Hey, Watch Your Language!

Did you know that tone of voice and non-verbal
language are more important than words in conveying
meaning in communication? We spend so much time
figuring out what we’re going to say that we often
forget that our facial expressions, gestures and
voice tones are speaking volumes.

You can say, “French fries,” enthusiastically,
angrily or disgustingly and have those words convey
very different meanings. Accompanying gestures add
even more meaning to your words.

A good vocabulary and using correct language
patterns are important to communication, but
learning how to use your body and your voice with
your chosen words make your communication even
more effective and meaningful.

Establishing rapport with others is necessary
for trust, cooperation and effective communication.
To get the results you want from our interactions,
you must have rapport.

You need to be aware of more than the words you use.
Are your lips saying one thing, and your voice and
gestures saying another? If so, people will trust
your body language and voice tone over your words.
All three must be congruent for your words to be
trusted.

Being congruent is only one part of being an
effective communicator. The way you carry yourself,
the gestures you make, your facial expressions, your
eye contact, the sound of your voice—all determine
how effectively you communicate, establish rapport
and get the outcomes you want.