Understanding how to use nonverbal communication is crucial to great presenting, however, learning to read it can be a great place to start. It’s very difficult to observe ourselves in our day to day interactions, and if we can’t record our presentations we can’t see how effectively we are getting our message across.
The following examples can fill you in a bit on what you should be looking for. This is not an exhaustive list, but one that will get you heading in the right direction.
The next time you watch a presentation, pay close attention to the body language of the speaker, but don’t stop there. Consider the benefits of nonverbal fluency when you are working in your next brainstorming session or interacting with colleagues and clients day-to-day.
Head of the Class
Notice the way a speaker or colleague holds their head. Extreme angles denote sympathy while holding one’s head down could mean someone is trying to hide something. Looking up implies deep thinking.
In the Eyes
Liars tend to make eye contact intermittently and erratically, while people who look away when you are speaking are simply not listening. In some cultures, eye contact is considered to be disrespectful.
Mirror Me
When you are speaking with someone who begins to mirror your gestures or inflections you can be sure you are making a strong connection.
Nervous Gestures
Gestures like playing with hair or jewelry can denote that a person is nervous. Biting the lips may literally mean they aren’t saying everything that is on their mind.
Gauge the Gaze
If you ask someone a question there is an interesting way to tell if they are lying. If they gaze to the right as they answer, they are remembering real events. If they gaze to the left they are fabricating an excuse. This is connected to the way the brain processes information. For instance, looking to the right is common when remembering, but most people gaze to the left when they daydream.
When it comes to nonverbal communication, watching others can be the best school around. Observe the behaviors of your friend’s and colleagues and you’ll gain greater insight into your own habits.
