Messages Through Body Language - Communication is More Than Just Words

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.

Communication is important in day-to-day life, as well as when building self-confidence. If you're interested in learning more about communicating with others, visit www.EncourageSelfConfidence.com, an affordable and very effective ecourse by Judy Wright also known as Auntie Artichoke, family relationship coach and author of over 20 books. You will become even more tuned in to the people around you.

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