Forms of Non Verbal Communication

You previously learned about portraying a professional appearance in the workplace. Physical appearance is one of the many non verbal forms of communication. We will further examine other forms of non verbal communication and determine how they are best used in the workplace.

Eye Contact – The ability to maintain eye contact often determines the comfort level of the speaker. In the workplace it is important to maintain eye content to demonstrate interest, trust and confidence.

Facial Expression – The look on your face when speaking is an indicator of your emotion. In the workplace it is important to smile frequently, while maintaining a positive expression to demonstrate positivity.

Posture and Gestures – It is important to maintain good posture in a workplace environment as it exhibits professionalism and obedience. Excessive use of gestures can be a sign of discomfort and may appear frantic.

Time – The usage of time has different meanings across different cultures. In North America, being on time shows a commitment to the job and respect for the infrastructure of an organization.

Space – The way you keep your personal space is an indicator of your personality. People who keep an open desk with very little clutter signify that they are organized and can keep their ideas clear.