Know This :
- 7 percent of meaning is derived from word choice.
- 38 percent of meaning is taken from verbal cues, such as volume,pitch and pace
- 55 percent of meaning results from non verbal cues, including body language, eye contact,gestures, and appearance.
Audiences will quickly determine whether or not they like you or trust you in seconds. If they don't, they will effectively tune you out and disregard your message.
So it's not so much that they're not
listening to you, but that they'll listen only once you pass the non-verbal test.
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS? HERE ARE THREE TIPS YOU CAN USE IMMEDIATELY :
- Maintain Strong Eye Contact
Before every broadcash
interview,ask where to look. Sometimes it's at an interviewer, others it's off to the side of a camera, and sometimes it directly into the camera. Regardless, make sure you maintain eye contact through the entire interview. It may feel strange to speak naturally to a lens. But since your eyes will appear much large on a 27" television set, any movement will be distructing to the viewer. Worse, they may think you slick, unconfident, or untrustworthy.
2.
Smile
Unless you're a representative for an airliner that just crashed. it's usually a good idea to smile during an interview. Remember - you shouldn't sublimate the things that make you charming in your everyday life. If people react positively to your smile or natural laugh in real-life, use that trait to your advantage during an interview.
3.
Dress The Role
If you're a spokesperson for a populist grassroots political group and show up in a three piece suit, you will confuse the audience.
When a verbal messages and non-verbal message are in conflict, the audience will notice and hold it against you. When preparing for an interview, role play questions with a colleague, spouse or even just a video camera. Keep practicing until what you're saying and how you're saying it appear in synch.