What is nonverbal communication?

Nonverbal communication, also called body language, is the process of sending and receiving messages without using words, whether spoken or written. Just as some spelling marks are useful to emphasize written language, nonverbal behavior can emphasize parts of a verbal message.

It is considered that in a face-to-face communication, nonverbal behavior represents an important percentage of the information we transmit, compared to the rest that corresponds to verbal communication: hence the importance of taking nonverbal communication into account. In any case, below we will review some myths about the weight of nonverbal behavior in communication.

Non-verbal communication should not be confused with non-spoken (oral) communication, since there are non-verbal forms of communication, such as written or sign languages, which are not oral either.

Origins of nonverbal communication

The term nonverbal communication was introduced in 1956 by psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch and author Weldon Kees in the book “Nonverbal Communication: Notes on the Visual Perception of Human Relations.Nonverbal Communication: Notes on the Visual Perception of Human Relations.“.

However, nonverbal behavior has been recognized for centuries as a fundamental aspect of communication. An example can be found in “The Advancement of Learning” (1605), a work in which Francis Bacon observed that “the lineaments of the body reveal the disposition and inclination of the mind in general, but the movements of the countenance and parts not only do so, but also reveal the mood and present state of the mind and will”.

It is also important to remember the influence of works published by Charles Darwin in 1872, entitled “The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals” and the figure of Paul Ekmanthe best known researcher in the field of non-verbal behavior, especially with regard to the facial expressions of emotions.

This same author establishes, together with Wallace Friesen, three types of nonverbal acts:

Non-verbal acts

• Origin: physiological or through our social environment.
• Uses: non-verbal language can be used -or not- to reinforce and clarify a verbal message.
• Coding: can be arbitrary or iconic.

What are the elements of nonverbal communication?

Facial expressions

The human face is capable of expressing countless emotions without saying a word. And unlike some forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions of emotions are universal. The facial expressions of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear and disgust are the same in all cultures.

Gestures

Gestures are part of our daily lives. We wave, point, gesture and use our hands when discussing or talking animatedly, often unconsciously expressing ourselves with gestures. However, the meaning of gestures can be very different depending on the culture and region, so it is important to be careful to avoid misinterpretations. Gestures, body movements and postures are studied by kinesics, also known as kinesics or kinesics.

Touch

We communicate a lot through touch. Think of the messages they convey: a firm handshake, a shy pat on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring pat on the back, a condescending nod of the head or a controlling squeeze on the arm.

Space

Have we ever felt uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person was too close and invading our space? We all have a need for physical space, although that need differs depending on the culture, situation and closeness of the relationship.

We can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal messages, such as signals of intimacy, aggression, dominance or affection. This concept is called proxemics, which is none other than the discipline that studies the spatial relationship between people as a social and signifying manifestation.

Body movements and posture

People’s perception of us varies depending on the way we sit, walk, stand or hold our heads, because the way we move and behave communicates a great deal of information to the outside world. This type of nonverbal communication includes posture, demeanor, stance and movements.

Visual contact

Because the visual sense is dominant for most people, eye contact is an especially important type of nonverbal communication. The way you look at someone can communicate many things, such as interest, affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also crucial for maintaining the flow of conversation and for gauging the other person’s response.

Voice

It’s not just what we say, but how we say it. When we speak, others “read” our voice, as well as paying attention to our words in a process of active listening. They focus on timing and rhythm, voice volume, pitch and inflection, and sounds that convey understanding and assent. Let’s think that the tone of voice can show sarcasm, anger, affection or confidence.

This is where paralinguistics comes into play, a science that studies elements such as the intensity or volume of the voice; the speed of utterances; the tone, variants and nuances of intonation and syllabic duration or volume.

What roles and functions does nonverbal behavior play?

• Repetition: non-verbal communication reinforces the message we deliver verbally.
• Contradiction: our nonverbal behavior may contradict the message we are trying to convey, thus indicating to the listener that, in certain cases, we may not be telling the truth.
• Substitution: Non-verbal communication can substitute for a verbal message. For example, our facial expression often conveys a much more vivid message than words.
• Complement: you can add to or complement your verbal message. As a boss, if in addition to praising an employee we give him or her a pat on the back, it can increase the impact of our message.
• Accentuate: You can accentuate or underline a verbal message. Tapping the table, for example, can emphasize the importance of your message.

Examples of the importance of nonverbal communication

Nowadays, the importance of nonverbal behavior in the context of communication is unquestionable, and we can find numerous examples:

A good alternative is to take a look at this video by Sonia El Hakim, lecturer in Nonverbal Behavior in different universities and institutions and for the State Security Forces and Corps, in TEDxRuzafa. It is an interesting and fun review of the relevance of our nonverbal behavior in everyday situations.

In this other video, psychologist and researcher David Matsumoto describes the importance of nonverbal communication and what “microexpressions” and “emblematic gestures” consist of, as a universal language, suggesting that nonverbal communication is learned almost innately and becomes an educational tool to promote learning.

Matsumoto is a psychologist and professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, and founder and director of the Culture and Emotion Research Laboratory, which studies the role of culture, emotion, social interaction and human communication.

Finally, in this video by Sinapsis-Lab, a consulting firm specializing in improving sales results, influence and leadership, reviews Barack Obama’s non-verbal communication in a speech at the Democratic Party convention in Boston in 2004, when he was a senator and not yet so well known.

Non-verbal communication and politics

In the same way as in any other field, non-verbal behaviors are key in political communication. In fact, it is quite common that when an electoral debate has taken place, some experts make an analysis on television of the non-verbal language used by the participants, and draw some conclusions about the message they wanted (or tried) to convey.

In this regard, our colleague Cristina Rubio wrote a post a few years ago on the analysis of the non-verbal language of politicians in campaigns.

Books on nonverbal communication

In our favorite bookstore we can find numerous works about nonverbal communication. Here are some examples:

• Mark L. Knapp (1982). Nonverbal communication: the body and the environment (Editorial Paidós). This is one of the classic works on nonverbal communication, in which the author reviews the most important works carried out to date on the subject and offers the reader a rigorous synthesis. The book addresses, among others, the role of tactile contact in interpersonal relationships, gestures in sexual rituals, the role of appearance in expression, the interrelation between the environment and personality, the direction and meaning of glances, facial expressions, etc.
• Flora Davis (2010). “La comunicación no verbal”. (Alianza Editorial). The author not only establishes an inventory of the techniques used by researchers in this interdisciplinary field where psychological, anthropological and ethological approaches intersect, and of their most important achievements, but also provides numerous examples of how this silent language influences daily life.
• María Calvo del Brío (2021). “Nonverbal communication for curious humans”. (Editorial Almuzara). The author gathers in the book the lessons learned from her professional practice through conferences, lectures, courses and workshops, transmitting these concepts with concrete examples applied to different personal and professional environments: negotiation, interviews, presentations…

Myths of nonverbal communication

One of the most widespread myths about nonverbal communication is the claim that words account for only 7% of what is communicated in a conversation. The rest would consist of 38% of the use of the voice (paralanguage) and 55% of body language (nonverbal communication).

This myth is even supported by a specific study conducted by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, a retired psychology professor) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

But those numbers – suspiciously specific – come from a single study, which should be enough on its own to cast doubt on this claim. Moreover, the study deals with a very specific situation where people are talking about emotional content, and there is a disconnect between the words they use, the tone of voice and the body language.

Can non-verbal communication be misrepresented?

There are hundreds of references and websites that offer tips on how to use body language to your advantage. For example, they can teach us how to sit in a certain way, to join our fingers together or to shake hands in order to appear self-assured.

But it’s really not easy for those tricks not to work, since we can’t manipulate all the signals we constantly send out about what we really think and feel. And the more we try, the more unnatural those signals will probably become.

However, that does not mean that we do not have some control over our verbal communication. For example, if we do not agree with what someone says and want to establish a assertive communicationWe can use negative body language to reject the person’s message, such as crossing our arms, avoiding eye contact or tapping our feet.

Liars do not make eye contact.

Another common myth about nonverbal communication is that liars avoid eye contact. While some liars (especially children) find it difficult to lie while looking at us, other liars, especially more blatant or habitual liars, may overcompensate to “prove” that they are not lying by making too much eye contact and holding it too long.

If we associate lack of eye contact with deception, we run the risk of misinterpreting the signals of people who are shy, introverted or come from cultures where prolonged eye contact is considered rude or threatening.

Exercises for nonverbal communication

There are numerous exercises that allow us to better understand nonverbal communication and use it appropriately when communicating with others:

• One of the most common activities is to seat the members of a group in a circle and one person stands in the circle. Through nonverbal communication, he/she should address one of the participants indicating that he/she wants to sit down and take his/her place.
• Another common example for exercising nonverbal behaviors is to assign each participant a situation to describe to others using only body language. These are simple situations, such as one that might involve being in a hurry and missing the bus.
• The silent interview also represents an excellent dynamic to be aware of the importance of nonverbal communication.

La entrada Non-verbal communication: elements and characteristics se publicó primero en Agencia comma.

What is assertive communication?

Assertive communication is the ability to express a message, an attitude, a value, an opinion or an emotion in an active way, but without harming or attacking our interlocutor. It is a mature way of communicating, with which we are able to deliver our message and defend our rights in a skillful way and with the certainty that it will reach the receiver correctly. It is very common to confuse the concept of assertiveness with the ability to “say no”, but the term is much broader and includes many other social skills implicit in it.

RAE definition of assertiveness

The Real Academia Española definition of assertiveness does not give us too many clues about the practical use of the term. However, we can find some signs by searching for the same word and some related ones:

• Assertion. Affirmation of the certainty of something.
• Assertiveness. Quality of assertiveness.
• Assertive. Who expresses his opinion in a firm manner

What does an assertive communicator look like?

People who communicate assertively usually meet a series of personal attributes or characteristics, without which it would be impossible to communicate effectively:

Freedom of expression

People who practice assertive communication have a sense of freedom and confidence to express their thoughts, feelings, opinions and needs appropriately. They are not afraid to speak on their own behalf and do not feel constrained by fear of rejection or criticism.

Direct, appropriate, open and honest communication

Assertive communication involves the ability to express oneself directly and clearly, avoiding ambiguities or confusing messages. Assertive people choose their words carefully and ensure that their message is understandable to others. They are honest in their communications and avoid manipulation or avoidance of the truth.

Ease of communication with all kinds of people

Assertive people are able to establish and maintain effective communication with different types of people, regardless of their social position, hierarchy or personality. They have empathy and active listening skills, which enable them to understand others’ points of view and adapt their communication accordingly.

Respectable behavior and acceptance of one’s own limitations.

People who practice assertive communication are aware of the importance of mutual respect in interactions. They maintain a respectful behavior towards others, avoiding the use of offensive, aggressive or derogatory language. In addition, they are able to recognize and accept their own limitations, without feeling threatened or inferior because of it.

Healthy self-confidence and self-esteem

An assertive person has good self-esteem and self-confidence. They value themselves and believe in their own right to express themselves and be heard. They have a positive self-image and do not rely on external validation to feel confident in their communications.

Basic assertive rights

Assertiveness and assertive communication is based on some basic assertive rights. Manuel J. Smith, associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of California and considered the pioneer of assertive rights and assertive therapy, wrote in 1975 “When i say no, i feel guilty“, a manual in which some of these rights are included in the so-called “Assertive Bill of Rights“, which quickly became popular in the United States. However, nowadays, psychology professionals usually work with a broader list of assertive rights. We include below, slightly modified, those proposed by psychologist Alberto Soler:

List of 22 assertive rights

1. Sometimes, you have the right to be first. Always yielding to others, not communicating your wishes or preferences does not make you more courteous. Don’t say “whatever you want” when you have a preference.
2. You have the right to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of life, they are necessary for learning. Don’t be ashamed of them and defend your right to make them.
3. You are entitled to your own opinions and beliefs.
4. You have the right to change your mind, opinion, or action.
5. You have the right to express criticism and protest unfair treatment, but always in a way that is respectful of others.
6. You have the right to try to change what does not satisfy you.
7. You have the right to ask for help or emotional support.
8. You have the right to feel and express pain.
9. You have the right to ignore the advice of others.
10. You are entitled to recognition for a job well done, both by others and by yourself.
11. You have the right to refuse a request, to say “no” without feeling guilty or selfish.
12. You have the right to be alone, even when others desire your company.
13. You have the right not to justify yourself to others. Sometimes a “No, thank you” is enough.
14. You have the right not to take responsibility for other people’s problems.
15. You have the right not to anticipate the wants and needs of others and not to have to intuit them.
16. You have the right to be treated with dignity and to protest if you feel this is not the case.
17. You have the right to have your own needs and that they are as important as those of others.
18. You have the right to experience and express your own feelings, as well as to be their sole judge.
19. You have the right to stop and think before you act.
20. You have the right to ask for what you want and not take no for an answer.
21. You are entitled to do less than you are capable of doing. You can’t always perform at your best.
22. You have the right to decide what to do with your body, time and property.

Passive, aggressive and assertive communication

Assertive communication is halfway between passive or inhibited communication – we keep quiet, we “keep to ourselves” what we think, we do not express what we really want to say – and aggressive communication – we do not keep anything to ourselves, but we send the message in an inappropriate tone or attitude. To better understand the concept, let’s use a simple example. Let’s imagine that we are in line at the movie theater and a person sneaks in.

• Passive or inhibited communication would consist of not saying anything, even though we have been angered by the situation, causing an important feeling of frustration.
• Aggressive communication, on the other hand, would cause us to shout or speak with bad manners, almost certainly leading to a conflict situation.
• However, assertive communication would consist of, with total tranquility, looking into the eyes and even with a slight smile and an appropriate tone of voice, communicating to the person that we were in front of him/her.

Five steps to establish assertive communication

It is logical to think that the situations we face every day, whether in the social, work or family environment, are not as simple as the one in the cinema queue. However, the use of assertive communication can help us a lot in the vast majority of social interactions in multiple areas. But how to do it? We will now review five essential guidelines for communicating assertively:

1. Think about the problem, not the person.

It is very common that when we have a disagreement, an exchange of views or an argument, we focus on the person instead of the problem. Focus on the reason for the problem and listen carefully to what messages are being sent, not who is sending them, trying to free yourself from certain prejudices. Don’t take a situation you don’t like personally.

2. Take care of your verbal and non verbal communication

It is useless to have an appropriate tone of voice if our body shows signs of aggressiveness, or vice versa. Our verbal and non-verbal language should be as coherent as possible and be shown in the same line or orientation.

3. Listen, listen, listen

To put assertive communication into practice, it is necessary to listen, not just hear. Many times we are thinking more about our own speech than about what our interlocutor is transmitting to us. Pay attention first to what he/she is saying, respect his/her time and show that you are paying attention by practicing active listening.

4. Being empathetic does not mean agreeing

Another key element for our communication to be assertive is to practice empathy, or in other words, to put ourselves in the other person’s place and make him/her see clearly. When faced with a disagreement or a situation that makes us uncomfortable, try telling your interlocutor “I understand perfectly what you are saying”, “I have listened carefully to what you have said”, “I think your opinion on the matter is clear to me”. Once this is done, the person we are talking to knows that we have paid attention to him/her and will be more receptive to listen to our point of view.

5. Put into practice some assertive techniques

On paper it seems very simple to put assertive communication into practice, but we can find ourselves in quite complex situations. In these cases, it is advisable to use some of the assertive tactics that work best, which we will now look at.

Assertive communication techniques

In theory, assertive communication may seem simple to implement, but in practice, we face situations that can be quite complex. In these cases, it is useful to resort to some assertive tactics that have proven to be effective. Below, we will explore some of these techniques that can facilitate the use of assertive communication.

Scratched disc

This assertive technique consists of insisting on the same message over and over again until the other person understands our position. By using the broken record, we repeat our point of view in a calm and firm manner, without being provocative or straying from the topic. For example, we might say, “Yes, I heard you, but I want you to understand that…”

Assertive postponement

Assertive deferral involves letting our interlocutor know that the current moment is not the right time to continue the discussion. This technique is useful when, despite using assertive communication, we cannot get the other person to understand our point of view or when the conversation becomes too aggressive. We can express: “I would like to resume this conversation at another time, when we are both calmer and can talk calmly”.

Assertive question

Assertive questioning consists of responding to the other person by asking questions to obtain more information, without directly questioning or challenging what has been said. This technique allows us to gain clarity and better understand the other person’s perspective. For example, we might ask, “I understand that you have a criticism of my work, could you give me more details so I can better understand your concerns?”

Assertive agreement

The technique of assertive agreement involves showing understanding and partially agreeing with the other person, while insisting on the error or misunderstanding. It involves avoiding direct confrontation and focusing on the problem rather than attacking the person. For example, we might say, “I understand your point of view and agree in part, but I also want to point out that there is an error in the information you are using as the basis for your argument.”

“I” instead of “you”

Instead of accusing or blaming the other person, focus on expressing your feelings and needs using “I” statements. For example, instead of saying, “You are always late and keep me waiting,” you might say, “I feel frustrated when I am on time and have to wait.”

Fog bank

This technique consists of avoiding entering into unnecessary arguments or debates. Instead of aggressively defending your point of view, acknowledge the valid elements in the other person’s perspective and make subtle adjustments without losing your position. For example, you might say, “I understand that you have some concerns. Let’s take your comments into consideration and explore other options.”

Negotiation of requirements

When you find yourself in a situation where your needs and those of the other person seem to conflict, look for compromise solutions that satisfy both of you. Focus on finding common ground and proposing alternatives. For example, you might say, “I understand that you want us to do this this way, but what do you say we try a combination of both approaches?”

Acknowledgment and recognition

Although you may disagree with the other person, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the positive points of their perspective. This shows respect and openness to constructive dialogue. For example, you might say, “I appreciate your concern about this issue and value your input. However, I would like to explore some additional alternatives.”

Use of “I feel” instead of “you make me feel”.

Avoid blaming the other person for your emotions and, instead, communicate how you feel and how you can work together to solve the problem. For example, instead of saying, “You make me feel sad,” you might say, “I feel sad in this situation and would like to find a way to make it better.” These assertive communication techniques are useful tools for handling complex situations where dialogue can become difficult. However, it is important to remember that each situation is unique, and it is necessary to adapt these techniques according to the context and the people involved. Practicing and developing these skills will allow us to communicate more effectively and build healthier relationships.

Examples of phrases for assertive communication

There are many examples of assertive phrases that we can use in our daily life, according to different contexts. Some examples might be: -Excuse me, I was first in line. -Are you sure? I don’t think so -I insist, I was in front of you, I assure you (broken record)

“You always end up getting angry with me.” “You may be right, but it’s something we should discuss calmly another time” (Assertive deferral).

-We are late, as usual, because of you. -It’s possible, what do you think I could do to improve that? (Assertive question).

Applications of assertive communication in different situations.

Continuing with some more examples, let’s see how we could apply assertive communication in different situations of daily life:

Expressing a personal opinion

• “In my opinion, I think it would be more effective to approach the project this way.”
• “I respect your point of view, but I also want to share my perspective on the issue.”

Establishing personal limits

• “I understand that you need my help, but at this time I cannot commit myself. I have other commitments I must fulfill.”
• “I feel uncomfortable when that topic is brought up. I prefer not to discuss it and keep the conversation on a more positive note.”

Reject an application or proposal

• “I appreciate you considering me, but at this time I cannot accept that additional responsibility.”
• “I don’t feel comfortable participating in that activity. Thank you for thinking of me, but I’ll have to pass this time.”

Expressing emotions and feelings

• “When you constantly interrupt me, I get frustrated and can’t express my ideas properly. Could we give each of us a space to talk without interruptions?”
• “I feel happy and excited about this new project. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Giving and receiving constructive feedback

• “I appreciate your effort on this project, but I think we could improve the presentation if we included more concrete examples.”
• “I would like to give you feedback on your presentation. I think you could improve your body language to convey more confidence.”

Advantages of assertive communication

Effective use of assertive communication brings us many advantages:

Increased sense of control over the environment and over ourselves.

By using assertive communication, we are able to express our opinions and needs effectively, which gives us a sense of empowerment and control over our lives. It allows us to set appropriate boundaries and make conscious decisions, which contributes to our emotional and personal well-being.

2. Improves self-esteem, self-knowledge and emotional management.

Assertive communication involves knowing and expressing our emotions appropriately. By practicing it, we develop a greater awareness of our own needs and feelings, which helps us strengthen our self-esteem and manage our emotions in a healthier way. This contributes to greater emotional well-being and more satisfying relationships.

It helps us to live more rewarding situations and experiences.

By communicating assertively, we establish more authentic and closer relationships with others. It allows us to convey our ideas and desires clearly, which increases the chances that we will be understood and our needs will be taken into account. This leads to more satisfying and rewarding experiences in our personal and professional interactions.

4. Improved interpersonal relationships

Assertive communication fosters empathy and mutual respect in our relationships. By expressing ourselves clearly and respectfully, we generate an atmosphere of trust and openness, which strengthens bonds with others. It also allows us to communicate more effectively, avoiding misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts.

5. Allows for better conflict resolution

When we communicate assertively, we are able to express our concerns and disagreements in a constructive manner. This facilitates conflict resolution by encouraging open and respectful dialogue. By seeking mutually satisfactory solutions, a climate of collaboration and understanding is promoted. Communicating assertively is essential to improve our day-to-day personal and professional lives. Do you always practice assertive communication?

La entrada Assertive communication: what it is and how to put it into practice se publicó primero en Agencia comma.

The importance of gestures in non-verbal communication

Gestures are body movements, especially of the hands, arms and head, that accompany verbal speech and convey messages or emotions without the need for words, helping to convey meaning. According to numerous sources, up to 70% of communication is transmitted through non-verbal signals, that is why they are fundamental to complement, reinforce or modify what we want to transmit with words.

How to reinforce the message with your gestures

To reinforce the message with gestures you should make sure that your movements are consistent with what you are saying. Gestures should always complement your words and add clarity or emphasis, never distract or confuse. Let’s see how we can use them effectively to improve our communication:

Use natural gestures

Don’t exaggerate or force your movements. Your gestures should be an extension of your personality and flow spontaneously and naturally so as not to appear artificial.

Accompany your keywords and focus clearly.

When you want to highlight an important idea , use a gesture that underlines it or use gestures that help that help illustrate what you want to convey. For example, hold up one finger when listing a key point; or when listing ideas, use your fingers to count.

Be consistent

Make sure your gestures match the tone and content of your message. If you are talking about something positive, your gestures should be open and friendly. Conversely, if you are talking about something negative, gestures should reflect the tone and seriousness of the subject without appearing overly dramatic.

Controls speed and amplitude

Maintain movements that are neither too fast nor too wide, as this may distract the audience or indicate nervousness.

Avoid repetitive or unnecessary gestures

Do not repeat the same gesture too many times or use irrelevant gestures that do not add to the message.

Maintain eye contact with the entire audience

Looking at different parts of the audience while you speak not only creates a connection, but also allows your message to resonate better.

Preparing a visual script

If possible, make a visual script in advance that includes the gestures you plan to use at different points in your presentation . you plan to use at different points in your presentation. This can help you remember which gestures are appropriate at which times.

Some examples of good use of gestures

1. Mirar a los ojos de tu interlocutor mientras sonríes ligeramente demuestra interés, cercanía y amabilidad. Este gesto fortalece el vínculo y hace que tu mensaje sea más cálido. 2. Mantener las manos abiertas y a la vista transmite honestidad y apertura. Es un gesto que invita a la confianza y a la transparencia. 3. Señalar con toda la mano, en lugar de apuntar con el dedo, es más respetuoso y amigable, evitando que el gesto se perciba como agresivo. 4. Levantar el pulgar hacia arriba. Este gesto es universalmente reconocido como una señal de aprobación o de que algo está bien. Te ayuda a reforzar un mensaje positivo. 5. Usar las manos para indicar el tamaño de algo (grande o pequeño) ayuda a visualizar mejor lo que estás explicando y da más claridad a tu mensaje. 6. Llevar la mano al corazón. Este gesto expresa sinceridad, empatía o gratitud. Refuerza la idea de que lo que estás diciendo proviene de una emoción o una intención genuina. 7. Enumerar puntos, levantando los dedos uno a uno, para marcar cada idea refuerza la estructura de tu discurso, ayudando a que la audiencia siga el hilo de la conversación. 8. Mover las manos suavemente para acompañar el discurso ayuda a enfatizar ideas y a dar fluidez a tu discurso sin distraer. Da la sensación de que estás en control y conectado con lo que dices.

Common mistakes to avoid to improve your non-verbal communication

To improve our non-verbal communication when speaking in public, it is essential to be aware of the gestures we should avoid, so we are now going to talk about the most common mistakes that can weaken or misinterpret the message you are trying to convey. Inconsistent gestures, excessive or repetitive gesticulating or using inappropriate or closed gestures can hinder the transmission of the message. Here are some examples: 1. Crossing your arms conveys a defensive, closed or disinterested attitude. In a friendly conversation or meeting, this gesture can make others think you are defensive or unresponsive. 2. Excessive hand movements distract the listener and cause them to lose focus of the message, especially when they are not aligned with the verbal content. They indicate nervousness or lack of control over what you are saying. 3. Not making eye contact, or avoiding eye contact, creates distrust, insecurity or even indifference, and will cause the other person to feel that you are not engaged or sincere. 4. Playing with objects or touching shows nervousness or distraction. These kinds of repetitive and anxious gestures make you appear insecure or not focused on the conversation. 5. Putting your hands in your pockets suggests insecurity, nervousness or disinterest. In important professional or social situations it can give the impression that you lack confidence or are not committed to the subject. 6. Pointing your finger directly at someone seems aggressive, accusatory or authoritarian. Instead of pointing at people, use more open hand gestures to emphasise points without being confrontational. 7. Crossing your legs in a tense and closed manner gives a feeling of emotional or physical blockage. This gesture indicates discomfort or rejection, so it is better to maintain a more relaxed and open posture. 8. Constantly rubbing your face or touching your neck gives the impression of nervousness, doubt or insecurity. Especially in interviews or important meetings, doing this frequently can be distracting and project a lack of confidence. 9. The total absence of gestures makes you appear stiff or unnatural. While it is important not to overdo it, not making any gestures at all can make your communication seem too mechanical or cold. 10. Looking at your watch or phone while talking with someone can show lack of interest or impatience. This gesture conveys that you are in a hurry or that what the other person is saying is not important to you.

Practice is crucial in order to improve your non-verbal communication.

Starting with good spokesperson training is key, but it will not be enough. Then it’s time to practice, practice, practice. Recording your presentations or public speaking and observing your gestures will allow you to identify areas for improvement. In addition, feedback from your peers can also help you to identify areas for improvement. Finally, it is important not to forget to have confidence in yourself and to visualise success. Before your presentation, imagine how you would like it to go. This will help you to increase your confidence and do much better.

Concluding

Our gestures are, without a doubt, a powerful tool in our non-verbal language and using them well can significantly improve our communication significantly improve our communication when speaking in public. By being aware of the most common mistakes to avoid and practising gestures to and practising some gestures that help us reinforce our message, will help us become more effective communicators and much more captivating to our audience. The key is authenticity; your gestures should reflect who you are and how you feel about the you feel about the subject you are talking about. With practice and attention, you can better connect with your audience and make your message your message resonate much more effectively. Go for it! And if you need help with that, we’re here for you.

La entrada Keys to improve your non-verbal communication se publicó primero en Agencia comma.

Image plays a crucial role in the perception of our company or brand by customers, partners and/or the general public.

A well-planned and executed corporate photo shoot not only projects professionalism, but can also be a powerful tool to strengthen brand identity and enhance our reputation. Attention to detail is crucial to achieve professional, high quality and aesthetically pleasing material that can be used, among other things, in media collaborations.

Basic recommendations prior to the session.

Define the objectives and the scope of the session.

Before starting any photo shoot it is essential to be clear about what you want to communicate with the images. Is the aim to introduce the management team? Show the working environment? Highlight specific products or services? Defining these objectives will help you to properly guide the photographer and determine the style of the photos as well as ensure that the message is consistent with the company’s identity and values.

Select a professional photographer, not everything goes.

The choice of photographer is one of the key decisions for a perfect corporate photo shoot. Hiring a professional with experience in corporate photography is essential, as they will understand the specific needs of the business environment and know how to capture the essence of your brand through their lens.

Tell the photographer what the objectives of the photo shoot are and what exactly you need and what you need it for, not forgetting to put the photographer in context before the shoot. Explain what the company does, what sector it works in and what you want to convey with these photographs. Working out objectives and expectations prior to the session is important to ensure that the collaboration with the chosen professional is successful.

Plan and prepare the session in advance.

Planning is also important for a perfect and smooth corporate photo shoot. Some things to bear in mind:

• Choose the location: whether in the office, in a factory, outdoors… the location also affects the image you want to project. The location we choose should be uncluttered and not too distracting and, if possible, should somehow integrate the organisation’s logo or corporate image. Make sure that the chosen venue is clean and well organised before the session. It seems obvious, but often such considerations are overlooked and then the photos show details that we have overlooked.
• Day and time: choosing the right time can significantly influence the quality of your photos. On the day you choose, you should make sure that the people to be photographed have enough time to be relaxed and that they spend enough time with you. And, with regard to the time, although the professional will take it into account, you should also think about the light. Natural light is often the best option, so sessions in the morning or at dusk can provide the best lighting for a good result.
• Logistics: coordinating in an orderly and organised way the participation of all the people to be photographed will be key so that everything flows smoothly and takes as little time as possible.

Recommendations for the day of the corporate photo shoot.

The appearance of employees in corporate photos should be aligned with the image of your company or brand. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:

Define the type of clothing.

It is important that you define a clear dress code that all participants must follow. It can be formal, business casual or work uniform, depending on the type of company and the message to be conveyed. The most timeless clothing is the most advisable so that the photos can be used for a longer period of time. Once decided, share it with the employees to be photographed before the shoot. Avoid plaids, stripes, bright colours or excessively flashy accessories.

Special attention to personal care.

Ensure that all employees are well groomed, with appropriate hairstyles and make-up, if necessary. It is important that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their appearance.

Watch the visual consistency of the photographs.

Consistency in the style and tone of images is essential to maintain a strong visual identity in keeping with your company or brand. Ensure that the colours used in clothing and surroundings match the brand colours or at least do not clash. Neutral colours are the most recommended, without prints or glitter.

Watch out for non-verbal language.

Always look for naturalness but don’t forget that the body language is essential in a corporate photo shoot. Do not force your posture or gesticulate excessively. Don’t pose with extreme seriousness either: a half-smile is ideal. If possible, avoid folded arms.

Choose the photographic style.

Decide whether you prefer a more formal, posed style or a more relaxed, natural one. Whatever style you choose, give directions so that it is maintained throughout the session and with all participants.

Take the opportunity to take several shots.

At least several close-ups and medium shots should be taken. However, you can also take advantage of this to take some American shots (cut above the knee) and a general shot of the site. Remember this with the photographer and make sure it is repeated with all participants in the shoot.

Consider the composition.

Work with the photographer to create compositions that are not only visually appealing, but also convey the values and culture of your company or brand.

Recommendations after the photo session.

Ask for files in various formats.

Ask the photographer to send you all the photographs in various formats. One that is of high quality (required for print publications) and one that is of moderate quality and can be easily shared, e.g. by email (valid for online publications).

Don’t abuse retouching and filters.

Editing is a crucial part of the photographic process. A good photographer will know how to retouch the images to bring out the best aspects without losing the naturalness. However, it is important not to overdo it with filters and effects in order to maintain the authenticity of the photos.

Review and feedback from participants.

After the session, it is important to review the photos with the people who participated in the session. Receiving feedback and making adjustments, if necessary, will ensure that everyone is satisfied with the final result and that the images meet the objectives previously set.

Image rights and usage.

Make sure you have all the necessary rights to use the photos on different platforms and for as long as necessary. It is also important to inform employees and obtain their consent to use their images in corporate materials.

If we fulfil all these premises, it is very easy for the corporate photo shoot to be perfect. A well-executed photo shoot can be a powerful tool to enhance a company’s image and strengthen its brand identity. If you follow these basic recommendations, your corporate photos will not only be visually appealing, but also effective in communicating the values and objectives you had previously set out.

La entrada Keys to a corporate photo shoot se publicó primero en Agencia comma.