The Rule and Body Dominance

Definition and Components of NVC

Nonverbal Communication (NVC) encompasses all the messages we convey without using words.

It is a silent but incredibly powerful language that includes our posture, the gestures we make with our hands, the expressions on our face, the eye contact we maintain (or avoid), and even how we use space or silence.

In the professional arena, mastering CNV is crucial, as it directly impacts how we are perceived in terms of confidence, credibility and presence.

Understanding its basic components gives us a solid foundation for interpreting others' signals and using our own effectively in the business world.

Key components include kinesics (body movements), oculesics (eye behavior), and haptics (use of touch).

The Weight of Voice and Body in Emotion Conveying

You may be surprised to learn how much of your message really resonates with others. Research, such as psychologist Albert Mehrabian's well-known communication model, suggests that when expressing feelings and attitudes, the actual impact of our words is minimal.

His famous "7-38-55" rule states that only 7% of communicative effectiveness comes from the words we choose.

Thirty-eight percent is attributed to tone of voice (how our voice sounds, its rhythm, volume and inflections).

The remaining 55%, the largest portion, corresponds to body language (posture, gestures, facial expressions).

Although this rule applies specifically to the communication of emotions and attitudes, it underscores the immense importance of nonverbal elements.

Your body and voice are constantly "talking," and often, their message is much louder than your words.

Why the Body Always Trumps the Word

When there is a discrepancy between what we say in words and what our body or tone of voice communicates, the audience instinctively tends to believe the nonverbal cues.

Our brain is programmed to trust what it sees and hears (in terms of tone) more than abstract verbal content, especially when assessing someone's sincerity or emotional state.

CNV is more difficult to consciously control, especially under pressure, so it often "filters out" our true feelings or intentions.

If you say "I am open to suggestions" but have your arms folded and your brow furrowed, the message you are actually receiving is one of resistance or closure. This incongruence generates confusion and distrust.

Therefore, for effective leadership, congruence between the verbal and nonverbal message is not only desirable, it is essential to build credibility and ensure that your message is received as you intend. Your body doesn't lie, and people know it, albeit unconsciously.

Summary

Nonverbal Communication (NVC) encompasses non-verbal messages such as posture and gestures. It is crucial in the professional arena, impacting trust and credibility. Its key components are kinesics, oculesics and haptics.

Mehrabian's "7-38-55" rule highlights that, when expressing emotions, words matter only 7%. Tone of voice accounts for 38%, while body language dominates with 55%.

If there is a discrepancy between words and body, the audience instinctively believes the non-verbal signals. This incongruence generates distrust, so alignment is essential for leadership credibility.