No. 10 -

Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues: What is Not Said!

(Pic Source: designzz.com)

As we can see in the accompanying graph, non-verbal communication plays a dominate role. Gestures, facial expressions, body movement, etc. can communicate more than the words we are hearing. What can we take note of?

Even when we are talking on the telephone, there are clues that tell us the feelings and emotions of the other person. Is there a lightness to the voice? Does the cadence of the voice change regularly?

Cadence is the balanced, rhythmic flow of the voice such as of poetry or oratory speech (The FreeDictionary.com). Of course, when we are face-to-face, it can be easy to spot the body movements and facial expressions that give away the true feelings of the speaker and listener. Irritations, boredom and enthusiasm can be detected and can be either in conflict with the words spoken or it will amplify them. Remember, the words used are a fraction of the whole picture.

Learn to listen for what is not said. This can give us a more rounded picture of a subject or situation. Yes, reading the non-verbal cues are as important as the verbal ones.

Conclusion:

So there are the 10 tips to enhance our listening skill. Key point, though! Don't try to put all of these into practice at once. We may overwhelm ourselves in trying too hard to improve this skill.

Rather, try to identify which of these would be of most benefit to the many and varied relationships in our lives. I don't imagine getting teary will connect with that new business prospect. But it will go a long way in building closeness with our spouse or life partner.

We all have to communicate. It is one of the joys of being human. Enhancing our listening skill will go a long way to make communicating with others a more pleasurable and productive experience.

Which piece is missing
from your skill set?

I hope you enjoyed this training presentation. Leave any feedback in the comments box below.

Thanks,

Duncan