Page 78 - PR Communication Age January-June2020

Y You can also use body language to crossed and shaking your head doesn't to calm the other person as well. It's
emphasize or enhance your verbal match words telling the other person only when you're in a calm, relaxed
message-patting a friend on the that you agree with what they're say- state that you'll be able to know
back while complimenting him on ing. whether the situation requires a re-
his success, for example, or sponse, or whether the other person's
pounding your fists to underline Adjust your nonverbal signals ac- signals indicate it would be better to
your message. cording to the context. The tone of remain silent.
your voice, for example, should be dif-
Improve how you read nonver- ferent when you're addressing a child In situations such as a job interview,
bal communication than when you're addressing a group business presentation, high-pressure
of adults. Similarly, take into account meeting, or introduction to a loved
Be aware of individual differences.
the emotional state and cultural back- one's family, for example, it's impor-
People from different countries and
ground of the person you're interact- tant to manage your emotions, think
cultures tend to use different nonver-
ing with. on your feet, and effectively commu-
bal communication gestures, so it's
nicate under pressure.
important to take age, culture, reli-
Avoid negative body language. In-
gion, gender, and emotional state into
stead, use body language to convey Communicate effectively by
account when reading body language
positive feelings, even when you're not
signals. An American teen, a grieving staying calm under pressure
actually experiencing them. If you're
widow, and an Asian businessman, for Use stalling tactics to give yourself
nervous about a situation-a job inter-
example, are likely to use nonverbal time to think. Ask for a question to be
view, important presentation, or first
signals differently. repeated or for clarification of a state-
date, for example-you can use positive
ment before you respond.
body language to signal confidence,
Look at nonverbal communication
even though you're not feeling it. In-
signals as a group. Don't read too Pause to collect your thoughts. Si-
stead of tentatively entering a room
much into a single gesture or nonver- lence isn't necessarily a bad thing-
with your head down, eyes averted,
bal cue. Consider all of the nonverbal pausing can make you seem more in
and sliding into a chair, try standing
signals you receive, from eye contact control than rushing your response.
tall with your shoulders back, smiling
to tone of voice to body language.
and maintaining eye contact, and de-
Anyone can slip up occasionally and let Make one point and provide an ex-
livering a firm handshake. It will make
eye contact go, for example, or briefly ample or supporting piece of informa-
you feel more self-confident and help
cross their arms without meaning to. tion. If your response is too long or you
to put the other person at ease.
Consider the signals as a whole to get waffle about a number of points, you
a better "read" on a person. risk losing the listener's interest. Follow
Skill 3: Keep stress in
one point with an example and then
Improve how you deliver non- check gauge the listener's reaction to tell if
verbal communication How many times have you felt stressed you should make a second point.
Use nonverbal signals that match up during a disagreement with your
with your words rather than contra- spouse, kids, boss, friends, or cowork- Deliver your words clearly. In many
dict them. If you say one thing, but ers and then said or done something cases, how you say something can be
your body language says something you later regretted? If you can quickly as important as what you say. Speak
else, your listener will feel confused or relieve stress and return to a calm clearly, maintain an even tone, and
suspect that you're being dishonest. state, you'll not only avoid such re- make eye contact. Keep your body lan-
For example, sitting with your arms grets, but in many cases you'll also help guage relaxed and open.

"If you want to know what heaven is like, marry an angel."

78 PR COMMUNICATION AGE January - June 2020