Our Bodies and Non Verbal Communication

We would like to thank Helen for giving her speech on Monday at Cottonwood Toastmasters. She has graciously given us this summary of her speech to assist us in remembering her teaching words.Thank you Helen! 

We all use body language to facilitate our verbal communication.  Gestures, which is the form of non-verbal communication we’re most aware of using, is when visible bodily actions are used to emphasize or communicate particular messages.  But gestures are only a partof what we call body language.  Some experts contend more than 90% of communication is non-verbal: posture, gestures, voice tone, eye movement, and facial expressions.

The interesting thing is that we humans tend to send and interpret such signals almost entirely subconsciously.  Which means our bodies may well be telling a different or deeper story than our words.  We give away information through gestures and other body language.  Have you ever seen someone saying “great idea!” but their head is shaking “no?" 

As a speaker, using gestures and body language with purpose and intention can enhance your communication.  And as a listener, paying attention to those clues can help you get the whole story.

Something wonderful is happening through you!

    -Helen

Cottonwood Toastmasters meets every Monday 12:00 to 1:15 at the Cottonwood Village, 201 E Mingus Ave. Guests are welcome. For more information call Laina Lloyd at 928-300-8638 or Dave Ellison at 634-6540