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Speaking Nonverbally: Why Body Language Matters

by Ed Barks

It's time for a pop quiz. Today's question: How vital are your nonverbal signals when you speak in public?

I often begin a presentation skills workshop with a quiz asking which set of tools conveys the bulk of your message. Is it the Video tools - the way you look? The Audio tools - the way you sound? Or the Message - the words you speak?

What was your guess? Let's lift the curtain on the hard facts as deduced by UCLA Psychology professor Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. Here is what his groundbreaking studies ascertained about our body language:

Fifty-five percent of the communications signals we send results from how others see us
Thirty-eight percent flows from the way they hear us
Seven percent comes from our words

Keeping Matters in Perspective

Yes, the research tells us that more than half of the average individual's ability to communicate is delivered via the Video tools. But it is vitally important to keep the data in perspective. You will not transform yourself into a successful communicator just because you perfected a killer hand gesture or learned how to flash a million-dollar smile.

The pieces of the body language puzzle represent a significant separator between the effective communicator and the merely average. Why? Your nonverbal performance makes your audience more receptive to your message. It helps orient your antenna in the right direction - toward your audience.

Here are some methods that can help you improve your body language tools:

Focus on your vocal pitch, volume, and rate
Demonstrate some emotion to show your audience you care
Put some action into your performance
Forge a bond with solid eye contact
Work with props that fit your situation.

A Magnetic Message Is Mandatory

Clearly, your message needs to be the audience's most important takeaway. After all, you decide to speak before an organization or choose to allow a reporter to interview you because you have an important story to tell. You do not want them walking away with their minds on your nonverbal ability to sport a sharp suit or articulate clearly. Your job is to transform them into disciples of your message.

Still, all this research means nothing if it doesn't deliver the practical results you demand - results like more persuasive presentations and more positive news clips. These outcomes lead to a healthier bottom line, a shinier brand, an increase in membership, and additional volunteers. Those benefits are the very reason for standing atop the public soapbox.

Body Language Spells Success

There is no denying the link between effective nonverbal tools and success. Consider the times you have attended presentations and couldn't wait to escape the room. The speaker may have been a world renowned expert with top notch content. But he stood still in the dark while using slides as a crutch. Or he spoke in a monotone. Or avoided all eye contact with the audience. Neglecting to utilize critical Video and Audio skills, he soon lulled everyone to sleep.

On the other hand, reflect upon the speakers you have seen whose messages still leap right to mind. They were likely animated, had engaging inflections in their voices, and were invested emotionally in their topic. You felt a connection with them. Why? They worked hard to create a bond by paying attention to their nonverbal performance.

The stakes are high when you speak - too high to risk a nonverbal faux pas. Win your audiences' attention and respect by using your nonverbal skills. Your next promotion, election victory, or new client may hang in the balance.

© Edward J. Barks 2009

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Ed Barks works with corporate and association executives who deal with reporters and members of Congress, and with public affairs experts who want a seat at the decision-making table. He is also the author of The Truth About Public Speaking: The Three Keys to Great Presentations and President of Barks Communications. Learn more at www.barkscomm.com. Contact Ed at (540) 955-0600 or via e-mail.

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