If you’re a salesperson, you’ve likely heard the old adage that “actions speak louder than words.”
But do they? Consider this: if someone tells us they want to sell their car for $500 and then offers it for $400, we probably would assume the person is having financial difficulties. If that same person says “I’m going to sell my car for $500,” we might be more inclined to believe them or at least defer judgment until we have more information.
Studies show that people would prefer to believe verbal statements, even when they conflict with the nonverbal cues. So instead of relying on body language for a message, why not rely more on what’s coming out of someone’s mouth?
The studies also found: “We have good reason to think that we are very sensitive to others’ unspoken thoughts and feelings,”
says psychologist John Gottman at the University of Washington in Seattle. And while this sensitivity does not always lead us astray (especially if it is happening subconsciously), false alarms can be costly as well. Consider these two scenarios: you’re about to hire your next employee or decide whether or not a potential partner is worth pursuing further – based only on their demeanor during an interview interview..
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Consider Consider these these two two scenarios scenarios:: you’re about to hire your next employee or decide whether a potential partner is trustworthy, and nonverbal cues conflict with verbal cues: And while this sensitivity does not always lead us astray (especially if it’s happening subconsciously), false alarms can be costly as well.. There are also ways that people use their words when they speak that may indicate dishonesty which might go unnoticed by those who do not study body language such as microexpressions and paralinguistic signals like pauses, head movements, and tone.
Consider Consider these two scenarios: the next time you are about to hire your next employee or decide whether a potential partner is trustworthy, nonverbal cues conflict with verbal cues:: And while this sensitivity does not always lead us astray (especially if it’s happening subconsciously), false alarms can be costly as well.. There are also ways that people use their words when they speak that may indicate dishonesty which might go unnoticed by those who do not study body language such as microexpressions and paralinguistic signals like pauses, head movements, and tone.
Maintaining eye contact during conversation indicates honesty in Western culture but there are some cultures where breaking eye contact communicates sincerity; for example, many Eastern European countries break eye contact to show respect when speaking.
It’s important, then, not only to be aware of how we use nonverbal communication but also the social norms that exist in a given culture or situation; this is because it may lead us astray and cause us to make false assumptions about others.
People usually believe the verbal statements when they conflict with nonverbal cues. For example, if someone is smiling but their words are harsh and demanding, people will likely interpret this as a joke instead of an insult.
s when they speak that may indicate dishonesty which might go unnoticed by those who do not study body language such as microexpressions and paralinguistic signals like pauses, head movements, and tone. Maintaining eye contact during conversation indicates honesty in Western culture but there are some cultures where breaking eye contact communicates sincerity; for example, many Eastern European countries break eye contact to show respect when speaking. It’s important then not only to be aware of how we use nonverbal communication but also the social norms that exist in different parts of the world.
If you’re not sure what to say, introduce some tips for people looking to improve their nonverbal communication skills:
Try breaking eye contact when speaking with someone in Eastern European countries as an act of respect and sincerity; this is especially important if they are talking about something difficult or personal. – If we want others to believe us but our verbal statements conflict with our nonverbal cues (i.e., smiling while saying harsh words), try incorporating more pauses into your speech so that it doesn’t seem like you have a rehearsed script or stuttering on purpose. The pause will also give listeners time to process what was said before continuing on which can lend credibility and honesty toward your message.
When we are talking with someone and they are facing away from us, try to avoid speaking in a low tone. It could be perceived as rude or dismissive if the person can’t see you and it’s important for them to know that you’re still engaged in conversation even when their back is turned. – Another way of improving nonverbal communication skills is by practicing what to say before going into a meeting so that responses come out more naturally rather than having to think about how best to answer questions on the fly.
Mirroring another person’s body language (i.e., leaning forward) during a conversation can make both people feel more at ease because it makes each other seem like an ally rather than enemies locked together toe-to-toe. Another way to improve nonverbal communication skills is by practicing what to say before going into a meeting so that responses come out more naturally rather than having to think about how best to answer questions on the fly. – Mirroring another person’s body language (i.e., leaning forward) during conversation can make both people feel more at ease because it makes each other seem like an ally rather than enemies locked together toe-to-toe. “The verbal cues are always overpowering the nonverbal ones,” explains Dr Carel Edwards, Founder of The Body Language Institute.” When we’re in conflict with someone and they are facing away from us, for example, try not to speak in a low tone as this could
