How Do You Look?

Communication can be broken down into the three V’s:

• Visual (how we look)

• Vocal (how we sound)

• Verbal (what we say)

Each “V” should be aligned to project a consistent and professional image. Let’s explore these visual/nonverbal cues and their impact on communication.

From subtle facial expressions to posture and gestures, our visual communication speaks volumes. We communicate our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Understanding these nonverbal cues can help us navigate social interactions. We can read other people’s body language and heighten our awareness of what signals we are sending out.

 1.    Eye Contact: Eye contact is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that can convey trust, confidence, and connection. Maintain appropriate eye contact during conversations to signal engagement and attentiveness. What is appropriate? Look at your listener for several seconds or the duration of a thought and then you can glance away momentarily. You want to look at your conversation partner when they are speaking but be careful not to stare! Also, be mindful of cultural differences in eye contact to avoid misunderstandings.

 2.    Gestures: What do you do with your hands? Crossing your arms may project power, but it is also a closed-off posture. Holding on to your arm or neck, touching your face, or fidgeting with your hair or accessories projects nervousness or discomfort. Of course, this is not always what it means. Be aware of what your gestures may communicate and check out cultural differences, particularly with hand gestures.

 3.    Microexpressions: These are fleeting facial expressions that can reveal true emotions, albeit unconsciously. Train yourself to recognize these subtle cues to gain deeper insights into others' feelings and intentions. Does your conversation partner smile, sneer, frown, suddenly look away, or close their eyes? As you read these changes in expressions, you will improve your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.

4.    Space and Proximity: The distance between individuals can communicate their relationship and level of comfort. Respect personal space boundaries and be mindful of cultural differences. Adjust your proximity accordingly to create a comfortable and respectful environment for communication. If your conversation partner is backing away, consider that you may be invading their personal space.

By sharpening your awareness of visual/nonverbal cues, you can obtain a deeper level of understanding and connection with others. Whether in the workplace, social settings, or personal relationships, mastering nonverbal/visual communication is a valuable skill that can enrich your connections.

Remember, sometimes the most meaningful messages are conveyed without saying a word!

If you want to learn more about Visual Communication, reach out to LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com.