For Immediate Release
December 10, 2003

Nonverbal Signals Vital to Success; White Paper Puts Research into Fresh Context

"How Important Are Nonverbal Signals?" That question is answered in a just-issued white paper authored by Barks Communications President Edward J. Barks.

Barks' research investigates the connection between nonverbal cues and the ability to impart one's message. On a practical level, the white paper, "How Important Are Nonverbal Signals?" delves into why nonverbal signals are critical when delivering presentations and dealing with the media.

Barks explains what percentage of a speaker's message is communicated via nonverbal signals, both through Video tools - the way he looks - and Audio tools - the way he sounds.

He contends that the original studies may in reality underestimate the importance of nonverbal communication. "I am a great believer in the virtue of common sense," Barks said. "The research conducted over the years appears to take too lightly the percentage of communications conveyed by the use of Video tools."

Barks is careful to place the findings in context. "Your message is vital. After all, you decide to speak before an organization or choose to allow a reporter to interview you because of the message you want to impart, not because you want to impress him with your ability to raise an eyebrow or enunciate perfectly."

Sending congruent signals is also important when communicating in public settings, Barks argues. "Your nonverbal and verbal tools must work in harmony with one another. If your vocal inflection, for instance, does not match your words, the audience will sense that something is amiss. This impacts your credibility, driving down your odds of persuading your listeners."

The author explains how readers can take action to sharpen their nonverbal communications edge. "Even the most experienced communicators need a set of expert eyes and ears to ensure their tools remain synchronized."

Barks points out that a skilled coach serves as a guide who allows speakers to make maximum use of their nonverbal abilities, adding, "the stakes are high when you speak - too high to risk a nonverbal faux pas. Your next promotion, election victory, or new client may hang in the balance."

"How Important Are Nonverbal Signals?" is now available free of charge on the company's Barkscomm.com web site at http://www.barkscomm.com/nonverbal.

Barks Communications specializes in media, presentation skills, and legislative and regulatory testimony training for business, association, government, and non-profit leaders. In addition, company President Ed Barks speaks before groups seeking to sharpen their communications skills. The firm also operates Barkscomm.com, the Internet's Communications Training Resource, at www.barkscomm.com.