Effective Non-Verbal Communication Skills                    
  (On-site and On-Camera)                   

                   
Copyright © 2009                                                 
 Diane Howard, Ph.D.                                     
 

Non-verbal cues communicate more than words.                  
 

Effective communication is not one-way. It does not just involve information dissemination. 
Effective communication facilitates respectful and positive human connections and relationships.
We convey the truth more in non-verbal communication than verbal.                                            

Much is at stake in using effective non-verbal communication skills. When  speakers
convey enthusiasm about their material and audience, listeners are more captivated.
In being more engaged, audience members are more responsive.

 If you were my audience and I was trying to persuade you about something while I was
leaning back with my crossed and my eyes darting around the room, would you be convinced
of my enthusiasm for subject or of my commitment to you.

What can you or I do with positive non-verbal cues to engage, captivate, and motivate listeners
to action and participation?

 Non-Verbal On-Site and On-Camera Communication Skills:

·         Displaying open, responsive, warm eye contact, and leaning towards the audience convey
sincerity, concern, trustworthiness.   

·         Appearing visually interesting, warm, others-centered, connects listeners to subject and speaker. 

·         Using hands is impacting. Reaching out to others communicates caring. Gesturing
deliberately and naturally with hands at about waist height conveys energetic desire
to connect with others. 

·         Using body language that is confident generates in others the desire to participate.
Using open gestures is inviting to others. 

·         Wearing clothing with color can make the communicator look more alive.

·         Female communicators should wear natural-looking make-up and minimal jewelry

·        Male and female communicators should avoid open jackets.

·         Skillful communicators smile, when possible, because it communicates acceptance,
respect, and good wishes.

1.  They understand that communicating without affect contributes to confusion and conflict.

2.  They avoid negative non-verbal communication that includes knitting brows, crossing arm leaning
      back...     

References                                           

Conrad, L. (2002). E-mail Addiction, A 12-Step Recovery Program. Retrieved August 11, 2002 from http://www.nacubo.org/website/members/bomag/1097_conrad.html.

Elam, P. (1997). A neophyte's guide to effective e-mail. WebNovice.com. Retrieved August 11,
2002 from http://www.webnovice.com/email.htm.

Fielden, N. (2001). Internet research. Jefferson: McFarland.

Grayson, C. & Baldwin, D. (2007). Leadership Networking: Relate, Collaborate, and
Get Things Done Leadership Networking: It's About Relationships. Center for Creative Leadership.
Retrieved January 8, 2008 from
 http://www.ccl.org/leadership/enewsletter/2007/OCTnetworking.aspx.

Helgesen, S. (2008). Everyday Revolutionaries: Working Women and the Transformation of
American Life.  Sally Helgesgen. Retrieved January 8, 2008 from
http://www.sallyhelgesen.com/book.cfm?isbn=0385480253 .

Helgesen, S. (2008). The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership. Sally Helgesgen.
Retrieved January 8, 2008 from
http://www.sallyhelgesen.com/book.cfm?isbn=0385419112.

Howard, D. (2007) . What is at Stake in Observation of Leaders? The Psychology of Leadership
and Role Modeling Influence. Diane Howard. Retrieved January 8, 2008 from http://dianehoward.com/What_is_at_Stake_in_Observation_of_Leaders.htm .

Muoio, A. (1998) Women and Men, Work and Power. Fast Company.com, 71, Issue 13.
Retrieved January 5, 2008 from http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/13/womenofpr.html.

Porter, K. (2003). Women Leaders: Strategic Yet Invisible Assets. Link & Learn E-Newsletter.
Retrieved January 9, 2008 from
 http://www.linkageinc.com/company/news_events/link_learn_enewsletter/archive/2003/05_03_women_leaders_porter.aspx  

San Diego, G. (2002). The art of writing e-mail. Online Marketing Since 1994. Retrieved
August 11, 2002 from http://www.net-market.com/email.htm#salutations.


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