Communicatio n Module Start Module Body Language Communication

Communicatio n Module Start Module

Body Language Communication Module Homepage Ambiguous Wording High-Context Vs. Low-Context Conflict Resolution Hierarchies Module Reference page (Click one to find out more) Exit

What is Body Language? Body Language is a type of non-verbal communication that uses physical behaviors, as opposed to words, and includes: Facial Expressions Eye Contact Body Posture Hand Gestures Space (Click one to find out more) Homepage

Facial Expressions The use of raised or lowered eyebrows, smiles, and head nodes signify different meanings to your teams and subordinates. Facial expressions can also indicate your emotions, such as confidence and stress level. For example, no movement of the eyebrows, cheeks, or lips, indicates disinterest and conveys an “I don’t care attitude. ” While slightly raised eyebrows, a small smile, and the head positioned at the audience shows friendliness Click for Moreand genuine interest. Examples Facial expressions matter when communicating in a leadership role. It is important to be conscious of your facial expressions and choose facial expressions that convey the right attitude towards your team. CLOSE

CLOSE Excited Nervous Curious Engaged Overly Excited Interested Daydreaming Confused Enthusiastic Disgusted Friendly

Body Posture CLOSE Body posture is important and in order to be perceived as confident, you must stand tall, extend your neck, align your ears and shoulders, slightly stick out your chest, spread your legs slightly apart, and distribute your weight evenly. Tonya Reiman, the author of “The Power of Body Language” says those things mentioned above will “Change the chemicals in our brain to make us feel stronger and more confident, and it gives the outward appearance of credibility, strength, and vitality. ” People often slump their shoulders either due to bad backs, fatigue, lack of confidence, or general disregard. "This will give others the impression of insecurity, laziness, and a general sense of unhappiness. ” Practice good posture to be perceived as a more confident, credible, and strong leader. Click Here to Enlarge

Eye Contact Ø The ability to gaze at someone while speaking denotes authority, confidence, and presence. Ø Tonya Reiman, the author of “The Power of Body Language” said, "Studies suggest that holding eye contact while speaking has an enormous impact on your ability to persuade. Ø Lack of eye contact often implies deception. Ø When breaking eye contact, it is better to break off to the left or to the right, as looking down suggests insecurity. CLOSE

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Hand Gestures CLOSE Hand Gestures play a large role in communication and make up nearly 60% of communication. There are thousands of different hand gestures that all communicate different ideas to your team. Click Here to See examples A good rule of thumb to stick to the box trick. The box trick uses an imaginary 2 foot by 2 foot square box that your hands should stay in while talking. Anything outside of the box will potentially distract or annoy your team. Click Here to See examples

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The Box Trick Good CLOSE Bad

Space • Space is the general proximity in which you place yourself when communicating with others or in other words, the amount of space you take up. • Most people have a “Personal Bubble” and when it is violated, people get uncomfortable. • Generally, the more space you take up with your body the more dominant you will appear. • Space is subjective to each culture and individual. • It is always a better idea to err on the side of caution and give too much space. CLOSE Pu So bli Pe rso Int im cia l na l ate Space Continuum c

Communication Hierarchies A hierarchy is a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. A communication hierarchy refers to how communication gets from the top to the bottom. Traditional Hierarchies, often called “Steep Hierarchies”, are not the most effective way to receive and send information because they require for the information to pass through several people before arriving at the bottom of the hierarchy. This causes information to be distorted and is very time consuming. It is more effective to have a flatter communication Hierarchy. Flatter communication Hierarchies do not require information to pass between lots of people before arriving at the bottom of the hierarchy, making it more time efficient. As a manager you should instill a flatter hierarchy in your team to ensure information is passed fast and accurately. Homepage Click here for an example

Steep Hierarchy Flat Hierarchy Leader CLOSE

High-Context Vs Low. Context The business world is becoming more connected via globalization. As a result of globalization, the need for communication across cultures has arisen. It is important for you, as a leader, to have a basic understanding of cultural differences in communication to allow for you to communicate more effectively with your diverse team. An easy and simple way to start understanding cross-cultural communication is to understand the difference between high-context and low-context cultures. Below is a table that summarizes the characteristics of each type of culture and a chart illustrating where each country falls in reference to high-context and low-context. High-Context Low-Context High use of non-verbal elements such as facial expressions, gestures, and eye movement. Use less non-verbal elements such as facial expressions, gestures, and eye movement Emphasize good relationships Have quick and impersonal relationships Use indirect language Use direct language Change is slow Change is fast and expected Work collectively and as groups, prefers group recognition over personal recognition. Work individually, love individual recognition Click Here to Enlarge Homepage Click Here to Enlarge

High-Context Low-Context High use of non-verbal elements such Use less non-verbal elements such as as facial expressions, gestures, and eye movement Emphasize good relationships Have quick and impersonal relationships Use indirect language Use direct language Change is slow Change is fast and expected Work collectively and as groups, prefers group recognition over personal recognition Work individually, love individual recognition Click Here to Minimize

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Conflict Resolution Conflicts will arise in your teams from time to time and you must be able to effectively resolve issues within your team to maintain productivity, morale, and job satisfaction among your employees. But, how do you solve these conflicts? The key to conflict resolution comes down to effective communication. Below are some steps you can take to reduce and resolve conflicts that may arise in your team. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Set clear expectations for your employees and set up a structure so each employee knows their role. Listen to employees concerns as they arise. Remain calm and collective, never raise your voice. Practice patience and understanding. Find the root of the problem, or in other words, what is upsetting them? Offer your support and find solutions. Homepage

? ? ? Ambiguous Wording ? ? ? Ambiguous wording includes words that have a double meaning or are up to an individual’s interpretation. It is hard for everybody to be on the same page when things come to vocabulary. Ambiguous words can cause misunderstandings and wastes time for explaining. As a leader, you should communicate as clear as possible and the messages should be direct, honest and easy to remember. You should limit the use of jargon and technical terminology to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Homepage

References http: //www. businessinsider. com/common-body-language-mistakesemployees-make-2014 -4 https: //donbensted. wordpress. com/2016/05/17/what-makes-a-goodpublic-speaker/ http: //open. lib. umn. edu/businesscommunication/chapter/11 -2 -typesof-nonverbal-communication/ Homepage

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