How to Teach Nonverbal Communication
We've all heard the saying, "It's not what you say, but how you say it." Although our words hold a great deal of weight, nonverbal cues that we send with each message make the real difference in communication.To teach nonverbal communication, demonstrate and discuss different nonverbal cues and the messages they convey.
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Instructions
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Teaching the fundamentals of nonverbal communication
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Teach the importance of eye contact. Looking into the eyes of the intended target shows him that you are listening and attentive. Create an activity in which you pair off the participants. Give them sample topics to "talk" about, and ask each person to hold eye contact while the other is speaking. Of course, it's OK to blink every now and then.
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Identify facial expressions. Many of us don't even notice our expressions throughout the day. Place a digital video camera in an unobtrusive area in the room during a particular session (preferably not the one in which you are talking about facial expressions.) Set the camera to scan participants' faces. Playback the video during a later session and discuss their reactions to their own facial expressions and others'. Identify common meanings associated with common expressions.
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Show how gestures assist and/or impede upon conversation. While gestures can aid in communicating one's ideas, gesturing too much will take the focus away from your intended message. The No. 1 culprit of overgesturing is our hands. Ask a few open-ended questions in class, and watch the hands start flying. Ask students to note other gestures they see their classmates using to communicate.
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Work on posture. Good posture relays a sense of confidence to others. When speaking, if your posture is off, it sends the message that you are unsure, timid or withdrawn.
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Emphasize space/distance. Before the next session, tell everyone that they have the freedom to sit anywhere in the room. Note that some people will head straight to their own corners, while others will gravitate toward others. Use this to spark discussion on personal space and comfort. Lead into guidelines for how close is too close when conversing with people in different situations, such as family, co-workers, supervisors.
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