Page 66 - Kindness - No Forward

In Communication, Seeing is Believing

Studies have shown that as much as 80% of what we hear is not retained,
but that we do retain as much as 60% of what we see.

And what we see is body language, eye contact, and posture.

By observing these carefully, the listener can ascertain the “real story”
being told by the speaker. What they believe is based largely on what they
“see” the speaker say.

There are so many nuances of body language that could be addressed, far
too many to go into here. But certain techniques can be followed by the
communicator to assure that the attitude of choice is conveyed to the
listener.

Here are some tips:

To Appear: Do This:

Relaxed Lean over to one side
Sincere Control tendency to “over smile”
Interested Nod occasionally
Calm Control your gestures
Trusting Maintain eye contact
Comforting Reduce the personal space between
you
Receptive Lean forward
Thoughtful Stroke your chin
Truthful Show your palm

One of my friends, a successful dentist, told me of another dentist who had
a practice that had grown so fast he was unable to spend as much time
with every patient as he used to. This was noticed by some of his patients,
who had commented on his apparent “quicker” visits.

He began to try something that worked. While not able to spend any more
time with each patient, he made it a point to sit in the room with every
patient, usually with an empty coffee cup in his hand.

After a few weeks, he began to hear commits about how he was his old self
again, always willing to take the time to sit and drink a cup of coffee with
his patients.

The impact of his non-verbal communications was recognizable. The
message of personal interest and willingness to spend time with his