Nonverbal Communication
The Global Toastmasters Resource
Nonverbal Communication is the most prolific form of communication we send or receive.
When preparing your speech, or making an evaluation, it is most important to see how the speech is enhanced by the use of Nonverbal Communication. That is not to say that what is said is not important, but the effectiveness of what you say is compounded by how you "say" it.
Albert Mehrabian documented through a number of publications his findings in relation to the relative importance of Nonverbal Communication. He documented what has become known as the "7%-38%-55% Rule". That is, the relative importance of the three elements of communications are as follows:
- Words—7%,
- Tone of Voice—38%, and
- Body Language—55%.
Few have refuted this theory.
That suggests some important lessons for Speaking and Evaluation. The links below provide some commentary on these findings.
[edit] External Links
- Listen with your eyes - http://humanresources.about.com/od/interpersonalcommunicatio1/a/nonverbal_com.htm
- Are You Sending the Right Messages - http://www.employmenttimesonline.com/career_advisor/article.php?ID=605
- Empathy - A Clinicians Perspective - http://www.asha.org/about/publications/leader-online/archives/2006/060815/f060815e.htm
- Shut Up and Talk to Me - http://www.alltipsandtricks.com/blog/2007/01/31/shut-up-and-talk-to-me/
- Debunking the 55% - 38% - 7% Rule - http://www.hodu.com/rule.shtml
- Albert Mehrabian - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Mehrabian
- Personality & Emotion Tests & Software; Psychological Books & Articles of Popular Interest - http://www.kaaj.com/psych/
- Positive Nonverbal Communication - http://www.plsweb.com/resources/newsletters/enews_archives/25/2002/10/02/
