What Role Does Nonverbal Communication Play in a Workplace?

Nonverbal communication can be body language, eye contact and tone of voice. Albert Mehrabian's landmark 1967 study on nonverbal communication generalized that in all communications, 7 percent of meaning is conveyed in spoken words, 38 percent through voice tone and 55 percent via general body language.

Identification

• In the workplace, it is often the things you don't say but reveal with your eyes and body language that can mean more or add to verbal communication. Nonverbal communication includes stance, body posture and proximity. For example, standing too close to people can make them feel uncomfortable because of their personal space being invaded.

Significance

• People's body language can reveal unspoken information. Someone slumped in a chair can indicate fatigue or unhappiness. Someone yawning in a meeting can indicate boredom. Folded arms can indicate anger. Leaning forward means or nodding in agreement indicates a person is interested in what is being said. You can use such clues to encourage the other person to respond positively when asking to do something.

Considerations

• Your body language and eyes can reveal what you are truly feeling or thinking, and you may not even realize it. Especially in the workplace, be aware of your nonverbal communication and observe your coworkers' body language, as well.