Body Language:
- Crossed arms may signal defensiveness, while open palms suggest openness.
- Leaning forward indicates engagement, while leaning back can signal disengagement or discomfort.
- Facial Expressions:
- A genuine smile builds trust and rapport, while a lack of eye contact can suggest dishonesty or discomfort.
- Micro-expressions—those fleeting facial movements—can reveal unspoken emotions.
- Gestures and Posture:
- Nodding can encourage a speaker to continue, while slouching might signal boredom or lack of interest.
These cues operate subconsciously, meaning your audience picks up on them even if they’re not actively paying attention.
Common Nonverbal Pitfalls
Even experienced communicators can fall into common traps regarding nonverbal communication. Here are a few to watch for:
- Mixed Signals:
When your body language contradicts your words (e.g., saying “I’m fine” with a frown), the audience is likelier to believe the nonverbal message. - Cultural Differences:
Nonverbal communication is not universal. For example, maintaining direct eye contact might signal confidence in some cultures but could be seen as aggressive in others. - Overlooking Context:
The same gesture can have different meanings depending on the setting. A relaxed posture might be appropriate in an informal meeting but could signal a lack of professionalism in a formal one.
How HR Professionals Can Leverage Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is a critical tool for HR professionals, whether you’re interviewing candidates, mediating conflicts, or building team morale. Here are a few actionable tips:
- Pay Attention to Alignment:
Ensure your nonverbal cues match your words. For example, when offering praise, use an open posture and smile to convey authenticity. - Observe Others:
Nonverbal cues can provide insights into how others are feeling. Watch for signs of discomfort, disengagement, or enthusiasm during meetings and conversations. - Be Mindful of Your Space:
Personal space matters, especially in high-stakes conversations. Respect cultural norms and individual comfort levels. - Train Your Team:
Offer workshops or resources to help managers and employees become more aware of their nonverbal communication.
The Role of Technology in Nonverbal Communication
While nonverbal cues are inherently human, emerging AI tools are designed to help individuals refine their communication skills. AI coaching apps that analyze tone and word choice can help users align their verbal messages with their intended emotional impact. These tools simulate real-life scenarios, allowing employees and leaders a chance to enhance rapport-building skills and practice delivering feedback, handling conflicts, or motivating teams in a safe, judgment-free space.
By working with an AI coach, employees can:
- Practice empathetic communication in scenarios that prepare them for real-life conversations.
- Receive insights on how their words and tone might be perceived, encouraging them to align their verbal and nonverbal messages.
Technology like AI apps is not meant to replace human interaction but to help individuals become more intentional and effective communicators. They complement human interactions and foster better understanding across the workplace.
Conclusion
Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool that either reinforces or undermines your message entirely. For HR professionals, mastering this skill can make the difference between resolving and escalating a conflict or between building trust and breaking it.
As you reflect on your own nonverbal habits, consider how they align with your words and tone. In the following article, we’ll dive deeper into how you say something—your tone and inflection—and how these elements influence the emotional impact of your message.
Coming up next: More Than Words: The Subtle Art of Tone and Inflection
About The Author
Sheryl Anjanette is the founder, CEO, and Chairman of Parsley360, Inc., an AI-driven corporate performance and wellness company holistically solving the issues of retention, burnout, and productivity through emotionally intelligent AI. Sheryl is also the author of The Imposter Lies Within, a keynote speaker on the topics of Imposter Syndrome, Burnout, The Future of Work and AI, and holds advanced certifications in Human Performance Improvement (HPI), Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience, and Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Regulation. Check out Sheryl’s TEDx talk, How Empathetic AI Can Change the World.
To learn more about how Parsley is helping to reshape The Future of Work, visit www.parsley360.com.
Other articles to enjoy by Sheryl:
Transform Founder Spotlight, Sheryl Anjanette, Founder & CEO of Parsley360
The Power of Communication: Words Are Just the Beginning
Videos with Sheryl:
The Conscience of AI: Ethics, Empathy, and Fair Use in Modern Business