What are the best ways to assess and improve nonverbal communication skills in a professional setting?

1 Why it matters

Nonverbal communication can convey more than words, especially when it comes to emotions, attitudes, and intentions. It can also reinforce or contradict your verbal messages, creating clarity or confusion. According to some studies, nonverbal communication accounts for up to 93% of the meaning in any interaction. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of how you are perceived and received by others through your nonverbal cues.

2 How to assess it

One of the best ways to assess your nonverbal communication skills is to ask for feedback from someone you trust and respect, such as a mentor, a coach, a peer, or a manager. You can also record yourself during a presentation, a meeting, or a conversation, and review it later with a critical eye. Pay attention to how you use your posture, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and voice tone, and how they match or mismatch your words. Look for any signs of nervousness, boredom, frustration, or confusion that you may be unintentionally sending or receiving.

5 How to practice it

Nonverbal communication is an essential skill for any professional, as it can amplify or diminish your verbal communication and influence your professional relationships and results. Practicing your nonverbal communication skills in real-life situations, such as presentations, meetings, conversations, or negotiations is the best way to sharpen them. Additionally, there are exercises and activities you can use to hone your nonverbal communication skills. For example, you can stand in front of a mirror and practice delivering a message or speech using different nonverbal cues. You can also pair up with a partner and act out a scenario or situation without words to convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions. Lastly, you can record yourself during a nonverbal communication exercise or activity and watch it later with a partner or group to receive feedback on your nonverbal communication skills. By assessing, improving, interpreting, and practicing your nonverbal communication skills, you can increase your confidence, credibility, rapport, and influence in any professional setting.