By Communication Consultant Lili Tang (Accounting and BIS, ’22)

Imagine trying to talk about something very important and personal, but your conversation partner constantly looks away, stares down at the phone, or doesn’t directly turn their face towards you. How would you feel? Or think about a time when you had an awkward handshake with someone significant. How do you think that person felt about you? Our eyes, hands, and gestures are parts of our nonverbal communication which implicitly communicate our attitude and personality. Nonverbal communication plays a big role in our daily interactions.

Verbal communication seems to be the most obvious approach to connect with people; however, words can mislead or deceive us. Joe Navarro, who previously served as a both FBI agent and supervisor in the areas of counterintelligence and counterterrorism, gave an informative TED Talk about the power of nonverbal communication. In the talk, Navarro stated that nonverbals were authentic behaviors that would not easily lie to us. Although it can be difficult to notice the nonverbal cues in our daily lives, it is vital to understand and utilize them as we continue to enhance interpersonal and communication skills. In addition, learning how to use nonverbals can help us be more genuine and sympathetic in various situations.

Nonverbals apply not only to our day-to-day conversations, but also to business communication. For example, if you are in a job interview and it is your first time meeting with the interviewers, how you sit, what you wear, and how you act will be very visible, especially in a virtual setting. In an interview, nonverbal communication is as important as verbal communication. Good nonverbals will demonstrate your overall communication skills and imply your confidence and positive attitude towards the company and the position you are applying for.

If verbal communication is the bright moon that glows at night, then nonverbals would be the twinkling stars to polish the night. Learn the power of nonverbal communication. Just as Navarro said, “The primary way we influence each other is through nonverbals — it’s that nice handshake; it’s a pat on shoulders; it’s that touch of hand — that communicates love in a way that words simply cannot do it.”

Get information and resources about our center at The Philip Rauch Center for Business Communication.