When
communicating with others, words are important. They relay the literal
meaning of what you're trying to communicate. But words aren't
everything. Body language is the key to understanding the true meaning
behind what somebody is saying.
Same
Word, Different Meanings
Here
is an exercise you can try, to see just how varied one word can become
as a result of body language. Sit in front of a mirror, and read through
the following situations. After you read each one, say the word
"Oh." Then pause and think about each situation.
Say
"Oh" Out Loud
Be
aware of your body language: facial expressions, tone of voice, emotions
that you feel in your body. How is your body reacting? Do your shoulders
tighten, do you smile, are you furrowing your eyebrows? Pay attention to
how you react when saying "Oh" to these situations:
-
Seeing a new baby
-
Seeing something you want on sale
-
Winning a prize
-
Being interrupted
-
Receiving a gift
-
Receiving a reprimand at work
-
Being put on hold again
-
Seeing a sunset
-
Having a headache
-
Having a fender bender
-
Having warm lotion rubbed on your back
-
Getting just what you want on your birthday
-
Getting good news from the doctor
-
The sun is shining and the grass is green
-
Someone saying I love you
-
Getting an unexpected check
-
Getting an unexpected bill
-
Having your child tell you he is sad
-
Being surprised
-
Being afraid
-
Being so angry you can't speak
-
Being spiritually touched
-
Seeing on caller ID that your mother called
-
Receiving a letter from a friend
Now
say "Ahh" or "Wow"
Now
try it again, using the words "ahh" or "wow." Isn't
it amazing how much your voice, face, tone of voice, and posture change
depending on the situation? Even though you're saying one word, it's the
way you say it that conveys meaning.
Watch
Body Language
When
communicating with others, keep this in mind. Sometimes people
misunderstand each other because they don't interpret body language
correctly, or they ignore it completely. Be sure that when you
communicate, you're being clear with your body language. Also pay
attention to what others are truly saying - don't just listen to their
words, but pay attention to their bodies, tone of voice, and other
non-verbal clues to what they're communicating.
