Nonverbal Communication: Reading the Signals
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Body Language: What is he really saying?
The Nonverbal Cues are easy to pick up on once you are aware of them.
Messages are often Misconstrued
The meaning behind our words can be enhanced or can be misconstrued depending on the body language that accompanies it. When a listener receives mixed signals, they are forced to choose between the verbal and the nonverbal communication. More often than not they will choose to believe the nonverbal aspect of the message. Mixed messages can create tension and distrust. What Every BODY is Saying
What Every BODY is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 07/06/2009)
Understanding nonverbal messages is vital in many jobs today. Mr. Navarro provides a practical and constructive guide to reading body language. Not only will it help you read others, it will help you control the nonverbal messages we inadvertently send. What Every BODY is Saying is an excellent resource in the workplace and in everyday life.
Visual Cues
Everyone reads some Body Language, especially the visual cues. This included facial expression, eye movement, gestures and posture. Facial expression and eye movement are the biggest factors. We read them without being consciously aware of it. We count of those cues, a fact that becomes apparent when talking with someone that has blocked the signals with dark glasses or a mask.Gestures are harder to read, especially when communicating with someone from another culture. When someone nods their head, I read it as agreement and the side-to-side movement indicates disagreement or disapproval. In many cultures the signals are opposite. Reading the cues wrong can add a great deal of confusion to the conversation.
Body posture is another strong indicator. It can denote self-confidence, aggressiveness, guilt, fear, even anxiety.
Some Visual Cues are Easy to Read
Body Language 101
Body Language 101: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing When People Are Lying, How They Are Feeling, What They Are Thinking, and More
Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 07/06/2009)
Body Language 101 is an excellent book on the basics of body language. The concepts are explained clearly and the different gestures are illustrated. If you are looking for a place to start, Body Language 101 is for you.
Tactile Cues
Tactile cues involves touching. It is the handshake, the pat on the back, and the hugs. Was the hug spontaneous or forced? Was the pat on the back consolatory or a way of saying well done? Taken alone, tactile cues are hard to read. A pat on the back can mean Good job! or Better luck next time. As with all Nonverbal Cues, they need to be teamed with the rest. None can truly stand alone. A pat on the back can mean:
Good Job!
But it can also mean:
Better luck next time.
Visual cues do not stand alone. The situation and the context must be taken into consideration.
The Definitive Book of Body Language
The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People's Gestures and Expressions
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
The Definite Book of Body Language provides an informative and easy-to-read exploration of how we communicate with each other. Topics include the basics of body language such as hand and arm movements and gestures, facial expressions, eye signals, leg and body positioning. It's an excellent resource for professionals and non-professionals alike.
Vocal Cues
It's not what he's saying, but how he's saying it. The meaning of words can be significantly altered by a change in intonation. No means no, but was it delivered with doubt in the voice? Anger? Amazement? Was its sharp? When listening we need to focus on the tone as well as what is being said. Communication Skills: Learn How to Listen explores the topic in more detail. 
You'll do it. That's great!
Sometimes we hear what we want to hear.
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How are your communication skills?
marsha32 wrote...
I think I do a lot of non-verbal communication...and that's not a good thing.
Posted April 22, 2009
paperfacets wrote...
Good series of lenses on communication. I have had a life long struggle with this.
The Easter gathering I am going to this year will be the first place for me to try some of your strategies.
Posted April 02, 2009
Reasonable_Divorces wrote...
Very interesting lens. You share a lot of helpful information here. When you get the chance, I'd love it if you'd stop by my Divorce Buddy System lens and say hello.
Posted February 21, 2009
Tipi wrote...
Body language has always been fascinating to me. I like this lens Lizzy!
Say, it might be nice to meet-up on your next venture through Fargo-Moorhead, just a thought! :)
Posted January 10, 2009
About the Author
Lensmaster ElizabethJeanAllen, aka Lizzy Jean, has been a member since March 16 2008, has rated 3,692 lenses, favorited 454, and has created 165 lenses from scratch. Lizzy Jean donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "The Mallard Duck". See all my lenses
A Little Book of Listening Skills
A Little Book of Listening Skills: A Collection of Essential Practices For Conveying Genuine Love and Respect
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
A Little Book of Listening Skills is filled with simple yet thought provoking ideas on how to be a better listener. Anyone can learn to listen objectively and effectively. A Little Book of Listening Skills will help you along the way.
by ElizabethJeanAllen
I tell my students to Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future. With Squidoo I can do all three.
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