Nonverbal communication Styles

Learn about the role of non-verbal cues in communication and types like body language. Find help to work on improving your verbal and nonverbal communication skills, tips and research articles.

Parents are usually aware of the importance of good communication skills. What's often forgotten is the fact, that a great deal of what's said, isn't said through words but instead nonverbally. Sometimes 80-100% of a conversation can happen nonverbally. So if you want to learn how to talk to kids you shouldn't miss improving both your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Improving you communication skills requires looking at the relationship between verbal and nonverbal communication. A nonverbal sign that’s totally appropriate in one situation can make another situation feel awkward and stop any conversation. The key is to find out how the nonverbal cues relate to the spoken words used.

They can	complement each other or substitute each other;
nonverbal cues can	accentuate the spoken words or substitute them;
But words and nonverbal messages can	contradict each other too.

Whether you do that consciously or you don't realize it's happening, contradiction between verbal and nonverbal communication can lead to :

• Irritation or
• confusion or even
• Mistrust
• Paying attention to those contradictions is also a way to uncover lies

Start improving your skills by having a good look at both, your verbal and nonverbal communication, to uncover those contradicting messages. The following types will give you an idea where to look.

Nonverbal communication can happen on many different levels. The main areas are:

Body language which includes:

• posture or the way you stand, sit, hold your head, your shoulders, your arms...
• gestures - those little movements you make with your arms and hands or even with your head; pointing at things, scratching your head, clapping your hands and opening them again to invite your child to come to you...
• facial expressions - the inviting smile, a disapproving stern look, a tired blank stare...
• eye contact – you know how annoying it can be to talk to someone who looks at everything but at you. You’re never sure whether he actually listens to you or not.

Speech elements:

• loudness and pitch,
• intonation (lively or monoton?)
• tone of voice and inflection...

Touch – the hug, tap on your shoulder, holding a hand. Is it done softly and gently? Or is it more forceful to hold you back?

Interpersonal space – How much space do you need to be around you to feel comfortable? Who can come closer? Signs for lacking space can include rocking, leg swinging, tapping and gaze aversion.

Objects: you communicate even through things like your clothing and hair style. What do they say about you?

Time: Do you spend a lot of time with your kids (doing activities together or having fun conversations) or does the day seem too short to actually have time for them? This tells them a lot about your interest and affection.

Knowing about those types often is enough to become aware of some unconscious nonverbal expressions that might confuse or turn off your listeners.

for improving your verbal and nonverbal communication as a whole

I think this is the most important tip. Nonverbal language is so complex, that concentrating on improving one or two cues only, often doesn't help. Most of it happens unconsciously as well. In this article you'll find examples and strategies on how to match your verbal and nonverbal communication.

They’ll give youWhat do they tell you about the way your children understood you?

That gives them feedback and / or the chance to confirm your impression or put you on the right track. It can also help them clarify their emotions.

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