(image courtesy of Global Village Space)

Global communication in global business is essential to any organization. Nonverbal communication is also very important for effective communication. Many things that we do are nonverbal especially when something happens. For example, we clap when we appreciate something or we simply cross our arms when we are frustrated. According to Cherry (2018), “Every day, we respond to thousands on nonverbal cues and behaviors including postures, facial expression, eye gaze, gestures, and tone of voice”.

Nonverbal communication is something that I learned firsthand. When I was looking for a new job, I found a job that described what I was already doing and other duties that I wanted to learn. I knew that I could perform the job at a high level if I was just giving the chance. I decided to apply for the position and hoped that I got an interview. I got a call back and went to the interview eager to show that I was the perfect for the position.

As the interview started, my confidence must have taken over me because I felt that the interview was going great. I felt that the interview was going so well that I began to see myself more relaxed, I began to slouch in my chair as I answered all of the questions. I also find myself looking away and not making eye contact for some odd reason.

According to Mehrabian & Ferris (1967), “The results of the study indicate that the facial and vocal components do not interact and that the facial component has a stronger effect than the vocal component” (p. 251). A combination of my body language, facial and other expressions more than likely costed me the job. I was not offered the job.

As I learned from my previous nonverbal experience, on my next interview, I made sure to be very mindful of how my nonverbal communication were perceiving my character and personality. Cherry (2018) argues that, “Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and using fingers to indicate numeric amounts. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture”. On my second interview, I made sure that I sat up straight and made eye contact the whole time. I was able to relax, but still maintain a professional demeanor. “Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information” (Cherry, 2018).

Nonverbal communication is happening all the time, from the way that we stand to how and when we cross our legs. Manager and leaders must know and understand the importance of nonverbal communication. The more adept a manager is about effective communication the better equipped he or she will be when leading a team of followers.

 

References

Cherry, K. (2018, May 29). Types of nonverbal communication. Retrieved from Very Well Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397

Mehrabian, A., & Ferris, S. R. (1967). Interference of attitudes from nonverbal communication in two channels. Journal of Consulting Pyschology, Vol. 31, No. 3, pg-248-252.