Ted Pollock
There is often a disparity between what people say and what they indicate on a nonverbal level. Real communication between people includes more than words alone. It includes, for example, what is not said—facial expressions, vocal inflections, gestures, and the like.
Here are some suggestions for backing up your words with nonverbal reinforcements:
- Use visual aids for clarity. A picture often is worth a thousand words.
- Listen to and observe your audience carefully in order to catch any misunderstandings. A frown, a puzzled look, or a glazed expression may mean that you need to explain something further.
- Ask questions. There is no better way to find out if you are getting your message across.
- Monitor your speech to make sure your voice and your body aren't contradicting what your mouth is saying.
- Don't be afraid of silence. A well placed pause can provide more powerful emphasis than a shout.
