1. Communicate effectively

4. Non-verbal communication

Watch closely the next time you interact with someone. You will probably notice they are not completely still when they are communicating. It is likely that their body is moving, their hands are making gestures and their facial expression and body position is changing while they speak. This is because people use non-verbal communication as another important part of sharing a message with another person

Non-verbal communication helps the other person to gain more meaning about the message and to find out about what the person is thinking and feeling as they speak.

People use non-verbal communication in different ways. Sometimes this can be confusing and may lead to the message becoming confused or mixed. Sometimes the gestures, expressions and movements that one person makes are interpreted differently by the person they are communicating with.

Non-verbal communication is only useful when there is a shared understanding of what a gesture or movement means. Sometimes people from different cultural backgrounds have differing expectations of non-verbal communication. They might use gestures more often when they speak, avoid eye contact with groups of people or use facial expressions in particular ways to emphasise a point or express an emotion.

Strategies to enhance non-verbal communication include:

Learning about the different ways that people from cultures other than your own might use gestures, facial expressions and movement as part of their communication
Thinking about how body language can relate to the emotions and thoughts of the person who is communicating
Focusing on your own non-verbal communication and making sure it matches closely with what you are saying

When and how to use Non-Verbal Communication

You should use non-verbal communication in ways that enhance and support the communication you are having with another person. Use gestures, facial expressions and body position to support the message you are trying to convey.

For example, if you are trying to appear confident and assertive, you could stand tall, put your hands on your hips and look directly at the person. If you are trying to show you are listening attentively, you could face the person, orient your body towards them and nod and smile as they speak.