Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words!

Previously, I was sharing on the importance of being a good listener and this time it will be about body language which particularly most of us would apply in our everyday life. Body language could also mean nonverbal communication that we use to deliver messages that are not written, spoken or sounded with or without intention. Sometimes, we use nonverbal cues to replace word or a spoken message such as through facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, clothing and even the tone of our voices. Take a look at the picture above, the girl’s facial expression and the way she folded both her hands, it indicates that she is angry without having to say it out. According to the chart below, it shows that nonverbal inputs comprise 55% during communication.

How true do you find that when you are in anger, your body language could be seen obviously showing that you are angry? Speaking for myself, I find it very accurate. As for me, when I am pissed off with something or even with someone, I tend to be quiet as though everything is fine but my body language shows otherwise. It is noticeable because I would be frowning, my tone is different and I am acting impatiently. For instance, there are many incidents especially when I am behind the wheel where my auntie’s would confront my ways of driving and I could not agree with her comments. I shall include our conversation as written below.

Dialog between my auntie and me when I am driving:

Catherine: (Dangerously overtaking a lorry in front at the trunk road.)

Auntie: Catherine, it is not wise to overtake the lorry when you cannot see the front view clearly. It could cause accident! On top of that, it is not advisable to overtake on double-line.

Catherine: The lorry is crawling like a snail!

Auntie: You should be more patient and wait till the view is clearer before overtaking it.There is no need to rush.

Catherine: Yeah right!

Auntie: You see, say you a little bit you angry already.

Catherine: I am not angry lar! (Answering with irritating tone)

Auntie: I am just advising you, there is no need to be so reactive.

Catherine: I said I am not angry!

Auntie: But your body language shows that you are.

Catherine: (Start muttering and stepping on the accelerator to increase the speed)

Based on the conversation above, you can identify that although verbally I denied that I was not angry but my nonverbal behaviors proved to be the opposite. This again shows that body language speaks louder than words. People tend to believe more on the body language they perceive compared to the verbal messages they receive by observing somebody when communicating.

Nonverbal communication can be complicated as everyone perceives nonverbal messages with different perspective. We should learn to be aware and mindful of nonverbal messages by opening our mind and not to jump straight to conclusions. Be knowledgeable about how others communicate nonverbally as everyone comes from different culture. Lastly, learn the skills on how to send and receive nonverbal messages and incorporate them with verbal messages you are going to convey.

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