by Meg Bucaro, Owner, Meg Bucaro Communications | February YP presenter

Very few people actually look forward to uncomfortable conversations. As our careers advance we must become better equipped to confidently handle such situations.  It is far too easy to overlook one important skill that we all have the ability to utilize, if we only knew more about the impact nonverbal communication or body language has on our daily interactions, specifically in professional settings.

I recently gained the upper hand of an argument in a contentious meeting with a colleague due to a heightened focus on nonverbal behaviors. In the middle of the disagreement, where we both had differing opinions on an occurrence of events, I noticed his nonverbals change to nervous gesturing, movement and an obvious altering of vocal tone when discussing the item in question.  I then adjusted my nonverbals to communicate with a calm confidence, poised positioning and a strong vocal tone.  Within minutes of those small tweaks, we agreed to terms moving forward in an effective manner, then shook hands, (pre-Covid), wished each other well and exited the meeting.   

Congruency between your verbal and nonverbal language is of upmost importance when it comes to gaining trust and increasing likeability, credibility and influence in any situation but especially during less desirable communication situations. When the words you speak do not match your nonverbal behavior, research tells us people are more inclined to believe our nonverbals. Think of the last time you asked a friend if they were okay and while they said “Fine, I am fine.” Their tone told you differently.  You did not really believe they were fine, did you?

The study of nonverbal language spans various industries. Research studies abound in the areas of healthcare, sales, law enforcement, education, the practice of law and general business that reveal bias, dislike or distrust when nonverbals do not match the verbal content.

Next time you are in a meeting, virtual or in-person, take a quick inventory on whether or not your nonverbals match the message you are trying to communicate. What does your vocal delivery (tone, pitch, rate of speech), posture, gesturing, appearance, movement say about your competency, credibility and confidence about which you are speaking?

Paying attention to how you are communicating via nonverbals (as well as others’ nonverbal communication) is one of the most undervalued skill in a vast array of settings. However, in a situation where the stakes might be high, nerves are present or the need for message effectiveness is immense, utilizing every tool you have, simple or not, will only increase your chance of having the upper hand. 

Why wouldn’t you utilize every single tool you have to succeed?
 

As a communication trainer and consultant, Meg Bucaro works with professionals to increase their effectiveness through customized communication skills training and coaching. Meg will present virtually on Wednesday, February 17 at 12noon for the Young Professionals of Dubuque.

Connect with Meg on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/megbucaro/ or learn more at www.megbucaro.com.