Non-Verbal Techniques Checklist

Now that you know more about the functions and forms of non-verbal communication, you will be more aware of these silent cues around you and be able to use it to your advantage. Visit improve non-verbal communication skills to see why it is important for you to better your skills.

Practise improving your skills everyday and you can be a great speaker. Let's begin by exploring each item on the Non-Verbal Techniques Checklist. Remember as you go through each item, think about how this will benefit you in the workplace.

Find and maintain eye contact. This item is straightforward. When you look directly into someone's eyes while you are speaking, (without making it look like you are staring,) then you come out to be an assertive, confident speaker. If you notice your audience, is not looking back at you, then this signals your conversation, presentation is boring or they can't hear you.

Use posture to show and gain interest. I think this goes hand in hand with Find and maintain eye contact because standing up straight, leaning forward and looking alert not only shows interest but also will encourage communication interaction.

Do not use physical barriers. When you are holding a team meeting and expect employees' feedback and discussion, then arrange the chairs in a circle. Also, don't stand behind a desk or lectern; this will give the room an open discussion aura.

Enhance your decoding skills. Paying attention to people's facial expressions and body language (see functions and forms) will help you understand the complete verbal and nonverbal message they send. Misunderstanding the importance of a project your boss gave you because they are smiling may cost you your job if you dismiss the task. You might make a joke and not realise your boss is serious because you are not used to how they manage. This takes us to the next step Probe for more information.

Probe for more information. Anytime nonverbal cues contradict verbal meanings, politely asking questions is the best thing to do. You don't want to assume and make a misconception of someone's message. Examples of how to seek clues: "I'm not sure I understand", or "Do you mean that..."

Avoid using nonverbal meanings out of context. Only when you understand a situation or culture you can make a professional nonverbal assessment. You don't ever want to offend or insult someone unintentionally or intentionally in your workplace.

Connect with people from different cultures. For you to avoid using nonverbal meanings out of context learning about other cultures will help. You will also broaden your knowledge and tolerance of intercultural nonverbal messages.

Appreciate the power of appearance. You can send a positive or negative message about yourself with others through your business letters, your work area and yourself. So always, take that extra step when needed to avoid any bad reviews.

Watch yourself on videotape. Try it. Videotape yourself a few days before you have to do a presentation. View it and see if you follow all the functions and forms of nonverbal communication skills to help complete your verbal message. Be your own critic.

Enlist friends and family. Be open to effective criticism from people you trust. Ask them to watch your conscious and unconscious body movements and gestures. This will help you become a more effective communicator.

I personally practice each item on this list as often as possible, especially when I have a presentation coming up. When I would present speeches, practicing in the mirror for days before the presentation made me feel more confident and prepared. There are times I present with less practice and I definitely can tell the difference in how I feel. How you feel, will show in your presentation. So I hope you take this checklist to heart, and review each item thoroughly.

If you have any questions regarding this checklist, feel free to comment below and I will look into it for you if I don't know or will respond as soon as I know something.

Thought for the day...

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT...let's become an effective communicator! 

Do you think if everyone in your workplace is an effective communicator, there would be more harmony within your work environment? Comment below and let's discuss this...

Workplace Harmony